Wilma and I first visited CrossPointe Church in 2006. We had been visiting churches after we returned from a 9-year working stay in Florida. After our first visit to CPC, we had a warm feeling that this might be the church for us. After several anonymous visits, we filled out the flappy part of the bulletin and waited for a visit. We received a call from a guy named Danny, who asked if he could come for a visit. We said sure and agreed on date and time for the visit.
When the door bell rang, we discovered not one Danny, but two – Danny Davis and Danny Hill. We discussed with them families, troubles and triumphs, spiritual history, etc. We learned that Big Danny had been a secret service agent – protecting presidents and their families. We had such a good visit with Big Danny and Average-Size Danny. We sensed that they were genuine, and we had the same warm feeling about them that we had experienced during visits to CPC. We believe that feeling was reassurance from the Holy Spirit.
During the visit I mentioned that I had written inspirational articles for the weekly bulletin at a church we previously attended. (That work began as a result of a spiritual gifts study/survey.) I said I thought I would like to resume that work. Big Danny said that would be great; we should put the articles on the CPC website. I said OK; I would make a copy of some of them for review. Pastor John later approved, and during December 2007 we began uploading articles to the website. So I have a personal thank you for Danny because he opened the door for me to resume the work that I love to do.
When I see Danny Davis and ask how he’s doing, he says, “I’m blessed.” And I reply, “As are we all.” Sometimes he says, “I’m blessed and highly favored.” No argument there either. As we are among those who have the great privilege of being heirs of the Most High God, we are definitely highly favored.
When I think of Danny, I think of the Scripture wherein Paul admonished Timothy to “…set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (I Timothy 4:12 NIV) Danny, with faithful support from Madge by the way, has surely been that example. He has been husband, father, provider, elder, teacher, encourager, small group leader and CPC advocate. He continues to be an extraordinary example for believers.
During a Saturday work day at CPC about a year ago, Danny said he was going home to put a For Sale sign in the yard. He said he and Madge and their family would be moving to California so that he can take care of his Mom. It is surely a worthy mission for a son to take care of his Mom. And God will, without any doubt, open doors for Danny to stay involved in ministry for Him.
Danny, it’s been such a short time, I feel as though we hardly knew ye. (ye-it’s an Old English thing.) Our thoughts, prayers and good wishes go with you and your family as you embark on your new adventure. May you continue to be the steadfast example that you have been to us. Godspeed and God bless.