Mike’s Musings ….
A Tribute to Another Soldier of Christ
When one has been preaching for more than fifty-seven years, one meets a multitude of brethren. Among them are those who instantly become more than acquaintances. Their demeanor is such that you come to think you’ve known them all your life, and the appreciation you develop for them increases constantly and rapidly. Such was my association with KENNETH TOLBERT.
I met Kenny five years ago when asked to preach at Lockport, IL. Kenny had been an elder of that faithful group for more than forty years. His wife, Gwendolyn, had died, so he had resigned but never surrendered his love for the truth nor his zeal to teach it. In fact, during that week, Kenny immersed a young lady into Christ for the remission of her sins! He proved his devotion by his energetic attitude – and he was well past four-score years!
Four years ago, he married another friend of mine, MILDRED GIBSON. Her first spouse, Marc, had died a few years ago. When all four were younger, they spent countless days together in service to God and His children, so for Millie and Kenny to marry late in life made perfect sense. Together, their faith and zeal continued as they taught as many as they could and encouraged preachers like me to “keep on preaching!” I was blessed to see them both this last fall while preaching at Wilmington, IL. I received word that Kenny had died on 2-27-25.
While Kenny’s presence will be missed, his influence will continue. Like Abel of old, “He being dead yet speaketh.” His example remains exquisite, his wisdom still astute, and his love for Christ and His church, among the finest of examples to follow. I muse on the immeasurably valuable fellowship we shared in Christ and am not ashamed to declare how I loved him!
To his family, thank you for sharing Kenny with me! As Kenny would say to all Christians, “Stay faithful. It’s worth more than all this world has to offer.” Thank you, Kenny, for the lessons!