He's Not the Same - Dr. Mickey Carter

I had the joy of attending the 90th Birthday Celebration for Dr. Mickey Carter in Haines City, Florida, a couple of weeks ago. It has been a great blessing to see his influence on so many churches and pastors during the span of my life. He is a friend of my father and our church in Middleburg. He is most notably known for his position on the King James Bible and the book he wrote, "Things that are Different are not the Same". He drives home the point that if one text uses words to convey God's message and in the modern translations those words are wholly omitted, it cannot be that they are equivalent. 

In the same manner as the diversity of biblical texts, there are various degrees of men. However, these men are not the same, and Pastor Carter has shown himself to be one of the elite when it comes to his ministry and life. Thank you, Dr. Carter, for being a choice servant of God. 

Who Dat Born Me

About twelve years ago, traveling in Senegal, I happened upon this sign painted on the side of a school building that read, "Who Dat Born Me." I got a good laugh at the broken English and snapped a picture of it. During this Christmas Season, I am presenting a poem that I wrote to my parents, Ken and Barbara Pledger. I've previously not tried to write anything in slang or broken language, so forgive me for my feeble attempt. I am unsure of how many more Christmas days I will be blessed to have both of my parents. I want to honor them and thank God for being the parents Dat Born Me. Thank you for giving me life and for teaching me to love and serve Jesus. 

 

Heaven's Tanzanite

1967, a humble Maasai herdsman named Jumane Ngoma discovered a rare stone just under the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. It would change his life forever and make a global impact on the rare stone industry. Many times, throughout the lives of Kim and me, we have stumbled onto God's Grace while struggling with a heartache or tragedy. Such was the case a year ago when we lost Alex. I cannot begin to tell you how these moments have changed both of us for the better. Through grief, God has shown his grace. We are forever indebted to Him for these celestial gems. 

 

For my friend, Jim LeClare

 

He Prays While Others Sleep

I have been home for many times when our church in Florida celebrated the ministry of my parents at Calvary Baptist Church. Lately, I have been away as missions' has carried me far and wide. In June of 2025 I am in Chisinau, Moldova preaching in a Baptist church while our members and my family are having the 39th year anniversary of my dad's pastorate. He has pastored two other churches during his years of gospel ministry for a total of 52 years. He is truly a pastor to those he serves. 

 

He Lined the Field

I was sitting in the airport in Rome, Italy thinking of the life and contribution of Harold Rager to Calvary Baptist Church and Calvary Christian Academy. He was a servant that volunteered in our food pantry, VBS, and helped line the sports fields before every home ballgame, He will be missed by many.

 

One of the Real Ones