A True Homecoming

Rev. Carl Ware

God places special people in our lives for a reason.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."- Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

At the age of seven I remember walking down the aisle in a Methodist church and kneeling at the altar on the shag carpet in New Tazewell, Tennessee. It was there I grabbed a hand of a true man of God who led me into the greatest adventure anyone can experience this side of Heaven.
He prayed with me as I received Jesus into my heart. I wept as I felt a shift in my heart and the love of Jesus wash over my heart and soul.

From that day, Pastor Carl became a mentor, a true Spiritual Father in my faith journey. He was not just my pastor twice (New Tazewell UMC & LaFollette UMC), he was there as I was ordained into ministry and so many other great transitions in my life.

He was the one I always called on for wisdom and guidance as I made major decisions as my walk with Jesus progressed. He lived as a true example of Jesus' love as many called him pastor, preacher, father, and friend.

When I was very young - He prophesied I would share the gospel to many which has come to pass as I have preached to 1,000's all over the earth. I always have blamed Pastor Carl for the calling on my life - I desired to imitate (". . . but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."Hebrews‬ ‭6:12‬ ) his passion for Jesus, his heart for evangelism to reach the lost, and the power of the Holy Spirit in which he ministered. I would call him from time to time and share what Jesus was doing in the lives of many. He was like a proud dad as he would celebrate the salvations, healings, miracles, and people who had been baptized in the Holy Spirit. He would laugh and I would say, "It's all your fault!"

When I get to heaven I will get to tell him again "It's all your fault I'm here!" Knowing Preacher Carl Ware - He will point to Jesus and say to me, "No Ric. It's HIS fault we are all here."

Now he is with Mrs. Daisy - I can see them laughing together with the other cloud of witnesses. So much joy- so much peace . . .

Prayers for the family and friends as we celebrate the HOMECOMING of a great man of God!

We will miss him, but as true believers we know We will see him again . . .

Ric Wright