A Day of Overwhelming Grace and Gratitude: Celebrating Rev. Tony Young, Sr. and First Lady Tammy Young's First Pastoral Anniversary
The First Pastoral Anniversary Celebration for Rev. Tony Young, Sr. and First Lady Tammy Young at Pleasant Hope was truly a day marked by divine grace, profound unity, and overflowing gratitude. From the powerful morning service to the heartfelt afternoon program, every moment resonated with the spirit of God and the deep appreciation of the Pleasant Hope family.
The day began with an incredibly impactful morning service. We were blessed to have Rev. Gregory Buchanan from Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Tutwiler deliver a phenomenal message that stirred hearts and souls. The anointing was palpable, leading to a beautiful moment during the call to discipleship where five individuals came forward to join the church and be baptized. It was a truly moving sight, as some were new to the faith, while others were returning to reconnect with the church family. The morning set a magnificent tone for the entire day, reminding us of God's continuous work in our midst.
The afternoon program, a testament to the collective effort of our wonderful members and friends, was equally unforgettable. Your overwhelming support and dedication were deeply appreciated, bringing the vision for this celebration to life.
Rev. Robert Griffin of Powerhouse M.B. Church set the tone for the entire celebration with his beautiful gift of song and heart for devotion. (Add the name of the man who prayed)
Our esteemed Agenda Guide, the Rev. Prez Jackson, led the program with purpose, heart, and just the right touch of humor, keeping us focused on the celebration while ensuring smiles all around. Our powerful Guest Speaker, the Rev. L.C. Tyler, Jr., delivered a dynamic message that echoed the choir's song, "I'm Still Holding On," serving as a powerful reminder to all, young and old, to keep trusting in God no matter what. As Pastor Young’s cousin and pastor, he knew well what everyone needed to hear.
A truly poignant moment was provided by Sister Katina White during her "Occasion," where she beautifully honored the memory of her brother, our beloved former pastor, the late Rev. Reginald G. Griffin. She spoke compellingly of the church's deep love and appreciation for our Pastor and First Lady, a sentiment shared by all. We also recognized Sister Barbara Thomas for her beautifully crafted and delivered poem celebrating our phenomenal First Lady and the church’s deep love for her. It was especially heartwarming to see Barbara deliver her brilliant tribute, as she had been very ill in the weeks prior, spending 14 days in the hospital. Her strength and creativity, undiminished by her recent challenge, truly did our hearts good.
The service was a symphony of praise, skillfully led by our phenomenal Minister of Music, Joel Ballard. Since rejoining us, Joel has not only invigorated our music ministry and led our beloved Voices of Hope choir to new heights, but he's also fostered an environment where new talents can shine. Every song was chosen with care, each one building upon the other to tell a story of faith and endurance. A truly delightful surprise came with the performance of Sister Tamara Jackson. Very new to leading, Tamara did a fantastic job, delivering a slow but deeply moving rendition of “I’m Still Holding On.” Her delivery ministered to everyone in attendance, resonating with those who’ve faced life’s trials and reminding us of the strength in perseverance. As a fitting follow-up and reward to that message, Joel selected “The Best Is Yet to Come”—a celebratory, upbeat anthem—as the second debut song for the choir, crafted especially for this occasion. The harmonious blend from the entire Voices of Hope, under Joel's expert direction and amplified by moments like Tamara's powerful contribution, filled the sanctuary and deeply prepared our hearts for worship and celebration.
Representing our amazing youth, Brother Micah Pryor and Sister Zariyah Housely offered a touching tribute to the Youngs. We are so proud of them and committed to encouraging them as they grow in faith, character, and purpose. We also acknowledge the warm tribute from the Quitman County District Association for their strong support and participation, and Senator Reginald Jackson for his heartfelt expression of love for our Pastor and First Lady that truly resonated.
This magnificent celebration would not have been possible without the tireless planning and thoughtful leadership of Sister Dorothy McCaskill, who brought the entire celebration together so beautifully.
Beyond those specifically recognized, countless members poured their hearts into making this celebration a success. To everyone who tirelessly set up, cooked, decorated, fixed plates, cared for guests, ensured impeccable sound, handled invitations, managed finances, settled expenses, designed programs, planned events, secured participants, and provided soul-stirring music – your many God-given talents transformed a vision into reality. A special note of appreciation goes to our Culinary Team, led by Alice Robinson and Tunya Wells, and supported by our dedicated deacons, who ensured our church family and guests left not only with full hearts but also with truly satisfied appetites.
It is through the collective effort and boundless love of the Pleasant Hope family that this milestone was celebrated so magnificently. The church truly came together as a team, with every gift, every God-given talent, and every helping hand flowing in perfect harmony to make this day shine. From setting up and decorating to singing, serving, running sound, managing details, and welcoming guests—you made it happen.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Pleasant Hope and our beloved Pastor and First Lady. It was beautiful all day, and truly, the best is yet to come!