The Orlando Bible Church is the oldest independent church in the Central Florida area. It has been in existence for over fifty years and has had only three pastors. The founding pastor served for a short period of time, and was succeeded by Rev. Hayes Minnick. Pastor Minnick served for forty-three faithful years. It would be an impossible task to talk about the history of the Orlando Bible Church without mentioning the Spirit-filled ministry of our beloved pastor, Hayes K. Minnick. He graduated from Houghton College and Faith Seminary. By God's grace, he was a faithful servant whose life touched and edified a multitude of others, glorifying the LORD. We have no doubt that as he entered into the presence of the LORD in April of '95, he heard the words, "Well Done," from his Saviour. "For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain." While he was the pastor he addressed in writing many of the pertinent issues of our day. We hope to make some of these valuable discourses available to those who are interested, (see "Issues & Answers" page). Many were written a number of years ago, but the truth is never out of date, and the Bible has what we need for today. Pastor Minnick often spoke of the need for separation, not only from the evil of this present world and unbelievers, but also from disobedient brethren. He was never afraid to share the truth, even if it was not popular. The testimony for which he labored so diligently, still remains. The work is awesome. But we have a marvelous God Who is more than able to keep us and help us to continue the work that was started some fifty years ago. It was my privilege to assist Pastor Minnick for seventeen years. Instruction of Hebrew and Greek was included as Pastor Minnick passed on his valuable studies to me. I had the blessed privilege to study one on one with Hayes for nine years. Pastor Minnick cannot be replaced, nor do we wish him back, "to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better" (Phil. 1:23) Although we miss him, we will, by God's grace, attempt to carry on the vision that he had for the Bible Church, the city of Orlando, the Central Florida area, "...and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8. To make Christ known to them. "According to my earnest expectation, and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:20-21
Rev. James L. Thomas (Psalm 73:25,26)
The following is a poem that Pastor Minnick loved and quoted quite often. He now knows the very reality of these precious words.
I have a Friend whose faithful love
Is more than all the world to me;
Tis higher than the heights above,
And deeper than the soundless sea;
So old, so new, so strong, so true--
Before the earth received its frame
He loved me. Blessed be His name
His was the highest place above,
Adored by all the sons of flame.
Yet, such His self-denying love,
He laid aside His crown, and came
To seek the lost: And at the cost
Of heavenly rank and fame,
He sought me. Blessed be His name!
It was a lonely path trod,
From every human soul apart;
Known only to Himself and God
Was all the grief that filled His heart:
Yet from the track He turned not back
Till, where I lay in want and shame,
He found me. Blessed be His name!
Then dawned at last that day of dread
When, desolate, yet undismayed,
With wearied frame and thorn-crowned head
He, now forsaken and betrayed,
Went up for me to Calvary;
And, dying there in grief and shame,
He saved me. Blessed be His name!
Long as I live my song shall tell
The wonders of His matchless love.
And, when at last I rise to dwell
In the bright home prepared above,
My joy shall be His face to see,
And bowing then with loud acclaim
I'll praise Him. Blessed be His name!
-C.A. Tydeman