There are so many things that instantly remind me of Pastor Gumbs. Like when a preacher says “Amen” during a sermon my brain automatically says “Oh-me.” And during Spring when churches begin to advertise their VBS programs on marques and banners and billboards around the city, I’m reminded of the joy of VBS at Calvary Baptist Church, summer after summer after summer.

Pastor Gumbs was generous and kind. He gave freely of his time, talent, and treasures. And he did it all out of an abundance of love for and obedience to God. I am blessed just to have known him. I am double blessed that he was my pastor during the most impressionable years of my life.

To Sister Gumbs and the rest of the family, my prayer for you is Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

May the good LORD bless and keep you.

-Glynis Joseph