|
Pastor's
Page
Our pastor, along with an identical twin brother, was born September
28, 1949 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. His name was John Francis McManus
IV, but through Divine providence and after a parting of the ways by
his birth parents (both of whom he eventually met and found to be
enjoyable experiences); his brother, Thomas William and he were adopted
into a thoroughly Christian home. Roland and Betty Daniels of S.
Ryegate, Vermont gave them the wonderful opportunity to become
established in the faith, to have a loving home and stable upbringing.
They had a daughter already, Mary Lou; of course she became their
sister and both loved her very much.
Pastor Jack’s (as we affectionately refer to him) father was a stone
cutter by trade, worked in the little town where he walked back and
forth from the “stone shed” each noon for dinner (as they called it).
The boys often met him after school and walked home with him. They
raised sheep, pigs – and the boys always had a dog. It was certainly a
perfect environment to raise a family.
The church Pastor Jack attended and to which his parents belonged was
the Groton First Baptist Church; in those days, a Conservative Baptist
church and one which certainly preached and taught the Word of God.
Life for him consisted of home, school (around the corner) and church!
His mother was a housewife/homemaker, and was always present when the
children were home. Much time was spent in the educational process,
learning math tables, English and Bible. As a common routine Pastor
Jack’s family would gather around the table in the evening and after
dinner would read around, each one taking a section of the Biblical
chapter before them and reading it aloud.
Pastor Jack believed it was this exercise that taught him to excel in
grammar, reading and comprehension; after all, the KJV was a bit
difficult, but was all he knew at the time. Around that same table they
read the old, unabridged version of Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
(several times) as his dad would explain the many connections to
Biblical doctrine and every day living. This proved unimaginably
profitable, as he would discover in later life, grappling eventually
with those great Doctrines of Grace.
If our pastor were to describe the greatest attribute which led three
children, Mary, Tom and him to conversion, repentance and Christian
maturity, each marrying in the faith and leading godly lives, it would
be that of “consistency”! His parents practiced what they taught. There
was no facade, no pretense, what you observed with his dad and mom was
what they were. Almost always, except for school weekdays, when the
church doors were opened for services, Sundays, missionary conferences,
Christian educational programs, youth and Christian Service Brigade,
his folks were sure they were there and it was definitely a joy. That,
along with the faithful home, led him at the age of 10 to experience
conversion under the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God while an
evangelist, Mr. Ted Fix, with his song leader, Roy Thomas, both of
Oklahoma, were conducting evangelistic meetings at his home church.
Whenever there were missionaries or speakers at the church it seems
they dined at the Daniels’ home and/or stayed with them. These men and
others left a great impression of love and godliness in his mind to
this very day.
The pastors of the church were godly men and even if the particular
sermons do not remain, their love for the Lord and faithfulness stand
out greatly. Three that come to pastor’s mind specifically are Rev. Guy
Kinney, Rev. Wayne Fraiser and Rev. Don Macomber; all are still living
and ministering as God leads, even during their “retirement” years.
Pastor Jack loved Sunday dinners, especially when others would be
invited, which was quite often. The linen would be removed from the
closet, the silver distributed and his mom was the greatest cook in the
county. Although he was no doubt unaware at that time, it seems the
conversations did get absorbed into his mind – maybe because he lived
under certain popular rules of that day that when grown ups were
present, children were to be “seen, and not heard”? Well, it did serve
him well as he looks back on those joyous days.
His dad was always a studious type, and had his Bible marked from
Genesis to Malachi. He was particularly a student of the Old Testament.
He was a quiet gentleman, one who loved God and sought to raise his
family to do the same. He evidently did not require much sleep because
he would be in his “den” at his roll top desk studying the Word late at
night and early in the morning before he went to work.
Eventually there were Bible studies in the house on Monday nights,
something that lasted for years, with the complete sanction of the
Groton Baptist Church. The principle teacher for the most part was Dr.
