Saying Good-bye: Part of an RV'rs Life ~ Originally published April 14, 2013

Saying Good-bye ~ Part of an RV'rs Life

While we have been here in Branson we  have attended Friendly Baptist Church.  And it is just that FRIENDLY.  We were warmly greeted by Pastor Cardis Bryan and had met  Bill & Virginia Hickox through an RV Facebook page that I belong to.  Shortly after our arrival here in Branson Virginia invited me to a women's fellowship luncheon and we attended a services there.  We love the great Southern Gospel Music, all the old hymns and the great preaching by Pastor Cardis.  As campground managers we couldn't always  make it to services on Sunday mornings and we just hoped they would understand.  And they did :)  Pastor Cardis came and visited us one day here at the campground and told us we were always welcome whenever we could make it.  And there was no pressure to join the church ~ we explained that our home church is in Blaine at Northwood Alliance Church and that was not an issue like the church we attended off/on in Hondo, TX.  That made attending Friendly Baptist Church very enjoyable with no pressure.  We found out a couple of weeks ago that Pastor Cardis was retiring and today would be his last Sunday preaching there.  We made sure to make sure we could go today.  And boy are we glad.  What a glorious service honoring Pastor Cardis & Stephanie and hearing how the church started and how God has blessed them over and over.  If you are ever in the Branson area we encourage you to attend a service or two.

Here are a few pictures and some of the special music we were treated to.

The Choir leading the opening song accompanied by so many wonderful musicians.

The Stained Glass window above the baptistry.  When the sun is shining through it gives off such beautiful colors.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=836cvcnc3d0]

Pastor Cardis Bryan giving his last sermon "Memories"

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjZ7YkbE9Cw]

Jerry, Son-in-law, singing a special tribute to Pastor Cardis

Music Director Bob Mabe and his sweet wife, Sue

Recognizing Pastor Cardis & Stephanie

Saying good-bye to Virginia & Bill Hickox

And we  were invited to stay for lunch and boy was it tasty.  We had fried chicken from Bobby Jack's BBQ and was it delicious!!!  And an assortment of salads, baked beans, corn and green beans w/ham :) and ended with a variety of cupcakes.