Member of the Month 

December 2007

Al Morris

by: Tom Whitener

The holiday season can be overwhelming for many people … but not for Al Morris. Long removed from last-minute shopping and late-night toy assembly, our December 2007 Member of the Month is enjoying a time of relaxation with his wife of two years, Gail. They are navigating through the Gulf of Mexico on a cruise ship during the first few days of December. Let’s now steer our attention to learning more about Al.    

Currently residing in South Charleston, Al first met Gail while attending bereavement counseling. He tells me, “Both of us were dealing with the difficult losses of our first spouses after being married to them for over 40 years. At the time, I gave her a Gideon pocket testament to read and reflect upon. After she accepted it from me, Gail was saved ten days later.”       

From his early days in Lockwood (Nicholas County), WV, Al accepted Jesus as his Savior on October 14, 1945 when he was 11 years old. “I can remember it was a beautiful fall day. We were inside Fairview Baptist Church, an old country church with a coal-fired pot belly stove.” After Al heard the Gospel message, something was stoked in his heart and he became a Christian, along with his brother on that same day.  

His favorite hymns are “It Is Well With My Soul” and “Blessed Assurance”. When asked about his most beloved Scripture, Al responds, “I was going to a meeting in New Jersey, feeling a little down. I found a Gideon bible inside my hotel room and turned to the verse in Isaiah 41:10. Those words lifted me up. I also like two parallel passages in the New Testament, Philippians 4:13 & 19.”  

Al comments, “We went to several churches in the area looking for the right one. Pastor Mark had only been the pastor here a few weeks before we made our first visit. I was so impressed with his preaching. That’s what got us to keep coming.” Al and Gail became official members of Spring Hill Baptist Church in January 2006. 

Since retiring in 1997, Al recalls the opportunities he had within his 39-year career in the metal and chemical industries. Al adds, “I moved 22 different times because of my job situation. One co-worker joked and offered me this simple explanation why. He said it was because I couldn’t hold down a real job.”  

Considering it “a privilege to serve the Lord”, Al is actively involved in the work of the Gideons and serves as one of our Deacons. He says, “I appreciate the leadership group in our church. Each one brings a unique set of talents and life experiences to the table.” We also gain a distinct benefit from what Al can share with us.

 

 

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