The Smith's Travels

It was requested that pictures from the travels of Bro. D. Loy and Sis. Frances to the Body of Christ be posted on this website. The purpose of their travels was based on edification, in an effort of promotion and proliferation of the Body of Christ. It was a mission of love. Bro. and Sis. Smith loved the Body of Christ and had a great burden for each church. They wanted to encourage, evangelize, support, and fellowship each church, whether large or small. They didn't come just to visit, but rather to work and labour. They held revivals for various churches, not in an attempt to promote themselves, but rather to promote that area church and the whole Body through their ministry of words and music.
Sometimes, they were criticized for visiting certain brethren or churches, who others felt were "not a part of the body," or considered "rogue" churches. However, their mission was that of peace, fellowship, and healing of the Body. They always ended their time with each church by encouraging the Brethren to come visit. Visit Gospel Tabernacle? No, although it was greatly appreciated when we had Brethren or their church members come to visit us at GTC; for we greatly missed Bro. and Sis. Smith during these years. It was a large burden that our church willingly, jointly, and greatly shared. No, their message was "Come to the Campground..." or "Come back to the Campground...come and see...there is a new spirit of fellowship...of healing..."

    "Living that close to somebody, day in and day out, for months at a time, in the cramped quarters of a four door Pontiac, you get to know people intimately. You see their hearts, their intentions, and even their quirks. My parents' hearts were full of love for the Body. They carried a tremendous burden that was two-fold: to see each individual church grow and also to come together with the rest of the Body. They wanted each Brother to know how important their fellowship was and that we loved and cared about their work. 'And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.' 1 Cor. 12:12-26. My parents' intentions were pure. I never heard them speak ill of any brethren....they only expressed concern for them and the Body and prayed fervently, asking God to use them to edify and help those churches. How do I know all of this? Because I was a witness....a fellow traveller. Those close quarters revealed my parents' nature to me, and their hearts.
     Travelling with mom and dad was one of the best times in my life. I got to know them in a way that most kids never get the chance to experience. It was truly a labor of love and they sacrificed alot to do it. Travelling was hard on the spirit. In one instance you were so driven with a purpose and burden, and in the same instance you longed for home. Being away from the rest of the kids and grandkids was particularly hard on mom. We missed the people at GTC also. Travelling was very hard on the body as well. People were always so gracious and took very good care of us on the road. They opened their homes to us and their hearts. But you know how hard it is on your body when you just go on vacation for a few days or to a meeting..multiply that times 10. You are physically drained and overcome with fatigue. You body systems are all out of whack from travelling hours and hours at a time. Trust me, we didn't stop and sight-see along the way. We went from point A to point B. (I did talk Dad into stopping and letting me see the Grand canyon once, for about 15 minutes!) But alot of times, people from the churches we visited would take mom and me on local outings, which was always so nice, because sight-seeing was never our purpose....it was just a special bonus. I got to meet people from all over the country and also to get to know so many pastors and their families. I couldn't help but light up when I would see the ministers at meetings, after getting to know them. I would greatly anticipate when they would get up and speak, and couldn't wait to hear what they had to say...always 'rooting' for them!
     My parents' gave me a gift. It was a gift that I will always treasure and that nobody can ever take away. I learned just how blessed we have all been to have known such wonderful people...so many times we take it for granted, taking even our own Pastors and their families for granted--the tremendous amount of work they do and the burden they carry for each of us. They make so many sacrifices for us. Many of these pictures, I took myself. I see so many people that are no longer with us. I am so thankful that I was blessed to know each of them. They were and are beautiful, precious people...each and every one. I can truly say with all of my heart that they were my friends."
                                                                 ---Sis. Sonja Bell, daughter of the Smiths

Every month we will display just a few new pictures in order to save bandwidth. You will notice that some of the people in the pictures have passed on...even our own dear Sis. Frances. We hope that these pictures will warm your hearts and memories. If you would like to copy the picture to your own computer, just right-click on the picture and select "save picture" or "save picture as."

Though you are in your shining days,
Voices among the crowd
And new friends busy with your praise,
Be not unkind or proud,
But think about old friends the most:
Time's bitter flood will rise,
Your beauty perish and be lost,
For all eyes but these eyes.

Bro. Wallace, Bro. Smith, Sis. Smith, Sis. Wallace, Sis. Burns

Bro. & Sis. Wallace, Bro. & Sis. Burns

Sis. Burns, Bro. Burns

Bro. Wallace, Bro. &. Sis. Smith, Sis. Wallace, Sis. Burns, Bro. Burns

Bro. Lord, Bro. Smith, Bro. Daniels

Bro. Smith, Bro. & Sis. Daniels, Sis. Smith

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