2018 is about to come to an end in just a few hours. But some of the memories that come to forefront of my mind is the country church that was a part of my young life. 

My family was from a small community in Missouri. Camden.  It was once a coal mining town. One that you can blink and you are through it. It contained a Methodist and a Baptist church.  I had family in both, but my strongest memories are from the Methodist. Many Sunday’s of Sunday school and church, holidays spent there with family and friends. We had attended bible school and were preparing for the evening program when we saw the church was on fire.  Apparently a bird carried a lit cigarette up to the bell tower setting it ablaze.  In a matter of time, our beautiful picturesque country church sat in a heap of rubble. The church established in 1854 and gone June 1961. I believe this church held memories of my relatives, our history. Weddings, funerals, baptisms, dinners and other celebrations were held here.  We shared our love for one another and God. We were empowered to become the people we have become.  I am thankful for these memories the Lord placed in my heart. Memories are to be cherished