Henry Criswell
Moffett Road Baptist Church
Mobile Mobile Baptist Association
Favorite Verse: John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: “The Old Rugged Cross”
Hobbies: Reading history and ministering through church activities
Family Status: Widower for four years after 54 years of marriage to wife, Winnie; daughter, Susan Baker; two grandchildren (one living; one deceased); one great-granddaughter
Through the years, Henry Criswell, of Mobile, has purchased more than 70 home-baked cakes to provide for families in grief and for bereavement meals. It is one of the ways the 83-year-old strives to show the love of Jesus to others. He also is a deacon, Sunday School teacher, assistant to the leader of the Celebrate Recovery program at his church and a member of the senior choir, sanctuary choir and counting committee. He also is a member of the church’s Adults on Mission group. Criswell retired 26 years ago after a 34-year career at Scott Paper Co. He is a Navy veteran, having served during the Korean War.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: It was my wife. She was going to church when I met her. I was not raised in a Christian home. [She was] going to a Baptist church here in Mobile and I followed her there. Through the ministry there, the pastor and visiting evangelist came to my home. When they came to talk to me about it all, that was when I accepted Christ. I was 33, the same age as Christ when He ascended.
Q: When and how were you led into your ministry work?
A: By the need that I was told about and by the needs that I saw. And also being led by Christ. Even in (military) service, I was led into leadership roles. When I was asked, I could not say no to anything related to the church. I just feel good about it and want to continue it as long as I can.
Q: What does your ministry work demand?
A: Time, of course, and preparation for teaching. Continuing to read the Bible for my comfort and leadership. I feel the desire to do it. I have a great time alone just preparing for teaching. It has become secondhand to me to do that.
Q: What do you get from your ministry work?
A: Knowing that I am doing the will of the Lord in my life. I get a comfort from that. That comes from God, although you get words of encouragement and thankfulness from members.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I would be happy to do everything that I’m doing as long as it’s needed and as long as I’m able to do it.
Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?
A: A continuation of the fruit of the Spirit in my life in the church. He gives it and never takes it away.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: Everything. I was successful before I knew Christ in the job that I had. (Coming to know Jesus as Savior) changed my way of thinking about using money, how I should relate to other people, on and on. He opens up new horizons in life as long as you want to please God and live by His Spirit.
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