2021 Was Certainly A Year Of Change

Happy New Year!

As we draw to the close of 2021, I pray that you are anticipating a great 2022. This year was certainly a challenging one for us personally. We experienced some life-changing events and of course, were blessed beyond measure.

We knew as 2021 began, we had a huge challenge in front of us. The church we pastor: Philadelphia First Assembly of God merged with Friendship Assembly of God in December of 2020. The church was much larger than First so a monstrous task was ahead of us. Remodeling, refurbishing, and lots of sweat and, yes, I shed a few tears. The task’s first phase has been completed and the church is lovely and very welcoming.

If you are looking for a church, please feel free to join us. Certainly, you are welcome to visit with us anytime and will find a welcoming and loving group of people who will embrace you. This combined church is now called Great Commission Assembly of God.

As most of you know the love of my life, Austin, decided sometime during the year, he was ready to retire and begin receiving Social Security at the end of 2021. AND, of course, most of you know that is far from what really happened. In June, in front of the former Kemper County Messenger office, we met with Jim Prince and purchased the newspaper. Some retirement plans, right?

The towns of DeKalb, Scooba, and communities throughout Kemper County have embraced us, encouraged us, and fueled a fire in us that was fading.

We have enjoyed the successes of high school athletes who are being successful in the classroom, on the court, field, and diamond. Some even have signed to the next level of athletics and schooling. We have seen an amazing show of community and unity. Trunk or Trunk at Scooba was absolutely amazing! We were able to enjoy this event with our grandson Easton. My sister’s church was having a similar event the next day and I asked him if he was ready to go and he said, “I think I have enough candy already!” What 6-year-old says that?

Unfortunately, there have been tragic events, too.

As we embark on 2022 you may make resolutions or “determinations”, as we call them. Could I just challenge all of us to find a need, and fill it? There are lonely, hurting, and needing folks all around. I would like to meet one “challenge” each month. Volunteering, giving, visiting, learn a new “job” or enjoy a new hobby with someone. The list is endless.

Happy New Year and may God bless you and your family. Have the best year ever!

Barbara Bishop is owner of the Kemper County Messenger along wither her husband Austin. They have been married for 34 years, have two children and two grandchildren. Barbara is a former educator of 45 years.