Good Shepherd Primitive Baptist Church

Good Shepherd Primitive Baptist Church The Good Shepherd Primitive Baptist Church, located at 20909 Whitlock st. Farmington Hills MI 48336

02/02/2023

===== Tribute To Good Shepherd Primitive Baptist Church ====
Organized on June 13, 1959 ….. Doors Closed on April 10, 2022

The Good Shepherd Primitive Baptist Church, located at 20909 Whitlock Street, Farmington Hills, Michigan, was known for its spirit filled worship service, its heart felt song services and for its loving and warm fellowship. The church fellowship survived for almost 63 years.

The Church was organized by Elder Levi S. Saylor with seven charter members on June 13, 1959 as Pontiac Primitive Baptist Church and met in a rented building and quickly grew to have more than 100 members. In 1964 they moved into a building that was specially built for them at 20909 Whitlock Street, in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Then in 1985 the name was changed from Pontiac to Good Shepherd because of confusion with the city several miles away called Pontiac.

Through the years the Pastors of the church were:..Elder Levi S. Saylor ...1959 to 1963..Elder Robert E. Mayhorn ...1963 to 1982..Elder Otis Buell ...1982 to 2006..Elder Tommy Edwards ...2006 to 2010..Elder Tom Pitney ...2010 to 2020..Elder James Garrett ...2020 to April 10, 2022

My membership with the church was from April 14, 1968. I served as Trustee, Clerk and Treasurer for many years and loved doing all that I could to help my wonderful place of Worship. I moved to Tennessee in the summer of 2021, to be near my son and daughter and was saddened to hear of the decision made from the attending members of the church to disband on April 10, 2022.

With the doors closed for the meeting of services, I was so thankful that when I called Elder Trent Rogers, Pastor of New Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, to let him know that the building was now empty and was available for his congregation if he would like it, that he joyfully told me that he had had a dream just a week before that he purchased the Good Shepherd Building. I told him that his dream was a true dream, except, the building was his for … free.

In the last several months, the signing of all the needed legal papers and the Transfer of ownership has been completed.

Praise the Lord. The building is still in use for the purpose of worship, with a Primitive Baptist congregation meeting together to give God praise, but now is under the name of: New Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, 20909 Whitlock Street, Farmington Hills, Michigan.

As a member of the Church and a granddaughter of Elder Levi S. Saylor, who founded the Church, I Praise the Lord, for the many wonderful Worship Services that we had. I cherish the memories of hearing Grandpa Saylor talk of his plans and deep desire to serve the Lord and felt to organize this Church in 1959. I now pray that the Lord richly blesses the new congregation with many spirit filled worship services. To God, be the Honor and Glory Forever.

~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/29/2022

==== I Know That He Cares ====

When I look for my Precious Lord, Jesus,
… I can see His Glory everywhere.
Sometimes I see Him in the sparkling dew drop,
… And in the humble falling tear.

When I plead, Be with me, Sweet Jesus,
… I can feel His Presence, ever near.
Sometimes, He is in the silence of the moment,
… He is my Deliverer and my Hope in every care.

When I ask for His Help and His Blessings,
… I can see His Loving Grace remove all fear.
His Goodness is like rain, upon me falling,
… His wonderful Peace frees me from every care.

My soul can sing, The Lord is here. He is with me.
… His manifested Love, I hold so dear.
I am not alone. In His Loving Arms, He holds me.
… Oh, Praise The Lord! I Know That He Cares.

~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/28/2022

==== Our Great Feather ====
When my son, Justin Tyler, was ten years old, I read a story to him about a little boy named Frank, who had received a bow and arrow set for his Birthday. He asked his Dad, “Hey! What are the feathers for?”

Dad explained, “Well, Son. Feathers … keep the arrow straight … on its course ... as it sails through the air. That is why, it is very important, that you never, never use anything but an arrow with your bow! Never use a stick or other object that might go off, to the side and hit someone.”

The story tells of the little boy losing his arrow and in his pretense of shooting a wild turkey for a Pilgrims Dinner Feast, with his little sister, he picked up a stick, thinking that to disobey his Dad, just... once … wouldn't hurt anything.

