By Message Staff
TERRYTOWN – Tragedy turned into triumph on the Westbank campus of Celebration Church, a week after its pastor was tragically killed while trying to help a motorist change a flat tire.
Dennis Watson, lead pastor of Celebration Church that has campuses in the Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Northshore areas, told members and guests inside a packed worship center on the Westbank campus Sunday, June 23, they have showed their trust in God and love for Pastor Claude Williams and his family. Williams was one of three people who died Sunday evening, June 16, while trying to help a motorist change a flat tire on the upper level of the Westbank Expressway in Marrero.
During the service, 15 people turned to Christ, and many more made decisions to accept Jesus as Lord during two memorial services held June 21 and 22.
“The Lord tells us we will experience trials and tragedy in life,” Watson said during the June 23 worship service. “The Lord also tells us that He will bring us through our trials and tragedies. To overcome life’s trials and tragedies we must remember who God is and what He is able to do for and through us.”
Drawing his message from 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, Watson reminded the congregation that God comforts and strengthens them in their trials, and also helps them become stronger people. He added this event has helped them better comprehend the needs of others who will experience their own trials.
“This tragedy will now be turned to triumph as Jesus’ Church rises up like never before to be the body and ministering arms of Jesus,” Watson said.
The worship service capped an emotional week for the congregation that included a vigil at the Westbank campus June 18 and memorial services at Celebration Church’s Metairie campus June 21 and the First Baptist Church in Natchitoches June 22.
An account on the Celebration Church website has been established to help the Williams family with financial needs. Donations can be given at https://celebrationmla.infellowship.com/OnlineGiving/GiveNow/NoAccount.
