Top view of hand holding teal ribbon on dark background with copy space. Cervical and ovarian cancer, sexual assault, pcos, ptsd, anxiety disorder, agoraphobia and scleroderma awareness concept.
By Sharon Mager
 
Montgomery Baptist Association (MBA) Director of Missions Ron Blankenship was honored for 25 years of ministry with the MBA (45 of vocational ministry) at the MBA fall pastors’ fellowship on Sept. 17 at Trinity Baptist Church, Chillum. Blankenship’s daughter, Melanie Blankenship, who serves as MBA media specialist, coordinated the surprise event.
 
Phil Hurst, the pastor of Trinity Church, presented Ron with a plaque from the MBA, thanking him for his faithful service. BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle also presented a plaque thanking him for “serving the Lord with gladness.” Stolle, hugging him, said, “We love you, Ron.”  Diplave Pokhrel, a member of Georgia Avenue Baptist Church, gave flowers to Ron’s wife, Evelyn. Churches and individuals throughout the MBA sent or brought gift cards for Ron and Evelyn. 
 
An added sweet bonus was a coconut fluff cake, Ron’s favorite, made by Ann McBain from First Baptist Church, Rockville. Hurst’s father-in-law, George Snokhous, a teacher and football coach in Texas for over 40 years, who goes by the nickname “coach,” visits the area each year and prepares pit beef for the annual fellowship. This year, coach’s visit coincided with the celebration, and several mentioned that it was an added treat.
 
Addressing the group, Ron said, “I appreciate every one of you and the friendships we’ve developed. It means a good deal to me. This is not just a job for me; it is what God has called me to do, and I hope he gives me many more years. I love all this.”