THE LEGACY LIVES ON
I just returned from a church I had the privilege of pastoring several years ago—Bell Shoals Baptist Church in the Tampa area. They dedicated a beautiful new worship center seating approximately 3400. The soothing colors are at once restful and inviting. The jumbo screens are high def and the sound is quality. Move to the music suite and rehersal room and you will love the airy feel, the live sound and screens that can show you what is happening in the worship center while practicing in the rehearsal area.
But I don’t think the real dedication occured this weekend. Rather, it was launched through both triumph and tragedy…in combination. On April 20, due to the extremely gracious invitiation of Dr. Forrest Pollock, I had the privilege of preaching the last messages in the former worship center built in the early 1980s. Seven days later Forrest led them triumphantly into their beautiful new house of worship. On that day it was truly “dedicated” as he preached on how anyone could know for certain they are in relationship with Jesu Christ and why being a part of a church was important. And as a result well over 100 people responded to the invitation time that Sunday. That was the Triumph.
God blessed his days of new journey into the long awaited celebration of new opportunities. Things could not have brighter until the day of May 12, when Forrest and his outstanding 13 year old son, Preston, were lost in a tragic plane crash in North Carolina. They would find them May 13. The church would gather to pray on Wednesday night the 14 when over 3200 from the church and community gathered in sorrow and people and the memorial service would be May 17. Between the prayer gathering, the Memorial service on Saturday and services on Sunday the 18th well over another 100 people made decisions for Christ. And so, through the terrible tragedy many lives were radically transformed.
So, as I was honored to attend the “official” dedication…the dedication of transformed lives was what truly committed the facility to God’s glory. And out of tragedy…and triumph …a legacy lives on.
I know Forrest would be thankful for how God is being glorified…even through his and Preston’s tragic death. How fitting that the building program emphasis was focused on giving God the greater glory. And in the midst of such a devastating loss I salute Forrest’s incredible wife Dawn, and his remianing 5 children as they move forward with life amidst the loss of an incredile husband and father! And may Bell Shoals Baptist move forward to such heights as it has never known.
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Again Bob you have written a great piece. Thanks for looking at the triumphant side of this tragedy. As Christians we KNOW where Forrest and Preston are today. The world will never have an appreciation of that fact, but we take comfort in the hope that resides in each of us. A hope based on the promise in God’s Word.
It is funny how we get criticism at times for broadcasting numbers, but the Bible is clear that numbers matter because each number is a person important to God. There are lots of times in the Bible that numbers are written - it shows God at work in a mighty way!
Each of us is familiar with the fine line between the mountain tops and the valleys. Bell Shoals is a strong Church as you know. There will always be a place in the heart of Bell Shoals for the accomplishments of Forrest Pollock. But our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gets all of the glory. The entire process from building planning to finance campaign was centered around God receving all of the glory. We said early on that no man, no committee, no group would get any glory - only God. Forrest and I had several talks about this and we were one in our feelings on this as was all of the leadership. Our Church contains no buildings that were named after people. No matter how big the monetary gift is - it is still God’s house. Forrest turned down a large gift that someone wanted to give because it contained a requirement that one of the elements of the new building could be named after a loved one. I admire any Pastor that turns down a monetary gift on Godly principles. He went as far as to announce it in the pulpit (no names were used of course) in order to stop any future attempts of such requests.
Focusing on what God wants and what God expects can be a real challenge. We do not always hit the mark, but thanks for recognizing God’s triumph in this.
Ed
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Dr. Reccord
I am sorry that I did not have the priviledge to serve our Lord at Bell Shoals while you were the pastor. I have enjoyed your messages when you have had the opportunity to speak at BSBC and I am so happy that we have men of your caliber in our SBC staff. Thanks for the great article concerning the dedication of God’s house to the ministry of leading people to know our Lord Jesus Christ.
We will all miss our beloved Pastor, Forrest Pollock. We will miss the leadership, laughs, jokes and most of all his desire to see people come to know our Lord. Forrest always had two things in mind when he talked about a ministry and that was encouragement and direction to be a passionate follower of Christ. He lead BSBC in a new direction of always being the best and having the best for our Lord. He was proud of our facilities but only for the glory of God. He had a vision of seeing people all over the world coming to know Christ through the prayers, work and obedience of God’s people at BSBC.