Then, loosed from his bow, like a flash, the stick sped through the air turning aside toward the barn where Carol was getting plantain leaves to make pretend plates for their Turkey Dinner. In great pain, Carol screamed, “My eye! My Eye!”

After a horrifying wait at the hospital, the doctor finally came to the waiting room and said, “This was a close call, but Carol will be alright.”

Frank was so thankful that his disobedience to his Dad's good counsel had not caused his sister to be blind. Frank asked God to forgive him and begged God to help him to always obey his Dad.

With the story finished, I closed the book and turned off the light and started to tell Justin, Good Night, when he said, “Mom! You know! Jesus, the Lord! He is Our Feather! Without the Lord, we are just sticks that would go astray! But, with Jesus, we are … as an arrow … and through Jesus, we will see Heaven some day.” I said, “Yes, indeed, Justin. That is a beautiful thought!”

Oh, my! Without Sweet Jesus, we would never make the mark!
… We could never walk the straight and narrow.
But the Lord is our Helper in every way, Praise the Lord,
… Jesus is our Great Feather, and we are, as the little arrow.

~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/27/2022

==== No Feelings ====
Can you imagine someone putting their hand into a pan of … boiling hot oil... and grabbing a hand full of french fires and taking their time, after a long time they finally remove their hand from the hot oil and show no evidence of discomfort or pain … at all? Oh, how can this be?

I had a situation in my life, several years ago, where someone near to me, that I had known all my life, who at one time was a caring and loving person, suddenly changed and began to do cruel evil things. His behavior was absolutely... shocking... to me! With each days new events of wrong-doing on his part, I kept questioning of … why … and of … how … could he do these awful things and not be smitten in his conscience before God!

In the years before, I had felt that this one had the Love of God in his heart. In my reasoning, I could not understand how he could do the atrocities and horrible things that I was witnessing! Anyone with feelings, compassion, pity or sympathy could not continue to inflict so much pain and hurt on someone that loved him and had been so good to him!

As I prayed and prayed, seeking to understand this man, I had a dream of seeing him, with an evil, no-care, look on his face, as he … purposely... put his hand in … scalding hot oil... and then looked over at me and laughed an evil laugh, because he could do it and … feel no pain... from it at all! In my dream, as I watched in horror, as he held his hand in the boiling hot oil and yet felt no agonizing discomfort from it at all, I knew then; it was positive evidence, proof, that he simply had … No Feelings...! None!

We read in the Bible, where Paul speaks of some, “who being … past feeling … have given themselves over into lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

I realize that it is not only children of the world who can do sinful things.! Paul said, to not give place to the devil and … “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

We also read inn Romans where God gave some over to a … reprobate mind... where they were … void of judgment... and thus were capable of doing all kinds of wickedness including murder.

Could you or I become one who is … past feeling..? Could we be cruel to those dear to us and not care when they cry and plead for mercy? Could we do them bodily harm and not be moved by their weeping? Oh, my! What a horrible thought!

Yet, we all know that Satan is out there! He is looking to attack those who are weak! I don't want to be one of them. I want to take in spiritual strength and nutrition daily and keep a Close Walk With God.

I hope no one else has to see someone's cruelty as they live their life... without … feelings..., and do unseemly wicked and hurtful things!

Let us all follow the words of Peter, when he said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom resist stedfast in the Faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” We all should seek to live our lives in honor to our Wonderful Savior, in our thoughts, our words and our deeds.
~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/26/2022

==== Empty The Systems Trash ====

In our soul, mankind tends to harbor,.. Many things that should be let go.
Why keep yesterday's ill feelings,.. As with bitterness, the file continues to grow.

Saved to the Hard Drive,..Such enormous information.
Like unto the computer, mankind does this,.. No matter their earthly station.

Holding past hurts and grudges,.. Can cause our systems to crash.
With ... Forgiveness and Love, ... the hurts delete,.. Start a new beginning, ... Empty the Systems Trash.

