First Baptist Church, Demopolis
Bethel Baptist Association
Favorite Bible Passage: Psalm 23
Favorite Hymn: “How Great Thou Art”
Hobbies: Helping other people and meeting their needs
Family Status: Married to Genida for 65 years; three children, Mike, Nancy and Sandra; four grandsons; and two great-grandsons
Drew T. Johnson recently stepped down as a deacon of First Baptist Church,
Demopolis, after serving for more than 50 years. Johnson also taught Sunday School for more than 40 years and served on various church committees.
Q: What was your childhood like?
A: I was born in Dallas, Texas, on April 20, 1923. My father died when I was an infant, and my mom remarried and had a daughter. We then moved to Hot Springs, Ark., and in 1942, when I graduated from high school, I enlisted in the Army. I served for four years in the Philippines and in Japan during the South Pacific war.
Q: How did you come to know God?
A: I was raised partially by my aunt, who was a devout Christian, and the way she lived her life led me to know the Lord when I was 11 years old.
Q: How have you been involved in church through the years?
A: I have been chairman of the deacons, chairman of the finance committee and served on pastor search committees. My main ministry, though, has been meeting the needs of individuals. Every spring, I do income tax for senior citizens and take people who can’t drive to the doctor.
Q: What made you want to serve?
A: Something inside me just said, ‘You have talent, ability and time, and there are a lot of people who need help one way or the other.’ It’s been a real blessing to serve the Lord all this time.
Q: What difference has being a Christian made in your life?
A: It has given me a different perspective. I evaluate things from the Lord’s viewpoint rather than mankind’s. Being a Christian led me to [do] right things. I’ve been a faithful and devoted husband, and being a Christian has taught me the value of marriage.
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