In the Presence of the Lord
By now all of you have heard that Ms. Guinell went home to be with the Lord, Monday morning, December 19th. It is interesting to me that within the week the famous atheist Christopher Hitchens died, along with Kim Jong II, and Guinell Freeman. There was an atheist, a man worshipped as a god , and a woman who served the living Lord.
Ms. Guinell was just that to us, she was Guinell. We all knew her, loved her, and respected her greatly. However I don’t know if we all realize just how influential she was and how monumental her work has been. In the days to come she will be listed as one of the greatest Sunday School strategists in Southern Baptist life.
Her name will not appear behind the greats like Harry Piland, Andy Anderson, Ron Lewis, Bill Taylor – her name will head the list. In the 1980’s she ran the largest Sunday School in the entire SBC, and trained two generations for kingdom work.
She finished Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1954, and was interviewed by Dr. Lindsey, Sr. for the education position at FBC JAX. She has known only this church since coming here where she served for 40 years.
I loved Guinell and miss her already. However deep down inside I know she is in the presence of the Lord she loved and served so well.
I met Ms. Guinell officially when she served on the pulpit committee. She became an immediate friend, confidant, and encourager. She always had something positive to say, something encouraging, and the sweetest smile that said to me “go get ‘um.” Some of her last words to me were scripture, personal testimony, words of joy, and a final “now God called you here.” I loved Guinell and miss her already. However deep down inside I know she is in the presence of the Lord she loved and served so well.
It is not hard to imagine the scene in heaven. Her beaming face, her infectious laughter, her attention focused solely on the Lord – all the while directing something and somebody!
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, in the Ruth Lindsay Auditorium. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Mac Brunson will officiate.
Mac Brunson
Senior Pastor