It was an honor and pleasure to serve on the Building Team with a Pastor that had the confidence in the team to do the right things. He never dictated anything to us but always lead us in the right direction because he was in the will of God. He has helped us set the goals and standards for which BSBC can continue to grow and reach the world for Christ.
I know all things happen for the Glory of God and I believe God has even greater plans for BSBC. I am excited to see what God is going to do. I also believe that God has great plans for Dawn and the children. It is hard to understand or even think of what that might be but God is on his Throne and in control.
Bob….thanks for being sensitive to BSBC and the Pollock family during these times of grief and morning. Thanks for your support in attending our dedication service and I agree with you…..the dedication started a long time before June 1, 2008.
Robert
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Bob, thanks for keeping the focus on Christ as this is what Forrest would want. That being said, Forrest was a man after God’s own heart and as I and Bonnie were fortunate enough to have Forrest spend some time with us in our North Carolina Home this past year and what one sees in public is how he is in public. His focus was Christ Alone. He deserves all the honor that is bestowed on him as he reflected it all back to God. He will be missed and both he and Prerston will have an influence on many people which transcens the present. The crown that he received when he passed from time into eternity with the Triune God was no doubt returned back to the Triune God whom we all serve. As you are aware, Bell Shoals is where my heart is even though we are fortuante enought to attend another Church lead by another Man of God. The point it is and should ALWAYS be about GOD as HE supplies all our needs even in a time of grief. I continue to pray for Dawn and the kids and pray for the Bell Shoals Family as God already has the man HE wants to lead Bell Shoals. As I was fortunate to be on the search committee for Forrest, at a questioning session at Bell Shoals, the question can up, “How did we find Forrest?” My answer was he was not lost but GOD revealed him when the time was right. I belive GOD has someone ready to come to Bell Shoals and lead HIS people.
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Jim and Ed
One of the reasons Forrest was able to have the impact he did, was to be surrounded by key lay leaders like the two of you. That allowed him to lead with a vision and focus on the things that only he could do…a key to effective leadership.
Having worked with both of you, I know from a first hand perspective what a difference it makes! A leader is often characterized best by the people who surround him. And you said a lot about the leader! Thanks for being great examples of partners that make leadership worth while.
Because of folks like you Forrest could enjoy his family because he knew he had great lay leaders with their shoulder to the plow, and who always had his back! May your tribe increase!
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Thanks so much Robert for your gracious comments, for your faithful service to Forrest and Bell Shoals, and for having such a special role in what is happening at that GREAT church.
Remember, the future is as bright s the promises of God.
June 4th, 2008 at 7:01 am
A Tribute to My Pastor, My Boss, My Friend…
Without question, without hesitation, Forrest Pollock was the most Godly man I’ve ever known. Sure, we expect preachers to be Godly, especially on Sundays. But can we expect that on Mondays too? Yes we can. Forrest Pollock was the “real deal” every day of the week. Pastor Forrest practiced what he preached.
I remember as preparations were being made for Pastor Forrest to come to Bell Shoals we were all a bit apprehensive about the days to come with our new boss. My network of friends (Pastor’s assistants from all over the country) had been praying that my new boss would keep me. What? Did he have an option not to? Apparently so, but I’m happy to report that my friends’ prayers were answered.
Pastor Forrest was a wonderful boss. Yes, without question, without hesitation, the best boss I’ve ever had. He showed me respect and treated me as a valuable part of the team. Pastor paid me a high honor on the day that he refused to do business with a certain travel agency. I had called several agencies to get information on group travel packages for a future conference. A gentleman at one place assured me that he could help, but he insisted on meeting with the Pastor personally, not with his secretary. After I communicated that to Pastor Forrest, he said “you can tell a lot about a person’s character by the way that they treat your assistant.” Pastor then instructed me to cross off that agency from my list of possibilities. Wow! My boss cared about me.
Pastor Forrest showed great confidence in me to get the needed tasks done. At times, I feared he might be too confident in my abilities. He would communicate what he wanted and when he wanted it, but he would often leave the “how” up to me. I felt stretched far beyond my comfort zone many times. Where does one find an eight foot Roman Soldier within two days anyway?
