Building on the Battles Legacy
Faith
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“…As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace,
and bring glad tidings of good things!”
It takes more than bread and water to keep us moving along this winding path we call life. It takes faith. Faith is what sustains us while we wait for what we strive for to finally comes to pass. But we would know nothing of faith without the ones who have answered that higher calling from above; the ones who have dedicated their lives, their time and their own faith to our spiritual education so that we will hold on until our change comes. The Battles Family has a long and lovely history with faith and the ministry. Within these pages are the life stories, faces, and accomplishments of those in our family who brought us closer to God and the church. Come read about their faith…and find your own.
Known as "Uncle Buddy" to his nephews and nieces, and "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren, Edward could play the trumpet, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Edward's pastoral career began in Mansfield in 1945. On April 27, 1947, he received his certificate of ordination. In 1948, he was appointed pastor of the Arlington Church of God in Christ, and under him a new church, Emanuel, was built. In 1958, he was appointed pastor of the Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. In 1965, Edward succeeded his father, Superintendent Gus Battles, founder of Love Sanctuary, as pastor of Love Sanctuary in Fort Worth. Edward successfully pastored both churches. Under his leadership, Love Sanctuary purchased a modern structure. The Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ changed its name to Abundant Life and a new edifice was built. In addition to leading two congregations, Edward made important strides at the local, state, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He served as district superintendent of the Fort Worth Metroplex District for 14 years as well as superintendent of the Stop Six District, Texas Northeast. For 18 years, he worked faithfully as vice president and president of the youth department. At the time of his demise, he was actively leading the International Department of Evangelism as president. His community experience included membership on the boards of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Maddox Community Center Council. He was a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
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Known as "Uncle Buddy" to his nephews and nieces, and "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren, Edward could play the trumpet, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Edward's pastoral career began in Mansfield in 1945. On April 27, 1947, he received his certificate of ordination. In 1948, he was appointed pastor of the Arlington Church of God in Christ, and under him a new church, Emanuel, was built. In 1958, he was appointed pastor of the Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. In 1965, Edward succeeded his father, Superintendent Gus Battles, founder of Love Sanctuary, as pastor of Love Sanctuary in Fort Worth. Edward successfully pastored both churches. Under his leadership, Love Sanctuary purchased a modern structure. The Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ changed its name to Abundant Life and a new edifice was built. In addition to leading two congregations, Edward made important strides at the local, state, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He served as district superintendent of the Fort Worth Metroplex District for 14 years as well as superintendent of the Stop Six District, Texas Northeast. For 18 years, he worked faithfully as vice president and president of the youth department. At the time of his demise, he was actively leading the International Department of Evangelism as president. His community experience included membership on the boards of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Maddox Community Center Council. He was a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
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Known as "Uncle Buddy" to his nephews and nieces, and "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren, Edward could play the trumpet, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Edward's pastoral career began in Mansfield in 1945. On April 27, 1947, he received his certificate of ordination. In 1948, he was appointed pastor of the Arlington Church of God in Christ, and under him a new church, Emanuel, was built. In 1958, he was appointed pastor of the Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. In 1965, Edward succeeded his father, Superintendent Gus Battles, founder of Love Sanctuary, as pastor of Love Sanctuary in Fort Worth. Edward successfully pastored both churches. Under his leadership, Love Sanctuary purchased a modern structure. The Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ changed its name to Abundant Life and a new edifice was built. In addition to leading two congregations, Edward made important strides at the local, state, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He served as district superintendent of the Fort Worth Metroplex District for 14 years as well as superintendent of the Stop Six District, Texas Northeast. For 18 years, he worked faithfully as vice president and president of the youth department. At the time of his demise, he was actively leading the International Department of Evangelism as president. His community experience included membership on the boards of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Maddox Community Center Council. He was a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
