His mother and brother were Christians. He knew all about Jesus and learned about the Bible in church as a child. He even attended church off and on as a young adult.
But he never believed.
Now, at 81, James “Buford” Morris has chosen to follow Christ.
Buford’s youngest brother, Mack Morris, pastor of Woodridge Baptist Church, Mobile, had been praying for him to make that decision for more than 40 years.
Mack accepted Christ at Madrid Baptist Church when he was 13. He and his mother prayed for his father and seven siblings to come to know Christ and walked about a mile to the Columbia Baptist Association church every Sunday. Buford went to church some Sundays but it never meant much to him, Mack said.
After serving overseas in the Navy, Buford returned to America in 1980 and began to attend Mount Gilead Baptist Church, Dothan, so his children could “come up in church.”
He knew church was a good place, and he wanted his children to be involved in something good. Going to church became part of Buford’s lifestyle.
He went to services and left — unchanged.
Even after his children were grown and married, Buford continued to attend services, but something inside him “just didn’t feel right,” he said.
So Buford decided to visit some other churches and eventually ended up back at his “mother’s church,” Madrid Baptist.
He went to Madrid Baptist for three weeks.
After speaking with Interim Pastor Coley Myer Holloway, he said, “Something just came over me, and I took the walk (to the altar). … I said, ‘I [have got to] do this. I [have got to] do it now.’”
Buford called Mack to tell him the good news: They were no longer just brothers by blood; they were now brothers in Christ, too.
“Mack was just thrilled,” Buford said.
Mack confirmed his excitement.
“It’s been so special to me,” he said. “[Buford] called me and said, ‘I’m [going to] be baptized. I hope you can come.’ He just wanted me to be there.”
Holloway invited Mack to baptize his brother and share a message at the evening service April 3. He heartily agreed and decided to speak on the question “How will you be remembered?”
More than 50 people came to Buford’s baptism service. Typical attendance is between 20 and 30.
Luke 15:7 came to Mack’s mind during the service: “I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance.”
“I can imagine the angels in heaven were rejoicing,” Mack said.
Holloway called it a glorious service.
“[Seeing the baptism] just gave [the church] a shot in the arm,” he said. “It was like a fresh breath from heaven.”
Holloway encouraged churches not to overlook people like Buford.
“[Seniors] need reaching and reclaiming for Christ,” he said. “It’s an open field. Don’t neglect your senior citizens.”
And Buford’s story is a testimony to that. A man who has lived a long life has been changed from the inside out and “it’s a miracle,” Mack said.
Buford agreed.
“I don’t know how to explain it. The Spirit has gotten into me and I feel different. I feel great,” he said.
For those who have been praying for years for family members and friends, Buford said to keep praying.
“Don’t give up,” he said. “Prayer does work.”
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