~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/25/2022

==== A Little Black Case ====
Several years ago I dreamed that I was a traveler going on a journey. All I had with me was … a little black case. I was deeply troubled. I was worried about the future and of the rugged road ahead of me that I had to walk. I was very frightened and felt that the stress in my life would consume me. The little black case wasn't heavy at all, but the worry and dreads that I was carrying in my soul was wearing me down.

As I traveled on in this sad condition, I soon came upon a man that knew the feelings of my heart and knew the thoughts in my mind. He knew all about my every concern! He said, “You are troubled. You are afraid that you don't have what you need to face the trials and troubles that are ahead of you. Let me see your... case.”

I gave him the little black case that I was carrying. I watched with great interest as the man reached into the bag and pulled out items that surprised and even amazed me! These were things that were ... mine … to use in the time of need. They were helper items that I never knew that I had. On and on he showed me things that I had that would help me in the time of my every trial and that would give me strength through all my troubles, no matter what the future held.

After seeing what the man showed me that was mine all the while, I felt strengthened and encouraged. Peace now replaced panic and Faith replaced fear! I was so amazed and so thankful!

When I awakened from my dream, I had to weep for the much assuring and comforting message. I know that life is a journey and we all are Pilgrims on our way Home. The future is unknown and sometimes very frightening to our weak and insecure soul. The days ahead can be as a devouring and threatening monster, making us feel alarmed as we approach the unknown territory of dark tomorrows.

My dream reassured my soul of the great and sufficient spiritual strength that is within, that comes with Trust and Faith, and knowing that the Great Lord Provides and gives Grace for the day … as needed!

My situation... or my... case.... may vary from yours, yet we all have our own struggles and times of climbing up a rugged mountain of stress and problems. We all can rejoice that as Children of the Heavenly King, we can stand tall and sing a song of praise;

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The way made easy as Faith makes fear to flee.
I can do all things when Jesus holds my hand.
He blesses me to conquer. He gives me grace and Faith to stand.”

Faith makes the way. I have my little black case and you have yours, but, no matter what the future holds, there's no need for us to worry and fret, because of Sweet Jesus, we do not journey alone, and we all have an ... abundance ...of all that we need.
~Our God Is Great And Greatly to be Praised!~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/24/2022

==== In Harmony ====
Each year as I look at my flower bed and see several ... unique ... flowers all blooming so pretty and in harmony with each other, I think of the Children of God, all beautiful in their own way, united in Spirit and in Love, seeking to live to the Glory of God. Oh, there is great beauty in Peace and Harmony.

How wonderful to see the Children of God, .... gathered together ... in the same flower bed, or House of Worship ... all for ... one purpose... to worship, adore, and praise ... our Wonderful Lord. Each person is significant, as they bloom with their own gift and calling.

Although they all are different in their bloom, they all know where their help comes from and they joyfully join, with sweet harmony, singing:

There shall be showers of blessing,..This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,..Sent from the Savior above.

Showers of blessing, Showers of Blessing we need;..Mercy drops 'round us are falling, ... but for the showers we plead.

We may call it a ...Flower Bed of Praise, ... a Place of Devotion... or ... The House of The Lord but we all can delight in the great beauty of ... Harmony ... as we all delight in the Awesome Love of the Lord.

~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/23/2022

==== Sharing My Joy ====
Greetings with love. Let me share my joy with you! On Sunday, September 20, 2020, I lost a ring that I had owned for … 45... years, and had wore it on my left pinky finger every time I went to Church or dressed up for a special occasion.

On Sunday morning, when I went to my little Church, in Michigan, I packed my garden gloves and a w**d cutter to cut some w**ds that were growing tall in the middle of some shrubs in the front of the Church. I knew it would only take a few minutes after our Church services was over. and everyone else had gone home, to do what was needed to be done for the upkeep and beauty of my Beloved Church.

But, then, when I got home and was changing clothes and taking my rings off, I shockingly saw that my precious pinky ring was ... gone. It was not on my finger! Oh, my! I remembered getting the ring for my Birthday in 1975 and I remembered plainly putting it on that morning as I got ready for Church.

