Many Christians in ministry go on vacation to take a break from ministry, but the Gadsons took a vacation to do ministry. Dr. Gadson is the principal of Capitol Christian Academy in Largo, MD, and is a 1982 graduate of Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit, PA. He and his wife, Eurmin, and their seven children took their vacation this summer to serve Christ.
One of the principles Dr. Gadson teaches his family is that you can never be too young to use your talent for Christ. He and his family are members of Capitol Baptist Church in Lothian, MD, pastored by Jim Johnson. When Pastor Johnson asked if he and Jonathan would serve as ushers for the GARBC Annual Conference in Lancaster, PA, Dr. Gadson did not give it a second thought. He and Jonathan, along with several members of their church, spent the week chauffeuring guests to and from the conference center in Lancaster. They also had a splendid time giving people directions and ushering during the services.
Dr. Gadson and his family have enjoyed serving together as a family for many years. He and his wife would travel with their children every Sunday afternoon after their church service at Capitol to minister to needy people in Washington, D.C. The Gadsons served in this ministry for several years, which included passing out tracts and flyers in housing projects, renovating a church and community center facility, handing out hundreds of Christmas gifts every Christmas, providing food and clothing to the needy, and participating in evangelistic efforts.
Dr. Gadson teaches his children that they do not have to wait until they are adults or have a special title to begin serving the Lord. He tells them that your service for God should come out of the love that you have in your heart for God.
In addition to serving at the GARBC Conference in June, the Gadsons traveled to Cleveland, OH, after the conference to preach and minister at Faith Baptist Community Church (FBCC). FBCC is a ministry of Baptist Mid-Missions. The church and its community center are not only reaching people with the gospel but helping to meet other needs in the community. The center operates a medical and dental clinic were volunteer doctors and dentists come to provide services to those who do not have insurance or cannot afford basic care. Those volunteers see over 450 people a year. The center also offers a food, clothing, and a computer ministry to the community. Michael Vanek is the administrator and ministry director.
While in Cleveland, the Gadsons shared their talents with FBCC members. Dr. Gadson preached during the Sunday service. Jadon (11) sang “Because He Lives.” Justin (6) was supposed to read Scripture, but his father forgot to call him to the front. (Justin still gets on his father for forgetting to let him serve.) Jonathan (17) and Joseph (15) took up the offering. After the service, Dr. Gadson’s wife and two daughters, Janell (8) and Janita (5), handed out meals to the attendees.
Vacationing for Christ continues to be just one way that the Gadson family uses their talents to serve the Lord. The next time you go on vacation, why don’t you locate a church or ministry that might be able to use your family’s gifts to serve others. You will not regret it—and your family will not forget it.
