All Categories

"Letter to the Providence Church Family"

9/7/2020

My dear Providence Family,

The past fifteen years of my life I have truly been blessed to Pastor Providence Baptist Church, Rico. I have been blessed by your prayers, your fellowship, your words of encouragement, and the love and support you have shared with Margaret and me and our family. The Lord has given me the great privilege of being a servant leader to a people who are prepared to walk into the future that will be challenging and filled with confidence.

The past five months have been a time of communing with God seeking direction for the days and years ahead. I have come to the strong conviction that now is the time to retire from the pastorate. I must make it very clear that this is not a retirement from being a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a retirement from the ministry of pastoring a church. Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life, and I will serve Him all of my days.

I believe with all my heart that real peace is found in knowing the will of God. In my prayer time during the past months, God’s will came very clear—He has provided a peace within me that affirms the decision is His will for my life. The time is now for me to be refreshed in body, mind and spirit. The Lord is with me, and I rest in the assurance that what I need He is already providing.

I cannot express enough appreciation for my dear wife, Margaret. She has been right by my side in ministry, and I give God the glory for bringing her into my life. I now look forward to spending more time with Margaret, our daughter, Jenny and Mihai.

There is a very special place in my heart for the Providence family. Thank you a million times, thank you, for all you have done for me and my family. We will continually thank God for being part of the Providence family.

God will provide a Pastoral leadership to guide the congregation into a future as bright as His promises. He has prepared another servant leader to provide the leadership for this to happen, He will use Providence in ways the congregation has yet to experience.

Blessings,
Doc (Gene Tyre)

"A Pastoral Visit " - 1 Peter 5:2

8/4/2020

First of all, I must give a special thanks to all of you for your prayers during my recent surgery. The surgery was successful and I am in the process of recovering. I give praise to God for His watching over me and my family during these very challenging days.

In recent hours, my heart has been heavy for Providence Baptist Church. I love Providence with all my heart and want the very best for each of you. This morning I have spent much time in asking God for wisdom during these days of doing what He would have me do as I shepherd His people. The Scripture makes it very clear; the Good Shepherd is Jesus Christ our Lord. He gives a divine call to His shepherds to take care of the sheep He has entrusted to them. I take seriously that calling which involves protecting, as much as I possibly can, from the wolves that threaten the sheep. Covid-19 is a vicious wolf, and I have the strong conviction that I must follow what I feel to be in the best interest of the people God has called me to shepherd.

This morning I came across a very wise word from the outstanding preacher, Dr. David Jeremiah. Dr. Jeremiah has shared some very wise words that God has used to give me strength for this day, and these insights I must share with you. I ask you to read and meditate on them. Feel free to share them with others.

Dr. Jeremiah made the statement, “I don’t know all that God is doing or going to do during this pandemic, but I know what He has done in the past. I know He is going to do some great things in the future.” Dr. Jeremiah goes on to give Biblical illustrations of how God has sheltered His people in times past. I believe with all my heart that God would have us shelter from a virus that is very dangerous, even life-threatening. Let us look at the Biblical characters God sheltered.

Noah: God sheltered Noah, his family and friends in the ark for 100 days. Then God blessed Noah and his sons, and told them to be fruitful and multiply the earth.

Jacob: God sheltered Jacob from the anger of his Uncle Laban for many days, and following the time of sheltering God changed Jacob’s name from Jacob to Israel.

Moses: God sheltered Moses in a desert land and then used Him as a great leader among God’s people.

Naomi: God sheltered Naomi in the barren land of Moab. Then Naomi and Ruth traveled to Bethlehem and we see one of the greatest of love stories.

David: God sheltered David for 15 years after he became King of Israel. David became known as a man after God’s own heart.

Elijah: Elijah was sheltered by the brook of Cherith. Then God used Elijah to challenge the prophets of Baal, and blessed Elijah with a miraculous victory.

Jonah: Jonah was sheltered for three days in the belly of a whale. Then, following his time of shelter, he was the instrument God used for a great revival in Nineveh.

Daniel: Daniel was sheltered for 70 years in Babylon where he wrote the Old Testament book of Daniel.

Esther: Esther was sheltered in the palace of the Egyptian king. It was written that: “Esther came into the kingdom for such a time as this.”

The Disciples: The Disciples were sheltered for 10 days in the Upper Room. Then the Holy Spirit came upon them and the church was formed.

Apostle Paul: Paul was sheltered in jail for three years, and during this time he wrote the books of Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians.

The Beloved Disciple, John: John was exiled on the isle of Patmos, and from that exile we have the book of Revelation.

JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD: For three days, God sheltered Jesus in the tomb, and then GOD BROUGHT HIS SON BACK FROM THE GRAVE. HE IS ALIVE TODAY!

I thank Dr. David Jeremiah for these great insights from God’s word. I also thank him for sharing that God is “AN UNCHANGING GOD WHO IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH - A PRESENT HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE." AMEN

An Urgent Request

7/19/2020

I write these words out a sense of genuine urgency. As I place these words on paper, Margaret and I have already received two notices from our Providence Baptist Family that they had us on their minds and hearts early this morning and have already prayed specific prayers for us. Oh, how grateful we are for your prayers.

As a nation, we find ourselves in a time of great crisis. I am encouraging Christians to put their political differences aside and go to their knees in prayer asking for God’s intervention in the state of our nation. In a time of great confusion, conflict and uncertainty our hope is in the Lord, Jesus Christ and we must give ourselves constantly to prayer.

My dear people, thank you for the prayers you are praying for me and my family. These are very difficult times for us as we seek to walk through these uncertain days. As your Pastor, my heart is heavy for our church family. I encourage each of us to walk each day hand-in-hand with God.

Once again, I remind you that the closer we draw to each other, the greater concern we have for others. Please remember Jesus taught us to also take care of others. Please know my heart as I share the following: In recent days I have received calls from persons in places of political leadership, as well as physicians and other health care workers. They have encouraged me to encourage others to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands regularly. I am doing this out of love and respect for others. As Pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Rico, I feel a strong conviction to ask that we all put aside our political differences and focus on the common good of all our people. We all must work together expressing through word and deed our compassion for others.

I must share with you the name of one whose entire life was given to helping others, through healing the sick, sharing encouraging words, and giving His life for others. His name, JESUS, THE CHRIST. Why would we call Him Lord, and not walk in His steps, reaching out, setting an example of what it means to care for others? Please, my dear people, this is not a time for confusion and conflict. This hour calls for cooperation and compassion. Above all, it calls for spending time in prayer seeking God’s direction for each step we take as we allow His wisdom to permeate our minds.

Also, join Margaret and me in praying for our children and their parents, teachers and educators as they face decisions concerning school openings. There is a special place in my heart for children. These are difficult days for them. They miss their friends, church, school and community's events. Also, pray especially for parents as they care for the special gifts God has given them in their children.

Jesus is praying for us this very day. Read His words in John 17:20: “I am praying not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you are in me, Father, and I in you.”

“Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for others.

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And to know that all I’d do for you
Must be done for others.

Others, Lord, yes others,
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others,
THAT I MAY LIVE LIKE THEE. AMEN."

Nancy (Music Minister) - As we think about Doc's devotional, there is a hymn that reminds us to reflect the love of Jesus: Let Others See Jesus in You. I invite you to read or sing these lyrics.

While walking through this world of sin,
And others your life shall view -
Be clean, be pure, without, within,
Let others see Jesus in you.

Let others see Jesus in you.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Keep telling the story be faithful and true.
Let others see Jesus in you.

Your life's a book before their eyes,
They're reading it through and through.
Say, does it point them to the skies?
Let others see Jesus in you.

Let others see Jesus in you.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Keep telling the story be faithful and true.
Let others see Jesus in you.

A Personal Word from Pastor Gene Tyre

3/13/2020

WHY DID PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH, RICO CANCEL CHURCH FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS?

THE SAFETY COMMITTEE OF OUR DEACONS MADE THE DECISION TO CANCEL
CHURCH SERVICES FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. I WANT EACH OF YOU TO
UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WAS A DIFFICULT, BUT A VERY IMPORTANT DECISION TO MAKE. I SUPPORT THIS DECISION AND AM VERY APPRECIATIVE OF OUR
SERVANT LEADERS WHO TAKE SERIOUSLY THE WELL-BEING OF OUR
PROVIDENCE FAMILY. THE FOLLOWING ARE REASONS THIS DECISION WAS MADE:

1. THE CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC IS VERY SERIOUS. I AM VERY MUCH AWARE
OF THE MANY DIFFERENT OPINIONS BEING EXPRESSED CONCERNING THIS
MATTER. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WE MUST LISTEN AND HEED THE
ADVICE OF OUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS. IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO
THIS WRITING, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES DECLARED THIS TO
BE A NATIONAL EMERGENCY. OUR STATE CORONAVIRUS TASK FORCE HAS
ENCOURAGED CHURCHES TO CONSIDER CANCELING SERVICES.

