I almost missed this thread!
Member of the Year Award (2001)? Read all the posts and I’d like to add my two cent’s worth. Who do I think would be the best candidate for this honor?
The Webmaster!
Outside of Dr. Cassidy, I am the only one who knows him personally, and I know that he deserves this award. A few years back he used to work for me, and I had the privilege of knowing him “outside of the church” in the work environment. The Webmaster was very diligent in his work, and he earned my highest respect in the field of “rendering to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s.” But there was something else, which triggered my curiosity and secured my attention. He used to talk about a dream of his, a concept, a plan. He was telling his colleagues about how the Internet could be used for the glory of God. He was dreaming about the BaptistBoard.com. Since I did not have a computer at that time, I had no idea what he was talking about. At other times he would start a conversation about theology, and proposed the question “would a Christian person ever lie?” Naturally he brought up Bible examples where the old men of faith lied in order to save their lives (such as Abraham, Isaac, David, and so on). It was an interesting conversation because it involved the participation of another young man who was preparing for the ministry. Someone said that when people talk you could recognize greatness by analyzing how they approach a subject matter. They say that
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; and
small minds discuss people. The Webmaster had the rare quality of discussing ideas. His dreams became a reality, and he created this website for many Baptists from across the country and indeed from all over the world to exchange ideas, doctrines, and encourage each other in the Lord. I believe, if any person should deserve this award, it should be the Webmaster. He got my vote!
Running close second to usher in this honor are several people I can think of. One of them is
Dr. Bob Griffin, who single handedly became synonymous with BaptistBoard.com. His thorough Bible centered posts, often spiced with clean humor and wit, is a great lifter-upper of this board. His years of preparation as Pastor, Teacher, Theologian, and Humorists are a clear assets to this site. He often projects that fatherly, and grandfatherly figure. Sometimes he would chastise a person, but often do it in such a humorous style that the reader can easily mistake his approach as praise. I have learned a great deal from his Bible expositions, historical accounts, and from the myriads of posts dealing with the KJVO and other issues. I am one of his greatest fans. He got my vote!
The other gentleman is none other than
Dr. Thomas Cassidy. I learned to appreciate his Bible teaching and counsel not only from the pages of the board but also from his own website. As a Pastor and Teacher he has greatly contributed to the success and subsequent growth of this board. I had a privilege of exchanging private emails with him, and I recognized a person who’s heart is burdening for the lost, who is willing to go the second mile, and who has a keen sense of humor to change a mundane topic to an interesting and challenging subject. He got my vote!
I am on a roll now, and I cannot stop! I have to mention the rest of the folks who are working behind the scene and doing great work in making the BaptistBoard what it is, in the service of the Lord. First I will name the Moderators - not in alphabetical order, but in order of seniority or registration:
Joy, who until recently single-handedly moderated the Women’s forums. Coming from a military background, she appreciates cleanliness and order. She has a great Bible knowledge, coupled with the gift of discernment, and a keen desire to communicate the plan of salvation to those who are seekers.
Next on line,
The Squire, I would categorize as old reliable. He maybe sitting in his lofty height of
Lower Duxis Abbey but don’t let the title fool you. He is a lowly servant of the Lord and he is in the business to do, that which is right in God’s sight.
TomVols is another old-timer, who rarely making his voice heard but when he does, he puts some Godly weight on it. We are sorry for his personal loss, and wish him the blessings of the Lord!
Don’t let Bro.
Joseph Botwinick, throw you off with his nonchalant demeanor, the man is carrying a black belt. And it is not to keep his trousers up but to display his proves in the martial arts. He is an avid student of the Bible, and if you speak against the Word of God Joseph will be the first to put you on the right track. He is also a family man, he protects the BB family. If you speak up against a Moderator he considers that an attack on the family, so better watch out. He is my Brother (in Christ)!
I would characterize
SaggyWoman with one word: tenacious. She is a studious type; she is asking a lot of questions and then challenges you with your answers in the Word of God. Some people have the ability of always asking the right question, Saggy has worked this into a process of art!
KeeperOfMyHome is another shining example of a Mom who home schools her children. She has her own website, and what a goldmine it is for ladies! Keeper is helping out Joy in the Women’s forums, but her passionate, Bible oriented, and enlightening posts can be seen all over the board.
One of the latest additions to the Moderators is Bro.
John Wells. He earned his promotion by single handedly defending the Bible way in the Creation/Evolution forum. John is a gentle person, very knowledgeable in the Bible, and has a great passion to tell you what God placed on his heart. All these precious folks, Moderators (and Moderatressess) got my vote!
Now I am really on the roll, but there are so many names, so many people who impressed me on this board. I feel like the writer of Hebrews when he was overwhelmed with the champions of faith and said,
And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me, to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets... I don’t remember all those names who impressed me and who taught me something new from the Word of God. If you don’t see your name here it is not because I failed to notice you, it is because I have sometimes this lapse, which we humorously call the senior moment. But let me tell you how did I appreciate some of the
eloquent Bible expositions and answers given to the heathen by
Helen, Don, DHK, Chet, Chris Temple and many others.
How humorous and cheerful the board became because of
Kathy, da Gina, tyndale, and many others.
How I appreciated
flyfree’s hesitancy in answering tough questions off the cuff but rather asking for some time. We all should consider doing that at times, it would bring down the temperature of this board considerably. Let me just state this that all of you who contributed to the spiritual growth of this board are eligible to get this award and you all got my vote! May the good Lord help us all to continue in magnifying His name instead of pushing our own agenda, and our own brand of doctrine. Having said that be sure that you stand for the sound doctrine of the Bible, because if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything. May God richly bless all!