First Baptist Church, Headland
Judson Baptist Association
Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: “It Is Well With My Soul”
Hobbies: Working in the yard, gardening and daily involvement at the local senior center
Family Status: Widowed after 54 years of marriage to Odell; three children; and 11 great-grandchildren
Mernette Bayne, 82, recently retired after 54 years of dedicated work with the First, Headland, nursery program. Bayne was also director of the church’s Cradle Roll ministry for babies and is the longest-serving member of the church choir and continues to sing each Sunday.
Q: How did you come to know the Lord?
A: When I was 14 years old, I felt empty and that there was something I needed that I didn’t have. I had a schoolmate [who] witnessed to me, and I gave my heart to the Lord.
Q: What led you to serve in the church nursery?
A: I’ve always loved babies. Ever since I can remember, I would always tend to the little ones and take care of [them]. I just love doing that. I loved my own babies as much as you can love somebody. I … just felt called into that ministry because of my love for the little ones.
Q: What did your ministry demand?
A: Committment. … Be there under all circumstances if you can. I tried my best to always be there.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in the nursery in the future?
A: I am on the list if they need me; they can call for me if I need to go back there.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: He’s everything to me and without Him, I am nothing. The older I get, the more I trust Him and the more I depend on Him. … He’s brought me through some difficult times in my life, and so I trust Him to continue to care for me.
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