"Honoring An Honorable Man"

                                                I Timothy 5:17-18

Honor is generally defined as the admiration, respect or credit, attributable to a person, place, or object. Typically, honor derives from one's consistent display of integrity and character as a faithful servant and steward of Christ. The Bible is replete with honorable men including Enoch, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul, just to name a few. Similarly, our culture is rich with honorable personalities such as Booker T. Washington, Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Unfortunately, in recent years our society has experienced a rapid depletion of honorable men in various positions of leadership, both in the public sector as well as the Church. Scandals surrounding men of influence such as President Bill Clinton, Jim and Tammy Faye Baker and Rev. Jesse Jackson shook the very foundations of confidence held by many in our society. However, the Lord has not left his people without a remnant and an example of His perpetual grace and mercy!!!! (Ezekiel 6:8).

Twenty- five years ago, the Lord blessed us with a very pios and noble man named Rev. Dr. Napoleon Wordlaw, to serve as His under-shepherd here at New Zion. This faithful leader declared that the Lord wanted to bless New Zion, and committed himself to leading New Zion toward the green pastures the Lord had prepared for us. For twenty-five years we've placed our faith in God and confidence in Senior Pastor Wordlaw, and the Lord has manifested His glory by erecting four new building and developing a host of ministries enabling New Zion to holistically minister to the needs of man, from the cradle to the grave.

Therefore, with solemn yet cheerful hearts we reflect on the many years that our Senior Pastor has watched and fervently prayed over our souls; and the many sacrifices made by First Lady Rosemary Wordlaw and family as they unselfishly shared his, as well as their own spiritual gifts, with New Zion. Scripture encourages us to give honor to whom honor is due. (Romans 13:7). Furthermore, as we approach this grand 25th Anniversary and Retirement Celebration, let us openly rejoice and give thanks to our Father for His gift to us and make well- known our sincere gratitude for our Senior Pastor. Let us celebrate the life, the labor, and the legacy of Rev. Dr. Napoleon Wordlaw, an honorable man well deserving of great honor !!! ( I Timothy 5 :17-18)

Rev. Johner T. Wilson, III, Pastor