2. PERSONS OVER SIXTY YEARS OF AGE AND THOSE WITH UNDERLYING
HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE IN THE HIGHEST RISK CATEGORY TO CATCH THIS
VIRUS. PROVIDENCE CHURCH IS BLESSED WITH MANY SENIOR ADULTS.
EACH DAY THEY BRING BLESSINGS TO OUR FELLOWSHIP AND WE MUST
PROVIDE AND PROTECT THEM DURING THIS CRISIS.

3. WE ARE NOW IN WHAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE CONTAINMENT STAGE
OF THE DISEASE. THIS IS NECESSARY TO STOP THE RAPID SPREAD OF THE
DISEASE. THIS MORNING ON NATIONAL TELEVISION DR. ANTHONY FAUCI
MADE THE OBSERVATION THAT CONTAINING THE DISEASE IS OF UTMOST
IMPORTANCE. TAKING CONTAINMENT SERIOUSLY AT THE PRESENT TIME
WILL PLAY A VERY SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SLOWING DOWN THE SPREAD OF
THE VIRUS. THE CANCELING OF OUR CHURCH SERVICES IS VERY
IMPORTANT IN THE CONTAINMENT PROCESS.

4. DR. FAUCI ALSO ENCOURAGED SOCIAL DISTANCING. THIS SIMPLY MEANS
THAT WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO BE IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH ONE
ANOTHER. THE FELLOWSHIP OF OUR PROVIDENCE FAMILY WOULD MAKE
SOCIAL DISTANCING VERY DIFFICULT.

THIS IS A CRITICAL TIME IN ALL OF OUR LIVES. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT
NOTHING, NOT EVEN THE CORONAVIRUS CAN SEPARATE US FROM GOD’S
LOVE. EVEN THOUGH WE WILL NOT BE ASSEMBLING OURSELVES TOGETHER,
LET US REMEMBER WE ARE STILL THE FAMILY OF GOD ON MISSION IN THE
NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. DURING THIS TIME, LET US REMAIN FAITHFUL IN OUR PRAYING, IN OUR GIVING AND IN OUR STRONG CONVICTION THAT “WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US.”

CALL ME IF YOU NEED ME. I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED AS TO FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS MATTER. I THANK GOD FOR THE BLESSING OF BEING YOUR PASTOR.

DOC

“NOT A SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF SOUND MIND”

3/12/2020

THESE ARE TURBULENT DAYS AS WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH THE
CORONA VIRUS. THIS IS VERY PREVALENT IN OUR CONVERSATIONS,
ATTITUDE AND ACTIONS. I TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY THE RESPONSIBILITY I HAVE AS PASTOR OF PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH. I WILL CONTINUE TO UPDATE YOU ON HOW PROVIDENCE IS RESPONDING TO THIS VERY CHALLENGING SITUATION. MY PRAYER IS THAT I WOULD BE A VOICE OF HOPE AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THESE TURBULENT DAYS.

FIRST OF ALL, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK
THE ADVICE OF PERSONS WHOM I KNOW WHO ARE VERY INFORMED
CONCERNING THIS SITUATION. I HAVE HAD, AND WILL CONTINUE TO
HAVE, CONVERSATIONS WITH HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS,
COMMUNITY LEADERS AND OTHERS WHO ARE EQUIPPED TO HELP
STEER US THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT JOURNEY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT
WE LISTEN TO THOSE WHO KNOW. FAR TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE
EXPRESSING THEIR OPINIONS CONCERNING SOMETHING OF WHICH
THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. WE DO KNOW THAT WE ARE TRAVELING THROUGH SOME UNCHARTERED WATERS AND WE NEED THOSE WHO KNOW TO GIVE US DIRECTIONS. LET US PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE THE TREMENDOUS RESPONSIBILITY OF PROVIDING INFORMATION THAT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO US.

AT THE PRESENT TIME, PROVIDENCE WILL NO LONGER SERVE SUNDAY
BREAKFAST OR WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS. THIS IS PART OF THE
PROCESS WE ARE IMPLEMENTING TO KEEP OUR PEOPLE SAFE AT THE
PRESENT TIME. THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE REGULAR SUNDAY
SERVICES. WE WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED CONCERNING THESE
SERVICES.

THOSE IN POSITIONS OF NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP
HAVE STATED THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP WE CAN TAKE IS THAT OF MAKING SURE WE CONTAIN THE VIRUS. AT THE PRESENT TIME, IT IS ALL ABOUT CONTAINMENT. EVERY DECISION I ENCOURAGE
PROVIDENCE TO MAKE WILL BE MOTIVATED BY THE IMPORTANCE OF
CONTAINING THE VIRUS. WE MUST ALL COOPERATE IN THIS ENDEAVOR.