Bruce Morgan, the founder of the Northeast Gospel Crusade. Pastor and
his brother Tom’s room was directly above the dining room where the
study took place. He remembers so clearly how much he enjoyed the
teachings even at that young age. Except for the several times his mom
scampered up the stairs to silence them, and the very few times his dad
did the same, he and Tom would fall asleep hearing the words of the
Bible. The Book of Hebrews, taught by the skillful mind and lips of Dr.
Morgan still rings in his ears.
Not far from the town where they lived was an extremely small
settlement always referred to as “Limekill”. His dad began a Sunday
afternoon Bible study there, and for a few years faithfully taught
those who came. The numbers were few, to be sure, but he was there
regardless of the numbers. Pastor Jack remembers at one time they gave
his dad $5 out of any “offering” that came in, but he also recalls how
his dad always put it back in the plate. He considered himself a
“tentmaker” for the Gospel, and soon joined the Northeast Gospel
Crusade as a lay preacher.
Then came the Bible study in Moscow, Vermont, a town just outside of
Stowe. Pastor’s dad traveled there each Tuesday after working all day
and often the boys would accompany him. During those years the
leadership of the Groton Baptist Church approached his dad and
requested that he be ordained. Pastor Daniels declined, saying that he
already felt the hand of God, but they insisted. He was a humble man
and seemed not to make a “big deal” of his endeavors for the Lord.
Well, he finally agreed and was duly ordained to the Christian
ministry. The ministry at Moscow had gone well and became incorporated
as a church. Pastor Jack’s dad, Roland Daniels was the founding pastor,
and was till his death, given the honorable title of Pastor Emeritus.
He later accepted a call to the South Northfield Little White Church,
and was pastor there as our Pastor Jack went off to school in Grand
Rapids, Michigan.
It was there after many years of ministry that Pastor’s dad was forced
into “retirement” due to his health. Strokes had come upon him by the
dozens, and after preaching multiple times leaning on a cane, then in a
wheelchair, he had to relax at home, receiving his help from the Lord
each day in a special way. His wife, Betty, labored many years taking
good care of him until his homegoing, a faithful, devoted and untiring
wife. She will most certainly be rewarded greatly in heaven some day
for her service to her family.
It was during the time of ministry in Northfield that Pastor Jack left
for school. The Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music was the
choice he made, a school founded by John Miles, a member of the
Independent Fundamental Churches of America. Pastor graduated from that
school in 1974.
During his school years Pastor met his future bride, Rebecca Michael.
What a joy she was to him. Pastor Jack “lights up” when he thinks and
speaks of his dear bride. She also came from a pastor’s home living in
Pinckney, Michigan. She is the second child in a family of eight
children. Her dad was pastor of the Hiawatha Beach Church in Hamburg,
Michigan for 15 years. He was also a missionary with the Rural Bible
Mission in Michigan for even more years. The year before Pastor met
Becky, her dad was suddenly taken to be with the Lord through a tragic
accident as he and other men worked on the new addition of their
church, leaving Mrs. Michael (Mary) to continue raising the children,
one in college, three in high school, and the other four in grade
school. It is a tribute to Mrs. Michael that all her children carry on
in the faith. Many are in the direct Christian ministry to this day.
Pastor says this about her: “Becky was and is everything a man could
possibly desire in a wife, particularly a pastor’s wife. Patient, kind
and of wonderful humor, though she suffers from rheumatoid arthritis,
every joint in her body aching constantly through the day and night. It
is not the arthritis that she is noted for, however, but her constancy
and faithfulness to the Lord, her family and church. God has indeed
blessed me with that ‘choice’ during my school years. We were married
just after she graduated, leaving one more year for me”.
After graduation the Lord led them back in New England. During Pastor’s
high school years in Vermont he had been actively involved with the New
England Fellowship of Evangelicals, the Rumney Bible Conference and
Happy-T-Ranch in Rumney, New Hampshire. It was during those years that
his brother and he blossomed in the faith. Rev. Tal McNutt (Executive
Director) and his wife Evie were like second parents, and they taught
the same things that were taught in the Daniels’ home and church as
well. Not enough can be said about the value of consistency in a
youth’s upbringing.
