Glen Wild

To the editor:

Today was the last day of Rev. Norman R. Graves’ short-lived life. He was the Pastor and Founder of New Beginnings Community Worship Center in Liberty. I will remember him as a true believer in The Word. His love for Jesus was real and while he often expressed his own short comings, I know him to be a man who practiced what he preached; and he preached Jesus’ love. 

He always had an ear for listening to me. Though we often differed in opinions, a quote from the bible was his way of answering me, and I never walked away feeling unheard. His sermons were always so thoughtful, my favorite one was called “The Infection of Rejection.” I was so taken by it that I called out for the opportunity to testify. It was unusual, but he allowed it, and others were given the chance to speak their experiences too. 

He had so many plans. The congregation was set to go to Texas to visit his previous church and for his family to visit the gravesite of his son. I looked forward to going to meet people that I only knew through their voices on a weekly Prayer Call. He planned to go to Kenya to visit with a group that we were supporting - a home that took in boys who roamed dangerously in homelessness. 

He always said that we all have an appointed time, and we don’t get a minute more or less. I am totally devastated that this was his appropriate time. I will always be grateful for the short time I’ve spent in his presence. The community of Liberty, who he worked hard to improve, will also feel the loss of this Great Man.