Pastor Forrest loved his family. I love his family. I remember when the Pastor Search Team first introduced the Pollock family to the Bell Shoals staff. The search team was very intentional in scheduling times for Dawn and me to get to know each other. They were almost weird about it. Looking back, I’m so glad that they made that extra effort to include me. Dawn and I hit it off right from the beginning and we have become dear friends since. We’re going to need each other in the days ahead.
I’m certainly going to miss my Pastor and the “Barbie Dream Job” doesn’t seem so dreamy right now. But I’m going to keep my eyes on Jesus and encourage others to do the same. For those that have received Jesus’ free gift of eternal life, we’ll be reunited one day with Pastor Forrest & Preston in Heaven. For those who have not yet accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord, it’s time to do that now. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Yes, without question, without hesitation, there will be a glad reunion day and advance reservations are needed!
Barbie Frost
Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor
Bell Shoals Baptist Church
June 4th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Bro. Bob THANKS SO MUCH FOR COMING AND GIVING US AT BSBC THE MEN OF VALOR CONFERANCE…WE HAD THE …MAN… OF VALOR IN OUR PASTOR…WE WERE IN OUR WEEKLY STUDY WHEN WE RECIEVED THE CALL OF PASTOR AND PRESTON MISSING ..THE FOLLOWING WEEK AT OUR NEXT MEETING I THINK THAT OUR PASTOR WAS DESCRIBED TO A TEE…..WHEN WE SPEAK OF PEOPLE WE ALWAYS SPEAK HOW GREAT THEY ARE AND THEN WE SAY….BUT…..USING THE WORD …BUT….TAKES EVERYTHING AWAY…FOR EXAMPLE… MY BUS DRIVER IS A GREAT DRIVER , HE KEEPS THE BUS COOL ,HE DRIVES SAFE,…BUT…HE TAKES THE LONG ROUTE…AFTER THE WORD …BUT …ANYTHING BEFORE IT LOSSES IN PRAISE….PASTOR FORREST WAS A …AND… MAN… HE LOVED GOD. AND HE LOVED HIS WIFE. AND HE LOVED HIS KIDS. AND HE LOVED HIS GODS CHURCH . AND HE LOVED HIS STAFF. AND HE LOVED HIS FELLOW PASTORS. AND HE LOVED HIS MEXICAN FOOD . AND HE LOVED LIFE . I COULD GO ON AND ON ABOUT PASTOR FORREST…. AND NEVER USE THAT WORD. I WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR LOVE FOR OUR GOD OUR PASTOR AND OUR CHURCH… and its still….only through GRACE Tbg
June 4th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Barbie
Every pastor in the world would love to have their assistant write something about them like you did about Forrest. No one in the work setting could know Forrest as well as you did, seeing him at his work in the best of times and the worst of times. It is wonderful to work with someone who is consistent in all they do…not perfect…just consistent. Forrest was that.
Good leaders draw good people, and then let them do their work. Obviously he knew he could trust you to follow through and get the job done with excellence. Thanks for being such a great compliment to his leadership.
June 4th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Tommy
You ae so right. We should all take great care in our use of the word “but” as a qualifier. My father told me a lot of years ago “everything you say before the word ‘but’ doesn’t count.” How true.
No qualifers from me regarding Forrest. He was easy to love and respect as a friend and colleague in ministry. I have been fortunate in my journey as pastor to have recieved wonderful kindness and graciousness from those who succeeded me, in general. Men like Ken Alford and Ken Hemphill, but none have honored me any more than Forrest Pollock. There was never a time I was privileged to return to Bell Shoals Forrest was incredible to express publically and privately appreciation, affirmation and honor for leadership I was blessed to give at Bell Shoals in past years. It takes and big man…and a secure man to do that.
I was amazed that just a few weeks before the tragic death of Forrest and Preston he had insisted that I preach the last 3 messages to be preached in the former worship center. How many pastors would have done that?! Not many, I would suggest. It takes a lot of security and maturity to do that. It is one of the many reasons I respected Forrest so much…he was comfortable and confident in his own skin, yet wonderfully humble.
June 4th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Tribute to Forrest and Dawn,
When i think of the two of you i find myself thinking back to our trip to Mexico. This was a time when i really got to know the both of you and experience you on a personal level. The two of you have always in my eyes been the epitome of love. a love that never grows weary, a love that blinds the eyes evil, a love that warms the hearts of those around you, a love that never dies, a love that i myself long and pray for!! Thank you for always encouraging me to never desire less than Gods Perfect Will!!
