I wrote the following note for the bulletin at Calvary Baptist Church in Englewood, FL, the Sunday after my father passed away:
On behalf of our family, I would like to express our deep gratitude for your support, not only in this difficult time of our loss, and of your loss, but through the many years of fruitful ministry together in this place.
Dad was never happier in ministry than he was here at Calvary Baptist. He loved to tell me about you, and about his great joy in serving you. He was grateful for your love for him and for his wife, and I doubt if I ever spoke to him from my home in Michigan without him saying something good about one of you, or all of you.
That is not to say his ministry was without difficulty and even pain. Nor is it to suggest that he was himself was without flaws. But he had a good and gracious heart which he freely offered to all of us, and he shouldered both the rewards and the responsibilities of his calling with humility and integrity.
And now he is gone. None of us understand why. And it is unlikely that we ever will. Grief will roll over many of us like waves in unexpected ways and in unexpected places and at unexpected times. We depended on him for so much.
But God in his wisdom has called this godly father, husband and pastor to a perfect sabbath rest, Some of the things we depended on him for we will now have to do for ourselves. Or for each other. Or simply wait for God to do.
This is good, and necessary, but it is not easy. God’s will for each of us, and dad’s desire for all of us, is that we should continue to be transformed by the grace of God and changed day by day into the perfect likeness of His Son.
This too is one of those days.
Thank you again for your many kindnesses to him and to all of us.
Wally Metts, Jr.
I know Pator Metts from the Berean Baptist church in Chattanooga. I did not know he had passed away. Today (12/23/02) I was thinking about him and decided to see if there were anything on the internet about him....and I found this. He was such a sweet man. The kindest paster I have ever known (he and J. B. Buffington - who was my pastor when I was a kid in Jr. and High schools). I just want you to know that I think he was a wonderful man and a fine Christian. I have a co-worker (Wayne Boyd) who also knew Pastor Metts.... I think he did Wayne's marriage ceremonies... We have talked to each other before about how much we liked Pastor Mett. He may have been gone for a while....but, since I only found out today, I am feeling the loss very much -- today. I like his books. I loved his art work, his sweet wife. You don't always find a pastor as approachable as Wally Metts was. Today, I know that he sees HIS face and I would not weep for him to be called back to this world.... I would appreciate knowing if he died by natural causes? How the family is doing? Anything about Wally Metts and his family.... I will look to my right as I travel up the "W" next time. I will look at a little house there and think of him again.
Carolyn Fisher
I noticed there was a reference to J B Buffinngton in the above posts, Dr. Buffington now has a web site with streaming messages if you were interested. The site is www.buffingtonministries.com.
Posted by: James Moore on July 12, 2003 07:30 PMYour father was my pastor when I lived in Enlgewood Fl. They probably don't remember my family and me, but my childern went to Heritage Christian Acd. I knew Joy and Toy, not on a personal basis but as sisters in Christ that went to our Church. I attented Toy's wedding many years ago and I believe she moved to TN. I moved to NC six years ago and my daughter that still lives in Enlgewood let me know of Pastor Metts death. I was heartbroken but rejoiced at his going home.
Patsy Helms
Posted by: Patsy Helms on August 5, 2003 09:09 PM