John 4:1-29
By now you have heard the account of Jesus and the woman at the well; surely you know the story? Jesus told his disciples that he needed to go through Samaria to get to Judah. If you look at a map of Palestine during the time of Jesus’ lifetime, you would not think much of that statement. But for those who are familiar with the culture and history of the Jewish people during Christ’s time, this was certainly an unusual statement. Jews avoided contact with Samaritans at all costs.
Due to their bitter hatred and prejudice toward the Samaritan people (who comprised of Jews who had inter-married with other ethnic groups), Jews would take to the mighty Mediterranean Sea and traverse around Samaria rather than pass directly through, just to avoid that part of the country. But Jesus knew there was a woman in that land who needed his ministry. Sure enough, upon meeting Jesus at Jacob’s well, he made such an impression on her that even though he told her not to, she went into the city and encouraged all of the people to “…come see a man which told me all things that I ever did[!]”(John 4:29a KJV)
As I celebrate and observe this Father’s Day, I want to share something about a couple of men God has placed in my life who, as Christ did for the woman at the well, have encouraged me and motivated me to be the man that I am today.
Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Sr.: I have been blessed with an awesome father. Not only did he father me, but I credit him with putting manhood in me. For so many years I saw my dad labor relentlessly to provide for our family. I remember him simultaneously working two full-time and one part time job to keep the family afloat. His hours were such that I usually only saw him on weekends; but every Saturday morning without fail he would wake me between six thirty and seven in the morning to go out for breakfast, and then on to his barbering business where I would watch him cut hair while I shined shoes from nine in the morning until nine at night. The next day, he would wake me up at the same time and we would drive around for hours picking up seniors and the disabled saints to have them at church before Sunday School began at nine am. It was my father who heeded my mother’s suggestion and sacrificed to put me in private schools so that I could obtain a better education. I saw my father labor in the church as well. I saw him sacrifice for the Lord’s work time and again. I have never forgotten how he labored at Mount Olive Church Of God In Christ with his pastor – Bishop William H. Bonner, to erect a great edifice, and today my father’s name is on the corner stone of the church. For more than 60 years he and my mother celebrated marriage. As my mother’s health declined, I watched my father become her chief health care provider – what a man! If you are looking for a great example of fatherhood, come see a man named Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Sr.
Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr.: Many of you may know Bishop Ted Thomas as the Church of God in Christ General Board Member, Jurisdictional Prelate of the Historic First Jurisdiction of Virginia, etc. I can say that I know him as my pastor and spiritual father. I will never forget the time I felt the strong pull from the Lord to launch out in ministry. So many emotions and thoughts crowded my mind! Fear, doubt, and ignorance to name just a few. Bishop Thomas reached out to me in a personal way and encouraged me. I have had an opportunity to observe him from afar and occasionally up close. I have found him to be a godly, righteous and dedicated man. Much like my father, Bishop Thomas works in an untiring way. He makes tremendous sacrifices for the work of the Lord and his strong, uncompromising and focused method of leadership compels you to either partner with him, or get out of the way. The results of his walk with Christ are quite measurable – you can see the works God has accomplished through his life. I cannot count the number of times his messages and conversations have replayed in my mind, and when I applied them to my life the Lord blessed me, or allowed me to avoid a terrible mistake. I have observed Bishop Thomas obeying the Lord and walking in integrity, and every time I have seen him emerge victorious. God has blessed him to love his wife, raise his family, and lead many to Jesus Christ. If you are looking for a great example of leadership, come see a man named Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr.
There are other men who have been tremendous examples in my life and have played significant roles: Bishop William H. Bonner, Deacon Richard Lowrey, Deacon Matthew Jones, Superintendent L. C. Coles, Jr., Elder Dwight Collins and more. I have often said to myself, “If I can be half the father to my children that my dad has been to me, I’ll be doing okay”. And I have reasoned within myself, “If I can be half the pastor and leader Bishop Thomas is, I’ll be doing alright”.
I am not sure what men have played a significant role in your lives: perhaps it has been your father, grandfather, pastor, husband, uncle, teacher, brother, or whomever. Let us pause and bless God for those men. We should celebrate them and give them a call to express our appreciation. Treat them to a nice meal, give them a kind greeting card. Take the time to tell them you love them and that you are thankful for the influence they have had over and in your life.
And just in case you cannot think of anyone, if you are void of a positive male role model in your life, or perhaps as a man and father you are in need of an example of a godly father, a godly leader: I encourage you to come see a man named Jesus! I guarantee you will never forget Him.
To all of you fathers – I salute you! I tip my hat to you! You are the best God has to offer!
I bless you in the name of the Lord!