On another note i have to say that pastor always made me laugh! Like his insistent appetite for guacamole dip, his shoveling skills, and his jokes! I was looking through the pictures from the Mexico trip the other day and it was like a breath of fresh air to see the presences of God on the trip and in the team! Thank you for loving God so much, because it blessed us all!!
June 5th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Laughter is indeed good medicine for the soul and Forrest sure spread that medicine liberally. You just had to grin when you saw him coming!
June 6th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Tribute to Forrest and Dawn,
My husband Michael and I really got to know both of you on the Survivor Cruise. I have been playing the different things over in my mind that Pastor Forrest has done in the last six years, such as asking us all to give our shoes away, his included! Several times having different people TAKE OUT from the collection plate if they needed to…. Knowing everyone’s name, coming to choir practice, one night he even sat in the alto section with a robe on and we didn’t know he was there!
Pastor Forrest has shown me how it is to be Jesus with skin on. I have never had a Pastor before, who I truly felt loved and encouranged by until Forrest. What you saw on Sunday is what you saw the rest of the week!
That can be said about Dawn and the children as well. It was a joy to get to know them both on the cruise and I feel so blessed to have had Pastor Forrest for the six years that we did.
I look forward to a big re-union one day, when there are no more tears!
Dawn and children, know that you are loved and prayed for everyday.
June 6th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
“Jesus with skin on”..what a compliment. But then, that what being a disciple is all about, isn’t it. May we strive to do much better in being INCARNATIONAL!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Tribute to Pastor Forrest:
My Mother and father have been members at Bell Shoals since the late 1980’s. Dr. Bob Reccord led my brother and I to Christ and baptized us. As I walk in His marvelous light I will always remember you Dr. Reccord!
I received a call at 5am on May 13th from a Pastor friend of mine in Lakeland, Florida. He said he had heard Pastor Forrest’s plane had disappeared, that we needed to be in prayer. I can’t begin to express how my heart ached that day. I was actually sitting in a revival class at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth when word came in that Pastor Forrest and Preston had lost their lives. Our class prayed that somehow, some way revival would spark from the impact of this tragedy and that God would move in a mighty way, and He did!
Pastor Forrest poured his life into his family and his church. He was a true shepherd who cared deeply for his flock. He gave his love, his time and his devotion to bringing glory to his heavenly Father. Pastor Pollock spent years spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ with power and conviction. He and Preston have both left a legacy their family can be proud of. They will be missed.
I want to thank Dawn for her incredible devotion to Forrest and her family. I have heard from several at the church that her example through all of this has given hope to many, many people. I pray God’s strength and richet blessings for her and the Pollock children. Thank you for being such a tremendous wife, mother and example.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Scott, as one of the rising young leaders of both today and tomorrow, thanks for taking the opportunity of honorng such a wonderful guy and pastor. Because he had his priorities in order…..the Lord, his marriage, his family, his ministry, and then everything else Forrest carried a wonderful and healthy balance. I trust you and your generation will learn a lot from how he lived, loved, ministered, and encouraged.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I was deeply saddened and went to prayer when I heard about the disappearance of my friend, Dr. Forrest Pollock and his son Preston. During the 24-hour period, I was in touch with various members of his church and others around the nation. I had spent time on the phone with Forrest just a few days before. Even today I still remember the joy and warmth in his voice and his all-embracing spirit toward all people. He was truly “an Israelite in whom there is no guile” and a man of “kindred spirit” who “did not seek his own but the things of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:20-21). Forrest was one of the Southern Baptist Convention’s most effective communicators and leaders. His quick smile, brilliance, and his gifting as a 10-talent man will be greatly missed. My prayers are with Dawn and the children, as well as the wonderful Bell Shoals family.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Pastor Forrest and Preston will be greatly missed. I’ve never known anyone like Pastor. He was truely a remarkable man. Being on staff at Bell Shoals I remember one morning bringing my daughter to school at the academy and just having a terrible morning with her. I needed to talk to someone as I was in tears. I went down and asked Barbie if Pastor had a minute, she started to say that he was busy, but looked up and say my tears and said, “Hold on.” Pastor aksed me to come into is office and we talked about the issues I was having with my daughter. He gave me some great advise and made me feel better about my parenting skills. I was beginning to feel that I was loosing my grip. He then told me to go upstairs and tell my boss that he was sending me home. I told him I would be fine, but he insisted that I just take a break and go home for the day. That was Pastor, you could go to him and talk to him about anything and he would good, sound, Godly advise. He was a wonderful man. I only wish that I could talk to him about this, but I know I have to trust in God at this point and know that He is on the thrown. God makes no mistakes. Great things have come from this tragedy, and even greater things are in store for Bell Shoals Baptist Church and it’s people. God Bless!
