A Moment With Pastor Fred

The word providence is Latin meaning to see before. As the great sovereign of the universe, God sees events before they happen. But he’s not passive – merely watching events – he is active working out his divine plan, Eph 1:11.   God uses seemingly insignificant events in our lives to accomplish his purposes. It is always a joy to look back and see God’s providence. This day is no exception. I first met

Terry McIntosh in 1975 at Bible College. We reconnected when I served a decade later with his father-in-law, who became my mentor. We established a strong friendship when we later shared pastorates only miles apart. I met Dave Doran in 1986. Eventually Dave became a pastor himself and president of Detroit Baptist Seminary. 

Fast forward – September 2024. I emailed Dave about potential men for our transition. He mentioned Anthony Lange who served with Terry. It “just so happened” that Terry and Michal were coming to our home the following week for dinner. Not wanting to “steal” Anthony from his ministry I asked Terry about Anthony’s desire to pastor. Anthony had “just mentioned” to Terry his desire to find a pastorate. A week following – Terry, Anthony and I met at Panera in Howell. Immediate connection. Anthony met then with Paul Krepps – followed by numerous meetings, interviews, preaching and a vote of affirmation.

Today Anthony Lange joins our pastoral team fulfilling an initiative we’ve had in our strategic plans for years. I am truly amazed at God’s providence. We can say, “a desire accomplished is sweet to the soul,” Prov 13:19. Welcome Anthony, Kali, Naomi, Haddon, Ezra and Maggie to HBC.  Let us all rejoice in God’s providence.