LETTER: Community has been caring

   For as long as I can remember, my family has been coming to Buffalo every year to my aunt and uncle's house, Rob and Nina Hutchins, for Thanksgiving. In fact, one of our annual traditions was inevitably getting lost, no matter which route we took, on the drive there from Bowling Green.

Bro. Barry E. Fields said his goodbyes to the Mount Tabor Baptist Church congregation Sunday. Above, he visits with Ann Whitlock and Rhonda Whitlock on his last day as pastor.

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I never once thought that one day I would call Buffalo my home. God, as he often does, had other plans.

Over the past nearly five years, I have been privileged to serve as pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church, a congregation that has been in existence for more than 162 years. During that time, the Lord has tremendously blessed me with a people unlike any I have ever met. They have taught me what it means to love others unconditionally, how to serve our children and those less fortunate in the community and what it means to have a daily walk with Christ, whatever the circumstances.

I have had the honor of praying with them, doing ministry with them, rejoicing with them and grieving with them. What a joy it has been to share life with these good people. To have a church support you while completing your master's and doctoral degrees is difficult to describe in writing. They have been my family.

In addition, many outside the church within LaRue County have shown unusual kindness and generosity during my time here. I want to thank each of you for the conversations, time together and memories that I will always cherish. Though I was not born nor raised here, I thank God for the opportunity to serve within this great community. You are a great people and I trust the gracious spirit you have shown to me will continue with others in the future.

Barry E. Fields

Buffalo

(Editor’s note: Barry E. Fields has decided to become pastor of Hawesville Baptist Church in Hawesville. His last Sunday at Mount Tabor was Nov. 4.)