June 12th, 2008 at 11:19 am
In the first few weeks that Pastor was at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, he would come up on the platform during the welcome and give me a big hug and then slap me on the back and when I say slap…. I mean slap! !! Sometimes it would be so hard that the sting would stay with me for a few minutes. After taking the slaps for a few weeks I prepared myself for this one Sunday as he came up on the platform in his usual fashion, I braced myself as he gave me his loving slap, I pulled back and looked at him and said with a great big smile “if you ever do that again, I’ll punch you out!” Very quickly he looked at me and said with a great big smile “I won’t”. That is the only time that I know of that Forrest didn’t keep his word! It wasn’t a couple of weeks before he started it again!
I learned to dodge his swings and lesson the blow but I believe that was ONE OF HIS WAYS OF SAYING HE LOVED ME, I JUST WISH IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE GENTLER!!
I’ll never forget the day I told Pastor Forrest that he was too pretty and perfect that I needed to see a little dirt on him to see if he was real. He laughed and then said “well Simeon what you see is who I really am, I don’t know how to convince you that I am real but one thing is for certain I am not perfect just ask Dawn!!!”
It wasn’t long before it was obvious that Forrest was exactly who he portrayed a Humble, gentle, teachable yet strong leader.
On Mother’s day before he went home to be with the Lord, Forrest and I were in his new office in the new worship center. While we were talking I notice that the mirror that had been hanging behind his desk last week was gone. I asked him where it was and he said “that they had hung it so high he had to jump to see himself” and that they were going to lower it for him, to which I replied “then come over to my office because all I can see is my belly button”, they had hung mine too low we laughed because he was always saying Simeon “if I just had 4 inches of your height, just 4 inches I could have accomplished some big things!!”
He may not have had the extra physical height he wanted but he was a giant in the hearts of the people of Bell Shoals Baptist Church and accomplishing big things for the Lord was a natural to him.
He will be greatly missed!
He used to sign his letters with the title of a song that he loved called “ In Christ Alone”
So in honor of him, I too will sign off with…
In Christ Alone,
Pastor Simeon Nix
Pastor of Music and Worship
Bell Shoals Baptist Church
June 13th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
The first time I met Pastor Forrest was during his initial visit to Bell Shoals and we had a casual meeting in a hallway in the administrative offices. First impressions are lasting. He knew my name. “You must be Jaca.”
Next, I was captured by his eye contact. As his eyes locked on mine, he focused on every word we exchanged in that impromptu moment. Significant eye contact is important to me. It communicates more than words in a conversation. This was his MO. Folks knew, just by his eyes, they were important to him and he cared. Many have commented how his eye contact could be somewhat unnerving. I found it endearing.
Sometimes I wondered where Forrest was leading us as he shared his vision as he guided us to be “Passionate Followers of Christ”…this is his legacy not only to Bell Shoals but to all who knew him, who heard him. This was his life focus, his life work, and his passion. He led us to the foot of the Cross.
As a member of the staff team, I am grateful to have served with him, to see unfolding before my eyes another beautiful brush stroke in the bigger-than-life portrait of the Body of Christ. Forrest’s paintbrush was colorful, vibrant, bold, energetic, and enduring…indelible.
My heart weeps with Dawn. I understand her journey and that of the children. In my heart, they will always be the First Family of Bell Shoals.
Now that Forrest and Preston are in Heaven, they finally get to meet My Lawton. I can see Pastor now, “You must be Lawton.” He’ll probably give my Lawton a big ole slap on the back—Simeon style!
June 20th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Dear Bob,
Below is the ’speech’ our 12 year son Caleb wrote for his friend Preston Pollock. I thought it would be fitting to have it posted here with so many wonderful thoughts and sentiments about Preston’s father, Forrest.
