Jamie Maples said that in 2008 he went to preach at Welcome Hill Baptist Church, Fort Payne, to help fill in. A decade later he’s still there, watching God move in the congregation. He’s seen God heal hurts, bring people to faith and call a young man into the ministry.
“It’s been exciting to see,” he said.
Maples himself felt called to preach in 1990 and started serving as pastor of his first church two years later. He served three churches before answering the call to Welcome Hill Baptist.
Through all of his pastorates, he has served bivocationally, running a trucking business with his wife, Karol.
“I can’t say enough good things about the two of them,” said Ray Hufstetler, a member of Welcome Hill Baptist. “He’s really faithful, dependable and has a great desire to be obedient to the Lord. And Karol is as good a minister’s wife as you’ll ever be acquainted with.”
The church honored the couple for their decade of service in October.
Maples also led out when New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary opened up an extension center in Rainsville. He was the first to enroll, and he’s earned three certificates — one of which he was awarded Dec. 15.
“He’s a tremendous pastor,” said Lloyd Borden, director of missions for Lookout Mountain Baptist Association. “He recognizes and reaches out to people from all walks of life.” (Grace Thornton)
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