Old haunts were the theme of recent ministry visits for David Strope, interim national representative of the GARBC.
On Sunday, Oct. 23 David spoke at Central Baptist Church, Binghamton, New York, pastored by L. D. Maxon. The next two days David participated in the Northeast Fellowship’s annual conference, hosted by Harvest Baptist Church, Bath, New York. He shared an update about Regular Baptist Ministries and participated on a speakers’ panel.
Visiting New York meant returning to David’s roots, as he was a pastor for many years in four New York churches (in Jamestown, Lockport, Elmira, and Norwich) and served for several years on the Northeast Fellowship Council of Ten.
On Oct. 28 Clarks Summit University, David’s alma mater, welcomed him to its chapel service. He preached from Romans 12:1–2 to the student body. David is a graduate of both the college (1976) and seminary (1991).
The old haunts continued Sunday, Oct. 30, when David had the privilege of ministering in his hometown church: First Baptist Church, Newark Valley, New York. David and his wife, Debbie, grew up attending First Baptist.
“Pastor Ben Baker warmly welcomed us, we renewed fellowship with many people, and we made many new friends,” David says.
“From this vibrant, small-town church God has called men and women into church ministry, educational ministry, and missionary service and led me into pastoral ministry,” David says. “Each time I visit ‘home,’ I remember that there are no little places in service for Christ.”
