Although my first pastorate was only 11 months long, I met some great people during that time. The senior generation is often accused of being the ones who hinder progress, but that was not necessarily the case. One of my greatest encouragers during that time was in his early 80s. His name was Baker Wilson.
Baker had been in that church for many years. He had served as a deacon and a well-respected leader. He had a low tolerance for unbiblical practices in the church and had no problem speaking against them. The only ones who had an issue with him were typically the ones who were causing problems.
I remember well the first day he spoke encouragement into my life. It was Easter Sunday 2013. I received a call that he was in the emergency room. As any pastor does, I went with the intent to encourage him and his precious wife. As he was laying there awaiting test results and all the other things he would go through, he shared his word of encouragement with me. He confirmed that he was satisfied with my leadership and affirmed that many others were happy with the way I was handling things. That began a wonderful relationship with this precious family that still lasts today thanks to social media.
Today, he left this world to meet his Savior. When I met him, he was feeble and walked with a cane but did not allow that to hinder him from church attendance. Every time I asked him how he was doing, he would say “I’m still vertical.” He is even more vertical now.
To his wife, children, grandchildren, and all other family and friends, Baker Wilson left behind a great legacy. If he did nothing more than encourage this young pastor, it was well worth it. However, I know he did a lot more. Only Heaven will reveal it all, but many who were touched by his life can attest. May God grant comfort to all who mourn today.
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
I know this is personal, but may we share it? It’s important to remind people of much of this! The value of mentors, the value of having older generations speak into younger ones, the value of looking at the long haul, living a life well, and honoring the legacy of those who did so before us!
Absolutely! I want God to use it however He pleases.
My condolences to you. He sounded like a wonderful blessing in your life.
Thank you! He was a blessing.
A wonderful tribute to a man who obviously made a major impact for Christ on thise he met! What an encourager he sounds to have been! I’m so sorry for your loss and the loss his family is feeling. May God especially comfort each of you!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I, too, have had the blessing of the elderly in my life. Since I am now a ‘senior citizen’, those I treasured to sit and listen to are now all gone and I miss them and their thoughts on life…the wisdom they gained thru years of ‘trial & error’. May our Lord’s comfort envelop all. (((HUGS)))
Praise the Lord for his legacy. Indeed, what a commendation! I pray that can be said of us when we leave this earth.
Amen, praise God for using this man as a beacon for others. An encourager. A man with a heart like that must have been quite a reflection of Christ. 🙂