Story and photos
submitted by
MARK ELLIOTT
Pastor

On Monday night April 13, 2009, one of our Forney residents, Tommie Autrey of People’s Fellowship Assembly of God, was given the prestigious award for servanthood called The Order of the Towel. This is the first year the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God has given such an award to any of its members.  The Order of the Towel is an award based on true Christian character and a life that demonstrates selfless servanthood. Mr. Autrey was chosen for this award based on a nomination from his pastor. The Order of the Towel recipient was selected from 27 different churches, and over 230 other deacons or leaders that make up the Waxahachie Section.

Mr. Autrey serves People’s Fellowship Assembly of God as a member of the Advisory Council.  The Advisory Council is very similar to a Deacon board.  In the past 3 years and 4 months that Pastor Mark Elliott has been at People’s Fellowship, Tommie has given of himself in the areas of time, talent, and finances in order to serve his church family faithfully.  Tommie and his wife Claudia have been part of the founding church which is now People’s Fellowship for close to 15 years.  They show what it means to be a faithful church member and even go beyond what is expected in order to serve God with excellence.  During their years of membership, both Tommie and Claudia have demonstrated numerous selfless acts of generosity to people both in the church and not in the church.  They truly have a heart for people, with no biases.

On Sunday, April 26, 2009, People’s Fellowship celebrated Tommie’s achievement by designating the day Servanthood Sunday.  A special sermon on servanthood was preached by Pastor Elliott, and at the end of the service both Tommie and his wife, Claudia, were asked to come forward for a special time of honoring this couple.  Pastors Mark and Marie Elliott took part in a foot washing service in order to demonstrate that servanthood starts at the top.  It was a very special and humbling time as they washed the Autrey’s feet and prayed over both of them.  During this time of honor, a framed photo of the April 13th award was given to Tommie, and a special Order of the Towel award was given to Claudia since they have both served faithfully together.  On the 13th, Tommie was given the special commemorative towel, and his wife Claudia received a very humble bouquet of flowers.  During the Sunday April 26 celebration, it was Claudia’s turn for the award of the commemorative towel, and Tommie received the flowers.

There truly is no greater example of faithful, selfless, servanthood than Tommie and Claudia Autrey. The congregation of People’s Fellowship Assembly of God applauds the Autrey’s for this award, and is very blessed to have them as part of their family.