There are so many days as parents when you wonder are you doing “it” right, and then there are moments like this one, when God confirms your actions as parents.
Preston was a great friend to Caleb and an honorary member of our family! We so loved him, and Forrest and they are both missed greatly.
——————————-A Tribute to PJ ——————————–
Hi, my name is Caleb Clark and I would like to tell you about my best friend Preston…Preston was 7 and I was 6 when we first met. He was a sort of tall kid who had a low voice. We became friends right away and decided that we needed to make a band. Our first band had another kid from school but we later made a new band with these other two guys and called ourselves SOS. We had band practice on Sunday afternoons and always had fun together.
We went to camp together three times and had so much fun pulling some great pranks. Preston always had a good time no matter where he went.
Preston always loved music, mostly metal and rock. His favorite bands were Switchfoot and Underoath. He loved to make music with his Gibson Les Paul. He also loved Marshall Amps and wanted a tube screamer distortion pedal. Preston also had a love for cars and his favorite was the Delorean. He always wanted one and is probably driving one now.
The one thing that I want you to know about Preston is that he loved God. If anyone is here today and doesn’t know for sure that they are a Christian, please come and talk to us. We may just be kids, but we know for sure we will see Preston and Pastor Pollock again when we get to heaven.
I would like to read you one verse that means a lot to me, it’s John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Preston and Pastor are in heaven because they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
It’s not goodbye for Preston, it’s only See Ya Later!
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Pastor and Preston will be missed but,we will never forget what he did for our church and for many lives he touched.During his time of being pastor for Bell Shoals he was a man that touched lives so that he could let people know bout Jesus.he was a brilliant pastor and a good friend.i will never for get him.
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Pastor and Preston will be missed but,we will never forget what he did for our church and for many lives he touched.During his time of being pastor for Bell Shoals he was a man that touched lives so that he could let people know bout Jesus.he was a brilliant pastor and a good friend.i will never for forget him.
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Dr. Reccord,
Your comments are correct and appreciated. It is very easy to loose sight of the goal God has set for us in light of all that has occured. It is not about us and is all about God and for God.
After meeting a few Pastors in the past who had fallen or dissappointed, my wife and I decided to meet with Pastor Pollock when we were deciding to join Bell Shoals to learn more about him. Our visit with him on “meet with the pastor” on wed. nights was a very pleasant and reassuring experience.
As I got to know Forrest Pollock I soon found out that we both shared a love for aviation, he liked to fly planes and I love to work on planes. On several occasions we would talk as he would get his plane ready for a trip or we would work on it. Through this I got to know more about him and just as most people say, he was the same person all of the time. You could tell he truly loved God and his family. We even took a mission trip to Haiti/Domican Republic last November and as we talked to missionaries you could see his genuine interest in the people he talked to. He was eager to learn more about whomever he was around and how he could help.
Last April was my first opportunity to meet Preston as we met at Sun-N-Fun (air show). I was meeting Forrest there and he had brought his three boys. At lunch time I sat by Preston and as we talked you could tell he loved his music and his band. He was excited about coming up to youth group and wanting to use his music at worship time.
I feel that God has blessed me and made me a better witness by meeting Forrest Pollock and I thank him for that. I thank Dawn and her children for allowing Forrest to go to Haiti/Domican Republic and giving up their time. We know that God has bigger and better plans and we look forward to seeing what he has in store for Bell Shoals.
To Dawn, Courtney, Brooke, Hope, Blake and Kirk you are always in our prayers and thank you for everything.
June 22nd, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Dawn and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our family will never forget the love and kindness that you and the Pastor showed us on on our Israel trip in ‘06. You both gave our family the clothes off of your back because our luggage never showed up. That was a once in a lifetime trip for us and we are so glad that we have those precious memories. On Mothers Day….my Mom, Dad and Sister got to say hi to the Pastor after the service and he gave them a book on Grace and he remembered them all by name…I’m not sure why I was so surprised to hear that. I guess because I can’t even remember things that happened an hour ago. He made them feel special all over again! What a great example of Christs love! Your family is such an inspiration and you are dearly loved.