I didn't know where I lost the ring at: in the car, in the church, in my house, or in the shrubs at church! I prayed, “Oh, Almighty and Loving Heavenly Father, you have helped me find lost items before, many times, please, help me now, find my ring that, sentimentally, means a lot to me.” I felt at peace, as Faith spoke to me, saying, Be Still and Wait upon the Lord.

When my daughter called, on Sunday evening, I cried and told her about me losing my precious ring. But then, with Faith in the Lord and Peace within, I put it totally out of my mind and thought no more about it the rest of the day, nor on Monday, Tuesday or on Wednesday.

Then...... at 6:30 P.M, on Wednesday, I went outside to plant some grass seed in some bare spots in my front lawn. As I poured the Bluegrass Seed in a small bucket, I thought I should get my …. garden gloves …. on so that I don't get blue stain on my hands. I put one glove on my right hand and then put the other glove on my left hand and felt some kind of ... strange object ... in the tip of the glove in the pinky finger. I thought, what in the world could be in my glove! I've not used it since last Sunday!

I took the glove back off and shook it and out came..... MY RING,... and down my face came my joyful tears. Immediately, I said, “Oh, thank you Sweet Lord. Praise Your Glorious Name! Oh, Wonderful Savior! You are my Helper in all things.” I knew the Sunday before, that my Faith told me to ... Trust In The Lord... and that I ... would ... find my ring.

Oh, Praise the Lord. Sometimes, our experiences teach us ...Patience. With Faith and Trust, we can ... Rest ... in the Lord. He can help us in ... all... things. He hears our cries and supplies our needs, even when it is helping us to find a lost ring. Oh, we serve an Awesome God.
~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/22/2022

==== Supreme Reality====
Several years ago, as I was talking to a friend of mine about a financial need that was before me. I stated to her that I was not going to give up, that I believed that the Lord would make a way and He would provide, that we had to Trust in the Lord. She quickly snarled at me and said, "That is foolish! You have to live in... reality!"

My mind went to my own life, how the Lord spoke to me when I was a four year old child, living in Fonde, Kentucky, and through the years my Faith in the Almighty has been my strength, my joy and my song. I have seen the Lord ...Guide... as well as ...Provide.

Sure, troubles have come. Storms have roared! Sorrows (at times) have encompassed me around and taken me down low. I have lost ….many…things in my life, but, Praise God …I have NEVER lost MY FAITH!

In 1968, the doctor said it was a miracle that I still lived after enduring a severe case of Myocarditis (infection in the heart muscle). Then in 1978, a new doctor said, If good health was 100%, then mine was 5%. Yet, at this time, in a dream, as I knelt in prayer, the Voice of the Lord said, “By Faith, you can climb the face of a water fall.” To the surprise of the doctor, I did come out of that sickness, like unto climbing the face of a real thundering waterfall! The doctors I see today call me a “miracle” and a “statistic”. But I have seen the power of God's Love move in my life.

Yes, Faith to the world is …. foolish! But, to me it has brought me through several times of insurmountable odds and gave me a “Victory” song to sing. My friend believed that knowledge of a problem and failing to see the way to victory is.... human reality ... and is greater than Faith in God and Trust in the Lord Who Guides and Provides for His Children. REALITY! ... True Reality! Oh, my dear Ones, FAITH in the Almighty God is …”SUPREME” REALITY!

Our God Lives! He Cares For His Own! He Guides and Provides and is the Great Deliverer! Oh, yes! Me! I am living in ...Reality! I’m living by ...FAITH.
~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~ Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/21/2022

==== Be Content ====

A flower, growing out of my porches ..concrete.. wall,..Brings an encouraging lesson for us all.
That to make the ..best of our situation,.. we must learn,..And from negative thoughts to quickly turn.

Gaining Strength from the Lord, we must daily ..pray,..In Faith, Love and Hope, ...Trust our Lord... to make a way.
With words of Praise and Thanks in a happy tune,..Let our ...appreciation... show in our open ...Contented Bloom.