AS YOUR PASTOR, I WILL STAY IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH YOU
CONCERNING THIS MATTER. THIS IS A TIME FOR PRAYER, WISDOM,
COOL HEADS, AND A SPIRIT OF COOPERATION AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO MOVE BEYOND THIS CRISIS. LET US PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER AND REMEMBER GOD HAS NOT “GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF LOVE AND A SOUND MIND.”

Thanksgiving 2019

11/18/2019

TODAY MY HEART IS OVERFLOWING WITH GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR HIS MANY BLESSINGS. I AM COMPELLED TO SHARE THESE BLESSINGS WITH YOU.

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
THE GIFT OF LIFE
HE CHRISTIAN FAITH
THE CALL OF CHRIST UPON MY LIFE

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
THE SCRIPTURE, GOD’S INSTRUCTION MANUAL
THE EARLY MORNING AND TIME SPENT MEDITATING ON GOD’S WORD
THE BLESSING OF PRAYING FOR OTHERS

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
THE GREATNESS OF GOD
THE PROMISES OF GOD
THE STRENGTH PROVIDED BY THE PRESENCE OF GOD

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
THE CHANGING SEASONS
THE BEAUTY OF A SUNRISE
THE BEAUTY OF A SUNSET

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
MY WIFE AND THE INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT SHE BRINGS TO MANY
MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON AND THE JOY THEY BRING TO OUR HOME
MY GRANDSON’S SUCCESS AT SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
A SPECIAL BROTHER
A SPECIAL SISTER
FRIENDS WHO ARE FAMILY

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
THE FELLOWSHIP OF PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH
FOR A CHURCH THAT TAKES SERIOUSLY THE CALL TO FOLLOW JESUS
A CHURCH THAT REACHES OUT TO THE LEAST OF THESE

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
ENCOURAGING WORDS
A SMILING FACE
POSITIVE AND KIND WORDS

I AM THANKFUL FOR:
THE HOPE THAT CHRIST BRINGS
THE JOY THAT CHRIST BRINGS
THE PEACE THAT CHRIST BRINGS

I COULD SPEND THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS LISTING THE THINGS FOR WHICH I AM THANKFUL AND THE LIST WOULD BE INCOMPLETE. MY BEING IS FILLED WITH GREAT EXPECTATIONS AS WE ENTER THIS SEASON OF BLESSINGS.

I LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT CELEBRATION THIS COMING SUNDAY WITH OUR PROVIDENCE FAMILY AND OUR MANY GUESTS. IT IS GOING TO BE A DAY OUR CHURCH FAMILY WILL REMEMBER.
COME JOIN US AS WE ONCE AGAIN “LAY HOLD OF GOD’S GREATNESS.”

THANKFUL FOR EACH OF YOU,
"DOC”

Seasons of Blessings

11/13/2019

Providence Baptist is now entering a special season of blessings. Each day of our journey the Lord brings to us blessings that enrich and empower us for the living of our days. This season of the year is a Season of Blessings as we celebrate Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas. I am encouraging each of us to take time each day to "THANK OUR LORD" for the blessings He is sharing with us.

As of this writing we have received over $133,000.00 toward our goal of $150,000.00 for the renovation of the floor. Our Providence family has "LAID HOLD ON THE GREATNESS" of God and we have experienced a special blessing that gives evidence of His Presence and His Power working in His people.

Make time to reflect upon the many blessings that we are receiving each day. The fellowship of Providence gives evidence that God is at work among His people. Our Father has brought and continues to bring together a people on mission in the name of Christ. God has a purpose for Providence and He is making and molding a people for that purpose. What a blessing to be part of this fellowship of believers.

God blesses us each day with a people who are using their spiritual gifts to build up and strengthen the body of Christ. What a blessing to be part of a fellowship that understands we are never to take the place of God - we are called to be his helpers. We are blessed to have the privilege to serve a mighty God who has equipped us to be His helpers.

We are blessed to have people whose desire is to give God the glory for all that He is doing in our midst. We are called in Christ to serve the Lord and to serve one another.