The Olivieri Family
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:30 am
My name is Sue Thomas and I have been a member of Bell Shoals for almost 3 years. I never had the honor of meeting our Pastor and his wife Dawn..and I feel so sad about that. Bell Shoals has made a tremendous difference in my life. Pastor Forrests open and friendly manner drew me into the church. I still cannot comprehend the loss of Pastor Forrest and his son Preston. My heartfelt love goes out to Dawn and the children and all of the family….His love and his joy in serving the Lord has inspired me deeply.
I know the Lord will comfort Dawn and see her thru this..my love goes out to you all! In His Preecious Name,Sue
June 24th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Tina and Simeon
Tina, how appropriate that you bring up the point that Forrest always worked at having time for people. That is the exact model that Jesus gave. And how better to know that than first hand…when Forrest made time for you. What a great testimony. I always found him to be that way with me as well.
And Simeon, you nailed it that character comes in all sizes. And the size of a man…or woman…is not best determined by their physical measurements, but by their character measurements. And Forrest was a man of character…and a “character”–always ready to make someone else life and see the bright side.
What a gift to work with people like that!
June 24th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Jaca
There is something magical about someone who “looks us in our eyes” when they talk to us. Too often they are glancing around to see who else is coming, who else they need to talk too, and making sure they don’t miss anything “more important.” But Forrest did indeed focus on whoever he talked with, cocking his head a bit to the side, as though he was working hard to zero in on whomever he was communicating with…and we all believed that he felt we were the most important person around at the time. The gift of making people feel important is a crucial gift…and one which we all want to cultivate in our own lives on a daily basis.
June 24th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Caleb
One of the most important things in life is a Buddy when we are growing up…and for that matter, when we’re supposedly grown up, as well. That special friend with whom we share life’s experiences which become etched in our mind is so key. Thanks for being one of those to Preston. His life was so much richer because he had a friend like you in both life ….and in death. Your wonderful words impacted me greatly and I pray that all of us have some friends like you in our life.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
We are going to truly miss Forrest and the messages that he brought into our lives. His humor and the manner to which he opened up God’s Word to us has made incredible impacts in our lives. We are grateful that even though it was for too short a time, that God saw it fitting to bring Forrest to our church. We know that he and Preston are together with Jesus now and that we will someday see them both. For now, though we will endeavor to continue to “walk the talk” and show by example what a Christian is - someone, not with all the answers, but with all the hope.
June 25th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
We have been members of Bell Shoals for over 20 years. Our family has been greatly touched and closely touched by Dr. Forrest Pollock. Joel and Pastor Pollock had enjoyed lunch together the week before our personal tragedy. Joel and I have a blended family of 6 children all of which are grown and married. In September our Daughter ‘ law Diane Messina died tragically. Dr. Pollock graciously gave of his time to perform the funeral service and not only that but spent time with us the night before the service to get to know all of our family and to gather information about Diane so that he could do a meaningful service. As he spoke at the service you would think he had known Diane personally. He prayed with us and encouraged us. This he did on a Sunday evening, his voice stressed after speaking at three services. He arranged for Simeon to sing and Zak played guitar, we realized and strongly appreciated the fact that pastor Pollock did not usually perform funerals because of his many duties. Knowing this made us feel special at a time when we were broken. On the day of the funeral Dawn came with him and encouraged our hearts with her presence and caring heart. Pastor Pollock and Dawn will forever be in our hearts. The Pollock family are amazing mentors and examples of a strong loving christian family. We feel so very blessed that God brought them to Bell Shoals.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:37 am
God uses strong men, to build strong families, to build strong churches.
Being away at Southwestern Seminary during the lose of Pastor Forrest and Preston was difficult, my wife Tammy and I watched the service on the internet with heavy hearts. Pastor Forrest counseled with me before I left for seminary four years ago, his words calmed my nerves and encouraged me to pursue God’s calling on my life.
Many years earlier another dear pastor from Bell Shoals Bob Reccord gave me words of encouragement as a new believer when he baptized me and later married Tammy and I. What a blessed church Bell Shoals is to have had such great men of God to lead them and teach the the Word of God.