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Known as "Uncle Buddy" to his nephews and nieces, and "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren, Edward could play the trumpet, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Edward's pastoral career began in Mansfield in 1945. On April 27, 1947, he received his certificate of ordination. In 1948, he was appointed pastor of the Arlington Church of God in Christ, and under him a new church, Emanuel, was built. In 1958, he was appointed pastor of the Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. In 1965, Edward succeeded his father, Superintendent Gus Battles, founder of Love Sanctuary, as pastor of Love Sanctuary in Fort Worth. Edward successfully pastored both churches. Under his leadership, Love Sanctuary purchased a modern structure. The Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ changed its name to Abundant Life and a new edifice was built. In addition to leading two congregations, Edward made important strides at the local, state, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He served as district superintendent of the Fort Worth Metroplex District for 14 years as well as superintendent of the Stop Six District, Texas Northeast. For 18 years, he worked faithfully as vice president and president of the youth department. At the time of his demise, he was actively leading the International Department of Evangelism as president. His community experience included membership on the boards of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Maddox Community Center Council. He was a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
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Known as "Uncle Buddy" to his nephews and nieces, and "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren, Edward could play the trumpet, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Edward's pastoral career began in Mansfield in 1945. On April 27, 1947, he received his certificate of ordination. In 1948, he was appointed pastor of the Arlington Church of God in Christ, and under him a new church, Emanuel, was built. In 1958, he was appointed pastor of the Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. In 1965, Edward succeeded his father, Superintendent Gus Battles, founder of Love Sanctuary, as pastor of Love Sanctuary in Fort Worth. Edward successfully pastored both churches. Under his leadership, Love Sanctuary purchased a modern structure. The Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ changed its name to Abundant Life and a new edifice was built. In addition to leading two congregations, Edward made important strides at the local, state, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He served as district superintendent of the Fort Worth Metroplex District for 14 years as well as superintendent of the Stop Six District, Texas Northeast. For 18 years, he worked faithfully as vice president and president of the youth department. At the time of his demise, he was actively leading the International Department of Evangelism as president. His community experience included membership on the boards of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Maddox Community Center Council. He was a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
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Known as "Uncle Buddy" to his nephews and nieces, and "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren, Edward could play the trumpet, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Edward's pastoral career began in Mansfield in 1945. On April 27, 1947, he received his certificate of ordination. In 1948, he was appointed pastor of the Arlington Church of God in Christ, and under him a new church, Emanuel, was built. In 1958, he was appointed pastor of the Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. In 1965, Edward succeeded his father, Superintendent Gus Battles, founder of Love Sanctuary, as pastor of Love Sanctuary in Fort Worth. Edward successfully pastored both churches. Under his leadership, Love Sanctuary purchased a modern structure. The Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ changed its name to Abundant Life and a new edifice was built. In addition to leading two congregations, Edward made important strides at the local, state, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He served as district superintendent of the Fort Worth Metroplex District for 14 years as well as superintendent of the Stop Six District, Texas Northeast. For 18 years, he worked faithfully as vice president and president of the youth department. At the time of his demise, he was actively leading the International Department of Evangelism as president. His community experience included membership on the boards of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Maddox Community Center Council. He was a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
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Known as "Uncle Buddy" to his nephews and nieces, and "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren, Edward could play the trumpet, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Edward's pastoral career began in Mansfield in 1945. On April 27, 1947, he received his certificate of ordination. In 1948, he was appointed pastor of the Arlington Church of God in Christ, and under him a new church, Emanuel, was built. In 1958, he was appointed pastor of the Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. In 1965, Edward succeeded his father, Superintendent Gus Battles, founder of Love Sanctuary, as pastor of Love Sanctuary in Fort Worth. Edward successfully pastored both churches. Under his leadership, Love Sanctuary purchased a modern structure. The Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ changed its name to Abundant Life and a new edifice was built. In addition to leading two congregations, Edward made important strides at the local, state, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He served as district superintendent of the Fort Worth Metroplex District for 14 years as well as superintendent of the Stop Six District, Texas Northeast. For 18 years, he worked faithfully as vice president and president of the youth department. At the time of his demise, he was actively leading the International Department of Evangelism as president. His community experience included membership on the boards of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Maddox Community Center Council. He was a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