~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised.~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/20/2022

==== We Are Loved ====
Love is a “power”. Love generates! It can give an aging person or a sickly person the will to live and the perseverance to conquer their problems. It is of great importance for everyone to feel that they are loved.

When my grandmother, Lizzie Saylor, was 97 years old and my mother, Ethel Wilson, was 74, I listened, as my Mom called Grandma, from my phone. It was so sweet to my ears, when I heard my Grandmother, say with great Love, to my mother, “How is my pretty little girl?” Mom knew that Grandma loved her and she received greatly from this love, even though many miles separated them.

Love embraces! It draws people into a circle of warmth. It is pleasant, nourishing, strengthening and satisfying.

Love is the source by which we live and move and have our being! …. For God Is Love!

Have you ever noticed the spirit of a person who feels loved, how they seem to have wings to fly. Their energy level is increased. They are elevated by this strength that allows them to soar above their troubles.

Love is warm. It is so comforting to see love moving among family and friends. But it is hurtful when you know that the love is there but for some reason, the warmth is gone, showing that there is some kind of a … barrier... blocking these lovely warm rays. Oh, Precious Lord in Heaven, remove all the “barriers” that block the flow of love from being felt among Thy Children! The barriers don't kill the love. It just blocks it. This is proven in times of emergency and trouble. People feel the strength of their love and they lay the barriers down for a little while, and they run to the aid of this one that they truly do love.

God created man in His own Image. The capacity to show love surely is part of this package.

I love God. And one of the sweetest feelings that I have ever known is when I knew... that if I loved God... then this witnessed to me..... that He (God) “first” loved me! And then to see that that Love For Me was So Great that Jesus died on the Cross in my room and stead! Praise you, Sweet Lord.

God loved me so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son to die on the cross that I might live. It is God's Love that sustains us even when we are down and feel that no one else cares! Oh, how wonderful it is to feel that you are loved! Love is a life force. And with the Children of God it is a force that is Eternal. Now in this life and in life everlasting, Praise our Blessed Lord, we can say, with great rejoicing, WE ARE LOVED!
~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised!~Neetcie Wilson Buell

09/19/2022

==== We'll Meet Again Over In Glory ====
As we see our loved ones parting,
And going on to Heavens Shore,
We realize that they're with Jesus,
There in His Arms forevermore.
Though the tears may stain our pillow,
And our days so lonesome be,
Yet we can say, Loved One,we'll meet you,
In Yon Sweet Blessed Eternity.

Chorus:
We'll meet again over in Glory,
On that Blessed and Golden Shore.
We'll meet again midst joys abundant.
We'll meet to never part no more.
Precious Ones, you've gone before us,
But we know it won't be long,
Until the time, we too will greet you,
And we will join in your glad song.

As we walk through life's last journey,
We will be looking on before,
And realize that you're with Jesus,
And we must walk just one mile more.
Though we know your joy's abundant,
And you're glad to be at home,
Yet our soul is filled with sorrow,
Your presence here, from us is gone.
Let your candle shine for Jesus,
Don't let our tears blow it out.
For we will walk a little farther,
And then we' join your joyful shout.

I wrote this song on February 28, 1978, as I was sorrowing over the loss of my Precious sister, Juanita Jones who passed away on January 17th , a few weeks earlier. Then I got word of the passing of little three year old, Mark Joseph Smith. I grieved with Dixie and Onis for their great loss, and began to write my feelings down with the words of this song. When I went to little Marks funeral, Dixie and Onis asked me to sing this song at the funeral.

I am thankful that a Better Home is awaiting us. When our Loved Ones part from this life, it is not Goodbye, but just So Long For a Little While,...... for … We'll Meet Again Over In Glory, on that Blessed and Golden Shore. Oh, Yes, We'll meet again midst joys abundant. We'll meet to never part no more.
~Our God is Great and Greatly to be Praised~Neetcie Wilson Buell

Address

20909 Whitlock Street
Farmington Hills, MI
48336

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm

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