Jerome J. “Jerry” Cartier Sr.
First Baptist Church, Satsuma
Mobile Baptist Association
Favorite Verse: John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
Hobbies: Fishing and exercising
Family Status: Husband the past 47 years to wife, Louise; prior to that, husband of 20 years to wife, Frances, until her death in 1966; sons, Jerome Cartier Jr., and Rodney Cartier; step-daughter, Tammy Silcox; step-sons, Terry Ryals, Walt Ryals and the late Tony Ryals; 20-plus grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren
At 88, Jerome “Jerry” Cartier Sr. teaches Sunday School, something he has done for 50 years. A lay minister for years Cartier taught study courses at various churches and served as interim pastor at Baptist churches in Wagarville, Creola and Axis. He frequently spoke to Native American congregations in Washington County. When he taught a church Training Union class of teenagers, he often took its members to Mobile Rescue Mission. There he preached and the teens provided music. Cartier joined the Navy as a 17 year old and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He then worked 40 years at GM&O Railroad.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: My mother. She changed from Catholicism, became a Christian and joined the Baptist church. I was 20 years old when I asked Jesus to come into my heart.
Q: When and how were you led into your ministry work?
A: God just spoke to me to do it and I became a teacher in the church. That led into preaching.
Q: What does your ministry work demand?
A: I study probably two or three hours a week for the lesson. I’m in the living room every morning for an hour in Bible study and prayer.
Q: What do you get from your ministry work?
A: Just teaching is the reward in itself.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: It’s a normal process (of an hour in the living room each morning for Bible study and prayer). They know the process — children and grandchildren alike. If something comes up that I have to go somewhere in the morning, I get up earlier to have my time with the Lord.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (quoting apostle Paul in Phil. 1:21).
Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?
A: It prepares me to see Jesus. The more I know about Him, the more I love Him. I want to help others get to know Him as I know Him. I take my great-grandchildren to Sunday School. I talk about Jesus constantly.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: I grew up in an alcoholic home. My sister died from drugs and alcohol. Jesus changed my life or I would have been there too. If it weren’t for Jesus, I probably wouldn’t be here right now.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Additional assistance for this article was provided by Jerome Cartier Jr.
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