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Known as "Uncle Buddy" to his nephews and nieces, and "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren, Edward could play the trumpet, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Edward's pastoral career began in Mansfield in 1945. On April 27, 1947, he received his certificate of ordination. In 1948, he was appointed pastor of the Arlington Church of God in Christ, and under him a new church, Emanuel, was built. In 1958, he was appointed pastor of the Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. In 1965, Edward succeeded his father, Superintendent Gus Battles, founder of Love Sanctuary, as pastor of Love Sanctuary in Fort Worth. Edward successfully pastored both churches. Under his leadership, Love Sanctuary purchased a modern structure. The Mitchell Street Church of God in Christ changed its name to Abundant Life and a new edifice was built. In addition to leading two congregations, Edward made important strides at the local, state, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He served as district superintendent of the Fort Worth Metroplex District for 14 years as well as superintendent of the Stop Six District, Texas Northeast. For 18 years, he worked faithfully as vice president and president of the youth department. At the time of his demise, he was actively leading the International Department of Evangelism as president. His community experience included membership on the boards of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Maddox Community Center Council. He was a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
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ARTICLES
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior
"Who is Jesus Christ? Many people will acknowledge Jesus Christ as a good man, a great teacher, or even a prophet of God. These things are definitely true of Jesus, but they do not fully define who He truly is. The Bible tells us that Jesus is God in the flesh, God in human form (see John 1:1, 14). God came to earth to teach us, heal us, correct us, forgive us—and die for us! Jesus Christ is God, the Creator, the sovereign Lord. Have you accepted this Jesus?
What is a Savior, and why do we need a Savior? The Bible tells us that we have all sinned; we have all committed evil acts (Romans 3:10-18). As a result of our sin, we deserve God's anger and judgment. The only just punishment for sins committed against an infinite and eternal God is an infinite punishment (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15). That is why we need a Savior!
Jesus Christ came to earth and died in our place. Jesus' death was an infinite payment for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8). Jesus paid the price so that we would not have to. Jesus' resurrection from the dead proved that His death was sufficient to pay the penalty for our sins. That is why Jesus is the one and only Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)! Are you trusting in Jesus as your Savior?
Is Jesus your "personal" Savior? Many people view Christianity as attending church, performing rituals, and/or not committing certain sins. That is not Christianity. True Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Accepting Jesus as your personal Savior means placing your own personal faith and trust in Him. No one is saved by the faith of others. No one is forgiven by doing certain deeds. The only way to be saved is to personally accept Jesus as your Savior, trusting in His death as the payment for your sins and His resurrection as your guarantee of eternal life (John 3:16). Is Jesus personally your Savior?
If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, say the following words to God. Remember, saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. Only believing in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross for you can save you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. "God, I know that I have sinned against You and deserve punishment. But I believe Jesus Christ took the punishment I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I receive Your offer of forgiveness and place my trust in You for salvation. I accept Jesus as my personal Savior! Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness—the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
Putting God first in your Life
Romans 11:36 says, "Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory" (NLT).
People say all the time, "I have so much, yet I feel unfulfilled. I've got a good family. I've got a good job. I've got great kids. I've got good friends. I'm part of a good congregation. Why am I so unfulfilled?" It's because you were made for more than this! You were made for more than survival. You will never find fulfillment in life until you begin to live in God's Kingdom, by God's power, and for God's glory.
How do you live a fulfilled life—the kind of life that you were designed by God to live?
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 2:12, "You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory" (GW).
What does it mean to live in God's Kingdom? It means you make God's agenda your agenda. You make God's will your will. You care about what God cares about. Whatever you want God to bless, you put him first in that area.
