I will never forget the first time I met Pam Gibbs. I was preaching revival at Providence Baptist Church in Gallion, Alabama. Allen Patterson introduced me to her stating that Pam made the best cakes. Usually Allen bragged when he wanted something. He had “the look” when wanting something for nothing however I found Pam to be a very good cook, especially cakes. She had a secret making very moist cakes.
Later
that year Gallion Baptist church called me as pastor. Gallion Baptist was near
the Hale/Marengo County line seven miles north of the Providence. Providence
was a member of the Bethel Baptist Association in Lindon, Alabama while Gallion
was member in the Hale Baptist Association near Moundville. Gallion was closer
to the Bethel office.
Since
I pastored on the county line, Allen invited me to attend their monthly pastors’
conferences. Hale Association did not have them. Pam was the associational
secretary. Director of Missions Gene Walley and his Virginia his wife were
cooking beignets the first time I attended. Since Pam and I were acquainted, she
introduced me to them.
For
the next three years I became a regular at the meeting enjoying the southern
hospitality and country cooking of Pam. Brother Walley decided to retire, and I
asked Pam if she had received many resumes. She said she had a few and asked me
if I had thought about summitting one. I prayed and gave her one. I was one of
thirty that applied and I was selected to number one.
I
fulfilled the search committee’s requirements, and the Association called me as
Director of Missions in June 2003. I served with four different associations on
several different levels but never as director. I remember asking Pam to help
me become a director of missions. For the next fifteen years Pam helped me. She
and I made a great team, and we assembled a great team. The Alabama State Board
of Missions recognized Bethel as one of its best associations.
Pam
was a great hostess for all of our events. She told me she did not want to be
in the limelight. I represented the association, but Pam was the heart and soul
of the Bethel Baptist. She did all the planning, the work, and I got the
recognition. My second year with her Samford University selected me as Director
of Missons Town and Country 2005.
Pam
and I had a wonderful working relationship. I was her troubleshooter. She had
equipment issues that I solved for her. One time the office printer failed to function
after a paper reload. Pam asked me to lay my hand on it. She told me what she
did. I noticed the door where she reloaded the paper was not shut completely. I
closed it laid my hand on it, mumbled something, and told her to try it. It
worked. After a laugh I told her what I did.
Another
time she had a computer printer that would not print then for no reason it
would print. After buying another printer I discovered that the problem was
that when she commanded the printer to print she did not designate how she
wanted it printed. It was a wireless printer and sometimes when she went
wireless the printer had been waiting for long periods of time for the command.
She and I wrestled with technological demons for fifteen years.
Pam
and I had many talks, lots of laughter, and serious conversations. That is one
of the things I miss most. She would tell me that I was like an older brother
that she could confide in and say anything. When you spend time with someone
you have a special bond.
Pam
made Bethel Baptist Association function. She was a wonderful planner, talented
decorator, and delicious chef. Her giftedness was her ability to prepare food. She was a culinary wizard. Every
event had a theme and menu to match. She continues to cook all kinds of cakes
for various occasions. So much of her work and dedication were taken for
granted. I knew that the success of the association was she was living her God
given calling and I was able to share that time with her. We helped each other.
She
did not enjoy being honored and I would surprise her with every chance I had.
She deserved it. I wished I could have honored more. She was a great
inspiration for me. She produced bi-monthly informational page in The
Alabama Baptist. One time she did not have enough information and asked if
I could write a paragraph. This started me authoring articles which became a
hit for the Association.
When
my days were numbered at the Bethel Baptist Association, Pam wanted me to end with
dignity and pride. I told her I wanted to “ride off into the sunset.” Pam,
along with Virginia Seales and Nell Dunaway, planned a very big retirement part
for me. It was tremendous. Pam, it was the best event you had while you and I
were together. I will never forget that when things were bad and I needed support
you were there. When people were critical and sinical about my tenure, you undergirded
me and held me high. Thanks for your support.
There
were so many good times. I wish that the Association had held a better
retirement for you. I felt as though you were not honored. You deserved better.
I know that you and I served during the greatest of times for the Bethel
Baptist Association. Jesus says it best: His lord said unto him, Well done,
thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I
will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:21 KJV
Pam
and Wayne, you were an important part of my life and ministry. There have been
weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthdays, and many more events that have drawn
us together. Though distance separates us, you are always in my thoughts. I
know that y’all are enjoying retirement and great-grandchildren keeps enlarging
your family. Pam, thanks for the memories my dear friend and co-laborer.