Pastor began as a camper at “Camp Hope”, operated by the Fellowship at
the site of Pineridge and Cathedral Pines. In those days release-time
Bible teachers would go to the public schools once a month (if memory
serves correctly) and for the great task of memorizing 300 Bible
verses/passages, children were given a free week at Camp Hope. Then
came the time that Pastor and his brother began working on the staff;
Tom labored in the maintenance department under Charlie Woodworth and
Pastor Jack in the kitchen under Lloyd Stratton. A more pleasant and
productive place for teens could not be found, it is certain. Many
lessons were learned and Pastor carries them to this very day.
Eventually he ended up at the Conference grounds as a waiter, and
“singing” waiter (he sings and plays trumpet and piano) and would sing
between the main course and dessert.
After getting married they joined the staff of the New England
Fellowship of Evangelicals. Becky worked in registration while he was
Assistant Director under Tal. Then they went to Danvers, Massachusetts
to continue year round – Jack as Field Secretary and Becky as financial
secretary.
They were happy with that life, and enjoyed visiting churches and doing
the administrative duties connected with their positions. Pastor did
have a long-term desire, however, to pastor a church. This was no doubt
due to the wonderfully positive experience relative to the local church
as he grew up at home. One thing he thinks about a lot these days is,
despite any problem that existed in the church (and he learned about
those many years later), his parents never spoke of them in front of
the children. There is so much wisdom in that and both Becky and Jack
are thankful for such an upbringing. They only knew good things and had
great fellowship with all in the church.
The fulfillment of a pastorate still pressed strongly upon Pastor Jack,
and it was in the fall of 1975 that he did indeed candidate at the Free
Baptist Church of Limerick. Without going into detail here, he
remembers well his inner thoughts. He was called almost immediately,
and wondered what he would do; being scared, apprehensive and wondering
what God had in mind. Well, he did accept, and November 2, 1975 was his
first week as the new young pastor, and Pastor and his wife have never
questioned God’s providence and grace that brought them to this place.
There were few times that Pastor ever begged God to make His Divine
will known, and accepting this pastorate was indeed one of those times.
They asked the Lord to do specific, miraculous things to show them His
plan, and folks, He did in such a way as to make the answer completely
evident. This was in itself necessary, for it was not long before Satan
attacked, big time, and they never wavered! Thank God for firmness of
conviction. They have continued in the church now for over 28 years
(November 2, 2004) and God has been so precious to them, providing
wisdom, comfort and wonderful friends.
About six years after their arrival Becky could not move her muscles
well. Everyone was quite concerned because she was a very active woman.
As it turned out she had the beginning signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
Little did they know how devastating a disease this could be. It was
relentless. A number of changes needed to be made including the
building of their own house a few miles out of town in West Newfield,
right beside the New Hampshire border. That is where they have resided
to this day.
About that time, Becky and Pastor Jack became acquainted with an
organization founded by Larry Burkett, Christian Financial Concepts. It
is a Christian based organization raised up to help people who believe
in the Biblical mandate that they must owe no man anything, except the
debt of love. Knowing so many believers who struggle with this
important matter, they investigated this ministry. Having traveled to
Atlanta, Georgia and receiving the proper training, they became CFC
counselors. This was found to be very worthwhile personally and also
for those who wanted to do better in that area of life. Then there was
the matter of doctor’s bills, constant therapy and travel. Both Tom and
Pastor were interested (that is putting it mildly) in flying as they
grew up, and both worked to get their pilot’s licenses.
Tom (he and Jack were identical twins) was bi-vocational, doing
itinerant work with his wife Kay, traveling all over in the United
States and the Maritimes, singing and preaching the Word. Then as their
kids grew up, he added to his work a local charter/freight pilot’s job
out of Pontiac, Michigan. Sad to say, on August 9, 1990 he was
departing about midnight from Greenwood, South Carolina to Pontiac with
a load of freight for a car company. The plane was a twin engine Beach
18 with radial engines. One of them threw a rod on take-off. Being only
a few hundred feet in the air, Tom feathered the engine and began the
process of returning to the airport, but could not make it. He crashed
and burned a very short distance from the airport boundary. Though this
is still a great heartbreak, all of us who knew Tom are resting in the
conviction that he is with his Lord today.
