The Seasoned Saint for FBBC for January 2020 is:
Phillip Rhodes
+ When and where were you born?
I was born in the Fort Jay Army Hospital in New York City, on August 16, 1956.
+ What is your spouse’s name?
My spouse is Libby Rhodes and we have been married for 41 years (Sept 2, 1978).and have two daughters, Tiffany and Ashley.
+ What are your hobbies/interests?
I am an avid and accomplished golfer, I enjoy sports cars, especially Corvettes, doing small carpentry projects around the home, and nerdy stuff like Sci-Fi, space, and history.
+ Tell us briefly about your career including activities at
Fellowship.
I spent 24 years in the Air Force. My first assignment was to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, where I worked as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) mechanic. In 1978 I retrained into the Public Affairs career field and enjoyed assignments in Florida, Germany, Texas, and Georgia over the course of the next 21 years. In 1999 I began a second career as a civil servant at Robins Air Force Base. I was the chief of Internal Information for the 78th Air Base Wing then worked in Media Relations for Air Force Reserve Command until my retirement at the end of 2019. I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer-Based Information Systems as well as associate degrees from my years in the Air Force. We joined Fellowship in September 2003. At first, I wasn’t a committed churchgoer. My car always detoured to the golf course on Sunday. That is until I met Pastor Willie Reid. He told my wife Libby that he was going to get me off the golf course. It didn’t take long. I started out with the usher ministry, then moved on to the transportation ministry, then to teaching children’s church. I helped establish our wireless network, our streaming video service and coordinated the upgrade to our sound and video systems in the Dome. Today, I’m in the deacon ministry, on the Finance committee, the Facilities team and still provide some support for IT services. My life has been richly rewarded by being a member of Fellowship Bible Baptist Church. The ‘Ship has helped me grow as a Christian and showed me through word and deed what it means to be a friend. I love my FBBC family!
+ What are the most important lessons you have learned in life?
I learned that I did not walk this journey by myself. My Lord and Savior was and is still with me every step of the way. I’ve learned that life is not easy, but I have a comforter with me. God certainly is good.
+ How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to me remembered as someone who made others feel good. I hope that God’s light shined through my life.
+ What is “your message” (words of wisdom) to Generations X, Y and Z?
It would be to live your best life at home, in school, on the job, in church. You only get one. Your life can change in the blink of an eye. Appreciate the present because it is a gift from God.
+ What is your “special” Scripture?
I’ve always clung to the words in Proverbs 3:3-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Presenter: Elder Isaiah Whittaker, Sr.