Gratitude Expressed to James and Corlett Edwards at Retirement Banquet

During a banquet hosted by Cleveland Hope, James and Corlett Edwards were honored for their ministry to Cleveland Hope and Ohio Baptists.  The retirement celebration was held at Cuyahoga Valley Church on May 19.  By their presence and through a joint resolution, numerous leaders from area churches joined in thanking James and Corlett for what they have done.  James, a Viet veteran, became pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church during the beginning years of the church.  After leading the church to be one of the stronger churches of the association and serving there for an extended time, Edwards retired that postion and became Director of Missions and Church Planting Catalyst for Cleveland Hope.  James Edwards also served as vice president for the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio immediately prior to that transition. Among those on the program who expressed gratitude for the Edwards' faithful service were Julie and Jeff Calloway, SEND City Missionary; Dwayne Simmons, pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church; Bruce Smith and Jack Kwok from the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio; and Rick Duncan, founding pastor of Cuyahoga Valley Church.  Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board, also provided a video thanks to James for serving as NAMB's CPC for the area.  James' brother and each of the Edwards' children also expressed their gratitude for the godly examples that James and Corlett have been.  Darin Avery, pastor of Bridge Church at Perry and the new Director of Missions for Cleveland Hope, served as master of ceremony for the event.