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Grandson

Pastor Tommy Bates’ Grandson Leads Church In Worship

by Rhoda Gayle August 29, 2023

written by Rhoda Gayle

Pastor Tommy Bates’ grandson, Oliver, led the church in worship singing “I’m On The Battlefield For My Lord.”

Tommy Bates

A video of young grandson of Community Family Church senior pastor Tommy Bates was posted of him leading the church in worship. He was singing “I’m On The Battlefield For My Lord,” a 1959 worship song by The Singing Millers.

“I’m on the battlefield for my Lord, I’m on the battlefield for my Lord, and I promised Him that I would serve Him ’til I die. I am on the battlefield for my Lord,” Oliver sang.

Tommy Bates [@tommybatesministries]. Oliver Bates. Facebook, August 13, 2023, https://www.facebook.com/reel/647713214029708

“I’m On The Battlefield For My Lord”

The song is about leaving everything behind to follow Jesus and join Him on the battlefield. It is about standing firm in our faith and serving God until one day, we meet Him face to face. Though it was released over 60 years ago, the message of the song still rings true until today.

It is heartwarming to hear such a powerful declaration from a young child. Oliver is among the 13 grandchildren of pastor Tommy. He is the son of Tommy’s second son, Joshua Eugene Bates who is also a leader in their church.

Tommy has been serving the Lord with his family by pastoring the Community Family Church since 1981. Since he was very young, people saw the call to minister. At the age of 8, he was a member of the music ministry, playing the guitar, mandolin, banjo, and piano. No wonder his grandson is following in his footsteps!

Watch the entire video: Tommy Bates Ministries

Reference: Facebook | Tommy Bates Ministries
Header Image: Tommy Bates [@tommybatesministries]. Oliver Bates. Facebook, August 13, 2023, https://www.facebook.com/reel/647713214029708

August 29, 2023 0 comments

Articles

Grandad Baptizes His Grandson As The Little Boy Wanted To Be Baptized Since He Was 2

by Christel Berns October 13, 2022

written by Christel Berns

After learning about the importance of baptism, grandad baptizes his grandson in the water as the little boy has desired it since he was two years old.

Little Boy Baptized By His Grandad

In an Instagram post shared by Christian artist Tauren Wells, his son, Lawson Mayer, got baptized even at a very young age. What’s more, it was Lawson’s grandad who baptized him in the water.

Photo Courtesy | Instagram – taurenwells

According to Tauren’s story, Lawson had “always been tender toward God.” At two years old, the little boy already desired to get baptized. So, Tauren just kept explaining and talking with his son about it. But later on, he asked the question again. And this time, the parents gave in after he answered “a few key questions about why he wanted to do it.”

Hence, in the video clip that the Christian singer revealed, Lawson got baptized by his grandad.

“It felt right to us so today was the day,” he wrote. “So excited to watch his journey in his faith and throughout his life. We love you Lawdawg!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @taurenwells

Misunderstandings About Baptism

Then, in an added note, Tauren explained some misconceptions most people have about baptism. He said that people “have almost made baptism singularly about ‘going public’ with their faith.”

The singer further stressed that although baptism has been associated with it, “there’s really no scripture to support” it. He then quoted his favorite Scripture, which talked about baptism in Romans 6:4. It was written, “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”

Finally, Tauren concluded the importance of baptism with its authentic and deep meaning to believers.

He explained, “Jesus was buried privately and resurrected privately. Baptism is a symbol of our same burial and resurrection (Repentance relating to Christ death). Our joining with Christ. Our answer to a renewed conscience through faith in Jesus (1 Peter 3:21).”

And this is what Tauren and his wife, Lorna, taught their son before he got baptized.

“This is going into covenant relationship, a promised, special relationship with Jesus. Baptism is the place where we begin a new life..”

Reference | Instagram – taurenwells

October 13, 2022 0 comments

Featured

Billy Graham’s Grandson Shares What It’s Like To Live Life With The Iconic Evangelist

by Rhoda Gayle August 12, 2022

written by Rhoda Gayle

Billy Graham’s grandson, Will Graham, shares what it is like to live life with the iconic American evangelist.

Billy Graham’s grandson

Will Graham is the son of Rev. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). In a recent interview with CBN’s Faithwire, being a grandson of the iconic evangelist is just normal life. Though it is not common for many, it is the reality that is familiar to him.

“I know it’s not normal for everyone else,” he laughed. “Not everyone has a famous grandfather or a father. But for me, it was all normal. We grew up very normal.”

Photo Courtesy: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Will Graham

He recalled how he grew up on a farm in North Carolina together with the cows, horses, dogs, cats, and pigs. As a child, he didn’t realize how famous his grandfather was because of how simple they lived their lives. Until he left his home to study at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. That’s when he realized how famous their family is.

“I’d been to his crusades; I knew he was one of the most famous people in America,” Will Graham said of his grandad. “But something hit me at Liberty. … I remember a guy knocked on my dorm room. I opened it up and said, ‘Hello,’ and he just looked at me and he was looking behind me. And it started getting to me, like, ‘Alright, dude. What’s going on here?’ And I said, ‘Can I help you?’ And he said, ‘I’m looking for Billy Graham’s grandson.’ … ‘Well, I’m him. What do you want?’ He was like, ‘I’m just looking at your room. I wanna see what Billy Graham’s grandson’s room looks like.’”

Legacy

That weird and funny experience is just one of the many experiences he had that is far from his normal life. Yet, he is very grateful for his granddad and for the legacy he has left behind.

“That’s where it started to have an impact when I saw how big, how influential my grandfather was,” he recalled. “When you’re reading textbooks, and he’s in them — that’s kind of weird. But I’m very grateful for my grandaddy. He left such a great legacy behind.”

Will followed the footsteps of his grandfather and his dad and responded to the calling of the Lord. He is now the vice president of the BGEA and the executive director of the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, NC.

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Reference: Faithwire

August 12, 2022 0 comments