NOVEMBER 24 IS OUR SPECIAL THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION. THIS IS GOING TO BE A GREAT TIME OF EXPRESSING OUR GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR ALL THAT HE HAS DONE AND IS DOING FOR US. PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO BE PRESENT FOR AN HOUR OF CELEBRATION SUCH AS YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED. FAMILIES WILL GATHER AROUND THE TABLES IN THE GATHERING PLACE FOR A TIME OF WORSHIP FOLLOWED BY OUR THANKSGIVING FEAST. PLEASE INVITE YOU FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS TO JOIN US IN THIS SEASON OF BLESSINGS.

I encourage you to take the time to reflect upon the blessings God is sharing with you. His desire is to bless each of us in ways we never thought possible. As we enter this Season of Blessings, remember to continue
"to lay hold on God's greatness."

The Words of Paul

11/4/2019

The Scriptures were written for our instruction and inspiration. My heart has been
strangely warmed as I have spent a great amount of time reflecting upon the words
the Apostle Paul shared with the Philippians...Chapter 4:4-9.

Our Father,
I begin this prayer by asking that you fill each of us with joy that can come only from
You. May each day we rejoice over the experience of Your presence with us and the
purpose You give us for the living of our days.

We ask that others will see we are considerate of them as a result of our walk with You.
As we follow You, help us to watch for Your coming with expectation.
Father, give us the wisdom and strength to live the words You shared with Paul. Thank
You that through the ages these words have been preserved for those who follow You.

Our Lord and Savior, help us to follow Your instructions found in Your Word:
Don't worry about anything.
Pray about everything.
Tell our Heavenly Father what we need.

Thank You Lord for all You have done for us.
Thank You for Your peace that far exceeds our understanding.
Thank You for the comfort that comes knowing Your peace will guard our hearts and
minds as we live in Christ Jesus.

Lord, give us the determination to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable and right,
pure, lovely, and admirable. Help us to think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Please Lord, empower us to put into practice Your teachings that came from the Apostle Paul, knowing that Your peace is a peace not given by the world, but a peace that only You can give. Amen.

Michael Dempsey Memorial BBQ

9/29/2019

Homecoming 2019

8/7/2019

To: Providence Baptist Family and Friends
From: Pastor Gene Tyre
Subject: Homecoming 2019

My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God as I pen these words giving you a special invitation to Homecoming on Sunday, August 11, 2019. The past days have been filled with excitement as we have witnessed a mighty moving of God among His people. For the past few weeks, we have been involved in a ministry to restore the floor of the Providence Sanctuary. The Providence family has been on an exciting journey as we “LAY HOLD ON THE GREATNESS OF GOD” with the strong conviction that God will provide the financial needs to complete this necessary project without borrowing any money.

We have witnessed what it really means to ask and receive a miracle from our Heavenly Father. This journey has been much more than just a journey of financial stewardship. We have seen amazing attendance throughout the summer. We have dedicated to God a new youth center that is being used of our Lord to reach students. We have experienced additions to our fellowship. Many visitors have made their way to Providence. The excitement and enthusiasm for serving the Lord Jesus is high among our family. We give God all the praise and glory for His mighty works among us.

We are praying that Homecoming 2019 will be the greatest ever. We want you to experience what God is doing among us. I am personally inviting you to make plans now to be present for our great Homecoming celebration. We will express gratitude to God for our heritage and resolve to face the present and the future knowing that we stand strong on the promises of God. I encourage you to be present for Worship at 11:00 a.m. and the fellowship meal that will follow.

WHAT A GREAT DAY WE WILL EXPERIENCE AS WE OBSERVE HOMECOMING 2019!
JOIN US AS WE “LAY HOLD ON GOD’S GREATNESS.”

<<Previous

Dr. Gene ("Doc")Tyre, Pastor

Dr. Gene Tyre came to the pastorate of Providence Baptist Church in October of 2005. Dr. Tyre is native of Wayne County Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercer University and his Master’s and Doctor of Ministry Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky He has participated in special studies at Central State Hospital and Yale University. For twenty-three years he was Pastor of First Baptist Church, Newnan, Georgia.

Dr. Tyre has also been active in the Georgia Baptist Convention, having served as Chairman of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Administration Committee, Chairman of the Georgia Baptist Hospital Board, and Vice President of the Convention. He has served as a member of the Mercer University Board of Trustees. In 1993 he was named "Coweta County Citizen of the Year." He is on the Board of the Samaritan Clinic in Newnan. He has participated in preaching missions to Liberia, Kenya, South America, and Honduras.

Dr. Tyre's philosophy of ministry is to "Preach the Gospel" and "Love the People." His wife, Margaret, has served as the President of the Ministers' Wives of Georgia. The Tyres have a daughter, Jenny and a grandson, Mihai.

Archives

Categories