Holland, Jimmy

York Terrace Baptist Church, Sheffield
Colbert-Lauderdale Baptist Association

Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 6:33
Favorite Hymn: “Because He Lives”
Hobbies: Fishing
Family Status: Widowed after 48 years of marriage to Mary Katherine; three children, Jimmy, Karen and Melanie; five grandchildren

Jimmy Holland has been the Colbert-Lauderdale Baptist Association Royal Ambassador (RA) director for about 40 years. He has been an RA counselor for more than 50 years.

Q: What led you to work with Royal Ambassadors?
A: In 1953, I went to Atlanta to the first national RA Congress. There were over 5,000 men, boys and missionaries from most all the world, and they were singing “The King’s Business” in the auditorium. In the chorus, it said, “I am a stranger here, within a foreign land; my home is far away, beyond the golden strand; ambassadors to be on realms beyond the sea; I am here on business for my King.” That is when the Lord’s Holy Spirit touched my heart to do RA work, and I said to the Lord, “I’m available for this ministry; please use me.” I have been a RA chapter counselor since then.

Q: What does the ministry demand?
A: It’s really not a demand. It’s really a blessing to be used in this great ministry.

Q: What do you get from the ministry?
A: My greatest joy is to see these young lads give their hearts to the Lord at our campfire service. There is usually four prayer breakfasts before the camp in July, where men gather together and pray that the Lord will be lifted and glorified and would protect these children and the workers. We pray for God’s guidance to give us the men to serve. He has been so faithful all these years. He has bound together some of the most gifted men that I know of anywhere.

Q: How do other family members support you?
A: My wife stood by me all these years and helped me in my preparation. She encouraged me and saw through my eyes the importance of this ministry.

Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I felt a calling to this as a minister feels a calling to preach the gospel. I gave my life to this, so I’ll do it as long as the Lord gives me strength.