Jack received a call from someone at Songtime, USA, a well-known
Christian radio daily program out of Cape Cod in Massachusetts owned
and operated by Mr. John DeBrine, asking if they might do a tribute to
Tom. Many folks from the Northeast knew him and his family and had been
calling to request this. As a result Pastor did a telephone interview
with them and they aired it not long afterwards. The tape is truly a
blessing and if you would like a copy of it sent to you, please fill
out the Request
Form.
Now back to Limerick! Jack
began
a bi-vocational life as well. In the
early 1980’s he was approached by Maine Aviation in Portland to be a
flight instructor. He did that for a couple of years then transferred
into their freight/charter department, flying Cessna 402’s, 340’s and
the like. In June of 1987 he became employed as a pilot for Delta’s
Northeast commuter, Business Express. Being based in Boston was a
chore, but in less than two years he had worked himself up in
seniority, become a captain, and was usually able to work his days to
be free when needed back home as well as weekends. The equipment he
flew was the Beach 1900, the Shorts 360 and the Saab Fairchild 340, all
jet prop aircraft seating from 19 to 36 passengers. He praises the
Lord, for not only allowing him to provide for his family financially,
but also for giving him the two greatest desires of his heart, that of
the ministry and flying.
After flying constantly for 13
years and being as faithful as possible
to both vocations, he knew he was getting tired and not any younger.
The church was so understanding during those years, but Becky and he
both knew they had to make a decision to stop flying, for never once
did our pastor ever consider the airlines as his primary “job”. He
resigned Business Express effective January 5, 1996. Though he does
miss flying with the crews and working with the fine folks at the
company, he does not miss the hassle of juggling his life’s duties
whatsoever. “I do not regret that bi-vocational experience, nor do I
regret being back ‘home’ in Maine, doing the Lord’s work here”. Now he
does a little instruction at the local airport and also flies part-time
for two wonderful clients. He also does volunteer flights for a
much-needed organization called Angel Flights, Inc. They specialize in
flying folk (many are children) to hospitals. These are seriously ill,
and require ongoing care, but transportation is problematic for them.
This is a wonderful ministry, and he is proud to be one of their
volunteer pilots. Visit their web site at Angel Flight NE.
All
three of Pastor’s children
were born in Sanford, Maine, and are
healthy and profess Christ. John Roland has graduated from Liberty
University and has his degree in Government. He and another guy have
formed their own business, Creation Property Services, Inc., and it
appears to be going quite well. John and his wife Leona reside in the
neighboring town of Limington and are very helpful in the ministry here
in the church. Thomas Charles and his wife Meghan are in their final
semester of their Master’s Program at Philadelphia Biblical University.
Tom is majoring in Youth Ministries, is now Youth Director at a church
in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, is very musical – singing, playing
the piano and guitar, and is looking forward to the Lord’s continued
leading in ministry. Kelly Marie is a student at PBU as well, and
though she might be shy about admitting it, enjoys the company of her
“big brother” there at school. She will graduate with her teaching
degree in Health and Physical Education this May (2004). She is
entering the NC police academy this coming summer and wants to be a
police officer in Richmond, VA. She eventually wants to be an agent in
the FBI. Both boys, believe it or not, were married at their home
church here in Limerick, to great Christian women and Pastor and Becky
are truly thankful for that. Kelly is still single and working hard on
her future life and living for the Lord as well. God has blessed them
beyond measure with each of their children, and they pray constantly
for their success in the Lord, no matter their vocation
The things mentioned are so
memorable to our pastor and wife and trust
it will be inspirational to you as well. People ask sometimes if he and
Becky will ever be going to another church someday, after all it is the
first and only church in which they have ministered. His response is,
“I cannot think of one reason to leave Maine, these dear people of the
church or the community. Of course, if the Lord were to make a move
known, we have always been of the mind that His will is ours, as well.
I do not see a move in the future though, so we are looking forward to
another 28 years here – if He so wills!”
|
Free
Baptist Church
of
Limerick