To Dawn and the kids, remember Forrest’s and Preston’s example. They set you upon the path, pointed you in the right direction and now you must walk it, cherishing the memories, but looking ahead to what God has for your family. God knew what He was doing, trust in Him and find comfort in His word. (Romans 8:28)
I am greatful to have known these great men of God.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Dawn, Courtney, Brooke, Hope, Blake, Kirk:
A brilliantly shining “shooting star’ comes to mind when we think of Pastor Forrest. He was with us here at Bell Shoals for only a few short years, but he lit up the world around him - with smiles, with kindness, and with a love of God. His light will remain in our hearts. We can’t imagine how devastating it has been for each you to have lost a husband, a son, a dad, a brother. It is our prayer that God’s love will sustain you each and every day. With love, Cal and Linda Hitt
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Thank you Bob Reccord for giving us this method to reflect.
I have just a quick comment that many may be feeling. Pastor Pollock’s special touch left an imprint on our church in many ways and I miss it. I know it’s good to try and move on so I sadly took his name out of my email address book this week. I so miss his email notes on what the upcoming Sunday services would be about and his wonderful Encouraging Word emails. These are little things that meant a lot to me along with big personal touches he had in my family’s life.
Dawn and the children have these feelings & memories magnified many, many times over and my prayers are with them. We must continue to keep them in our prayers.
I look forward to the July 4th parade where our church will be represented and Pastor and Preston will be honored. I also appreciate the great leadership we have had in our church these past weeks. Our church is blessed.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
DEAR DR,RECCORD AS YOU KNOW IN MY BUSSINESS I MEET A LOT OF PASTORS,SOME OF THEM YOU NEVER TELL THAT ARE EVEN CHRISTIAN FROM THE WAY THEY TALK AND ACT NOT PASTOR HE WAS WHAT SEE IS WHAT YOU GET. DURING THAT WEEK THAT WE HEARD THE NEWS THAT PASTOR &PRESTON WENT HOME TO BE WITH LORD ,ONE OMY CLIENT STOP BY TO GIVE HIS CONDOLENCE HE TOLD ME THAT HIS DAUGHTER LOVED OUR PASTOR SO I ASKED HIM IF SHE IS A BSBC MEMBER HE SAID NO, SO I ASKED HIM HOW SHE KNEW PASTOR HE SAID SHE MET HIM AT A RESTAURANT AND HE INTRODUCE HIMSELF TO HER AND TALKED TO HER FOR A WHILE THIS WAS FORREST DIDNT WASTE ANY TIME TO SHERE CHRIST WITH EVERY BODY HE WAS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE THAT PAUL TALKED ABOUT IN 2 TIM4:2 PREACH THE WORD, BE PREPARED IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON. FOR SURE HE WILL BE MISSED ,
July 11th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Dear Bob,
Thank you for setting up a comment section on our beloved Pastor Forret and Preston. I really cannot add anything to all tha has been said before my contribution. He was all that and much more! A lot of “that” can be attributed to Dawn’s loving efforts on the homefront.
I’d just like to tell about my first encounter with Dawn. I was entering the church via the concourse one day and met with one of the search committee members. She introduced me to “my friend, Dawn.” Wow! what a beautiful lady, I thought. I went on into the church to conduct what business I had to do and then went home. I began thinking of this lady and the fact that we were without a pastor and by golly, I realized that this was our new pastor’s wife who had not yet been introduced to the church body!!! Well, sure enough this “friend” was indeed who I thought she was.
When Pastor Forrest and Dawn were introduced to the congregation, I shook his hand and told him “My name is Joy. Only three letters long and simple to remember.” You guessed it…he did NOT forget my name! He was such a sweetie!
Another incident that endeared him to me: he always had time to come to our English as the Second Language classes to meet our students. Then he would gladly pose for pictures with them.
The Academy had a Spring Festival this year and I had my greatgrandson, Noah, there. We were waiting in line for Noah to ride a horse and I saw Pastor Forrest coming across the field. I told Noah that Pastor Forrest was coming and Noah broke out of the line and with arms wide open was running toward Pastor Forrest yelling his name. Pastor Forrest knelt down and encased Noah into his arms and said, “Noah, buddy, are you haeing fun?” I did not realize that he even knew Noah’s name, but that was one little boy that was thrilled to know that his Pastor loved him so much to know his name and to hug him so tightly. This was so like Pstor Forrest…he loved everyone and everyone was special in his sight.
Could go on and on, but am sure that others feel the same way about our beloved Pastor and we thank you, Dr. Bob, for this opportunity to let the worl know how special he was and IS to each of us.