A Moment With Pastor Fred

Musician Ron Hamilton was promoted to glory April 19. In 1978, doctors discovered cancer in Ron’s left eye which required it to be removed. He was only 28. A child at church asked him about the eye patch while recuperating. In a teasing way Ron said he was a pirate – and “Patch the Pirate” was born. Our kids grew up hearing dozens of Ron’s songs. In fact, over 40 Patch the Pirate adventures were eventually published. In 2017 Ron was diagnosed with early onset dementia. He was only 67 at the time. One song he wrote that means much to me is “Rejoice in the Lord” based off his life verse, Phil 4:4. 

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long
In darkness He giveth a song.

 I could not see through the shadows ahead
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead
I bowed to the will of the Master that day
Then peace came and tears fled away

 Now I can see testing comes from above
God strengthens His children and purges in love
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care
Through purging more fruit I will bear

 O Rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistake
He knoweth the end of each path that I take
For when I am tried
And purified
I shall come forth as gold.