70 Years Of Gospel Preaching
Lewis Mikell
“Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” - 2 Timothy 4:2.
This I have done with all my strength, for the last 70 years. Completed 70 years Sunday, November 27, 2011. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a preacher. Preached my first sermon, November 27, 1941 in Nashville, TN while a student at David Lipscomb College. Was paid $2.00 for the two sermons and thought I was rich.
Brethren have been very good to me and I thank all of them. I’ve been invited to preach in over 700 meetings in 25 States. In addition to all these meetings, I’ve done 25 years of located work: 15 years were spent with the church in Gallipolis, OH. In earlier years, lost souls were being baptized and some restored at most services. Buildings were packed with people. Gospel Preachers opened the Book and preached the word. Lost souls came to hear the word and not to be entertained.
Years ago, motels hadn’t been cranked up, and I stayed in many wonderful Christian homes. Most Congregations were blessed to have Elders and Deacons. Preachers were friends and enjoyed working together, if they preached the truth.
I traveled to all these distant places by train, buses, jet planes, and many cars. Some were worn out. Years ago, I was sometimes met at Rail Road Stations by a brother whose only transportation was horse and wagon. Horses didn’t like train whistles and we left the R.R. Station in great horse speed.
I’ve immensely enjoyed being a preacher, and would preach 70 more years if permitted. -P.O. Box 302 Gallipolis, OH 45631-0302.