Dear Friends,

Hopefully, this messsage finds you well.

I want to take a moment to share something near my heart. Those in the United States soon celebrate Thanksgiving. Like you, I have much to be thankful for, and often the words have not been expressed.

I am deeply grateful to the late Ross Allen.

He pastored a small country church down the Black River levee south of Jonesville, Louisiana (USA). (Several may be scrambling for a map.) When “Bro. Ross” as he was affectionately known heard that I felt called to preach his invitation to preach was immediate.

Mind you, I was seventeen years old, a high school senior. My text was the story of the prodigal son, but I’ve no idea what my point was. It may not have had point.

Bro. Ross's kindness set me on an amazing path, and for that, I am eternally thankful. Those in ministry remember that first sermon. Would you mind telling me about it?

As a footnote, today, Bro. Ross’s grandson, Kevin is a pastor and an Assistant Superintendent in the Assemblies of the Jesus Christ. _______________________________________________

On another note, I'm excited to mention my book,

​Elder Tell Me Your Stories​

Over twenty-five years ago, I used a small spiral bound book of questions to prompt my Grandfather’s memory. I heard amazing stories I’d never have known. His story about his most remembered visit to a doctor caused me pain, seventy-five years after his experience.

My Grandfather was a long-time pastor. I realized later that no questions were asked about Grandpa Frazier’s church life. From that lack came my legacy hard-bound book with over 350 questions asking about every aspect of life, but markedly including church life.

This book is a labor of love and fills a void to gather experience and insight from those a bit older. I’m working through the questions for my kids and grandkids.

One thing elders have is stories that nobody thirty years old can offer. It allows follow-up questions and a gathers wisdom to pass from one generation to another.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support means the world.

Please feel free to share your experiences with me at carltoncoonsr@gmail.com. I'm always learning alongside you.

Blessing,

Carlton L. Coon, Sr. (Pastor and Author)

P.S. Tomorrow, I’ll tell you about “Bro. Otis.”

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