JOHN WILLIS-Baptist Revivalist
Born the eldest son to a father with
a family history replete with numerous Baptist Elders and Deacons, I have ancestral descent from Elder
Joseph Willis, called the "Father
of Louisiana Baptist Churches".
The volume linked to above,The
History of Louisana Negro Baptists: From 1804 to 1914 by Wm. Hicks,B.A., D.D.
published 1915, is a formidable document also listing the origins of many pioneer
Baptists and their churches in various states and foreign countries.
My maternal relations include a grandfather who for sometime was a Presbyterian lay preacher.
At one time, my mother says, that as a child, worship services were held in their
home; a testimony to their dedication to the Lord's Work.
Three out of four of my nephews are licensed preachers along with a dozen cousins who
are ordained and presently in full-time ministry. I believe it would be safe to say
that this is a Baptist family in every sense of the word.
My wife, the former Terry Simmons Kidd, and I were married on Friday May 30th, 1986 at the First
Roseland Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois.
- We both were widowed with one previous
spouse and brought one son each to our new family. One thing that helped cement
us together was the almost identical deaths of both of our former spouses.
- The
Lord has blessed us to be the natural parents of 12 children aged between early 30's and toddler.
- All of our children were dedicated to God and His service
soon after their respective births.
- Three of our five sons have definite calls to
full-time ministry and one is a licensed preacher.
- Of our seven daughters,
the eldest twins have already declared their commitment to marry only Baptist preachers.
- We "Home Educate" our children as we have done for almost 20 years and
have no intention of stopping.
- We believe, preach, teach and practice Godly Separation
in all areas physical, mental and spiritual. This makes our standards appear strict
to the unsaved and carnal Christians alike.
- We live nearly 100 miles west of Chicago. Our location is ripe for continuing the "Home-Centered Family Life" that we have practiced throughout our marriage.
- We realize that this position can be very difficult for many Baptists to practice and we thank Almighty God for the benefit and blessing to be able to do so. It is a lifestyle that we stand ready to help any who feel led by God to establish in their own home.
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