What does it mean to put God first in your life? I made up a little acrostic, FIRST, to give you five things you need to put God first in.
Finances. If you want God to bless your finances, even during difficult seasons, you must tithe. Sorry! There's no other alternative.
Interests. Put him first in your hobbies, your career, and your recreation. Give God first consideration in every decision.
Relationships. Put him first in your family, your marriage, and your friendships.
Schedule.Give him the first part of every day. Get up and sit on the side of your bed every morning and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I just want to love you a little bit more and know you a little bit better."
Troubles. You need to turn to God first when you have a problem. Prayer should never be your last resort. It should be your first choice.Hopefully, this will help you keep God FIRST.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior
"Who is Jesus Christ? Many people will acknowledge Jesus Christ as a good man, a great teacher, or even a prophet of God. These things are definitely true of Jesus, but they do not fully define who He truly is. The Bible tells us that Jesus is God in the flesh, God in human form (see John 1:1, 14). God came to earth to teach us, heal us, correct us, forgive us—and die for us! Jesus Christ is God, the Creator, the sovereign Lord. Have you accepted this Jesus?
What is a Savior, and why do we need a Savior? The Bible tells us that we have all sinned; we have all committed evil acts (Romans 3:10-18). As a result of our sin, we deserve God's anger and judgment. The only just punishment for sins committed against an infinite and eternal God is an infinite punishment (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15). That is why we need a Savior!
Jesus Christ came to earth and died in our place. Jesus' death was an infinite payment for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8). Jesus paid the price so that we would not have to. Jesus' resurrection from the dead proved that His death was sufficient to pay the penalty for our sins. That is why Jesus is the one and only Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)! Are you trusting in Jesus as your Savior?
Is Jesus your "personal" Savior? Many people view Christianity as attending church, performing rituals, and/or not committing certain sins. That is not Christianity. True Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Accepting Jesus as your personal Savior means placing your own personal faith and trust in Him. No one is saved by the faith of others. No one is forgiven by doing certain deeds. The only way to be saved is to personally accept Jesus as your Savior, trusting in His death as the payment for your sins and His resurrection as your guarantee of eternal life (John 3:16). Is Jesus personally your Savior?
If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, say the following words to God. Remember, saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. Only believing in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross for you can save you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. "God, I know that I have sinned against You and deserve punishment. But I believe Jesus Christ took the punishment I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I receive Your offer of forgiveness and place my trust in You for salvation. I accept Jesus as my personal Savior! Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness—the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
Putting God first in your Life
Romans 11:36 says, "Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory" (NLT).
People say all the time, "I have so much, yet I feel unfulfilled. I've got a good family. I've got a good job. I've got great kids. I've got good friends. I'm part of a good congregation. Why am I so unfulfilled?" It's because you were made for more than this! You were made for more than survival. You will never find fulfillment in life until you begin to live in God's Kingdom, by God's power, and for God's glory.
How do you live a fulfilled life—the kind of life that you were designed by God to live?
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 2:12, "You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory" (GW).
What does it mean to live in God's Kingdom? It means you make God's agenda your agenda. You make God's will your will. You care about what God cares about. Whatever you want God to bless, you put him first in that area.
What does it mean to put God first in your life? I made up a little acrostic, FIRST, to give you five things you need to put God first in.
Finances. If you want God to bless your finances, even during difficult seasons, you must tithe. Sorry! There's no other alternative.
Interests. Put him first in your hobbies, your career, and your recreation. Give God first consideration in every decision.
Relationships. Put him first in your family, your marriage, and your friendships.
Schedule.Give him the first part of every day. Get up and sit on the side of your bed every morning and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I just want to love you a little bit more and know you a little bit better."
Troubles. You need to turn to God first when you have a problem. Prayer should never be your last resort. It should be your first choice.Hopefully, this will help you keep God FIRST.
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