MY FRIEND AL HUGHES
By Ken Blue
There are many things in life that should never be said. Everyone would have been better off, had we kept silent about certain things. On the other hand, there are things we put off until it is to late. So, as I get closer to the finish line, I feel there is one thing I must say, and that concerns my friend Al Hughes.
Al and I attended the same college; not at the same time. I have known Al and his family for about 37 years. He served on staff with me for five years, and we have been in constant contact throughout the years. In fact, I spoke with him today.
Al and I do not have the same personality or daily habits. He is far more disciplined that I am. We don’t copy each other’s music, preaching style, or theology, but we are the best of friends. Al has never tried to build a following or a little kingdom. He pastors his church and allows others to pastor theirs; without censorship. I have been invited to preach each year at his Jubilee for the past 15 years, and lord willing, I will be with him again this August. (2010).
He has never shunned me, avoided me, or rejected me over decisions and choices I have made. Personally, I don’t believe he has ever gossiped about me or anyone else. He has never demonstrated a spirit of control or power over any pastor because of their choice of friends or ministry. Some cannot see this as grace. To them, it is compromise and tolerance.
Few things in life are more helpful and encouraging than, real, lasting friendships. To me, that is what Brother Al Hughes is. I am thankful for every friend I have, but I wanted to personally and publically thank Pastor Al Hughes for his encouraging, unwavering, and enduring friendship. Thank you, and your dear family, Brother Hughes!
Brother Hughes is an excellent preacher and you should contact him at: http://www.avhughes.com/page6/index.html
Brother Ken Blue
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.
Bro. Hughes is a good man and I alike cherish his friend ship
Pastor Blue, we love our pastor a lot and it was so kind of you
to write about him on your blog. We are looking forward to seeing you at the Jubilee.
I appreciate what you said about a man of whom I also believe demnstrates real character… I have been with him and heard from him as it pertains also to the love, admiration, and the respect that he has for you. I believe that this communicates the true value of what makes up “real friendship”. I am grateful to you both for the value of your contribution to the work of Christ. May God bless you both as you meet in August…
Brother Max, thank you for imput on our good friend, Brother Hughes. I have received several confirmations. I wish I would have had the opportunity to know you. We will have time to make it up soon! God bless you, my dear brother
Ken Blue
You are very blessed by God to have Pastor Hughes as your pastor
Bro Blue,
I often feel that no one in my church could love Preacher like I do!
For 20 years he has been a true friend to my and to my family. He has helped see me thru the toughest trials; his support has been unwavering. He has given wise counsel, offered thousands of prayers up on my behalf. His doors are always open. He is GRACE personified, yet he can call a “spade a spade” when needed: Preacher always speaks the truth in LOVE. His teaching and preaching is unmatched (and I have heard LOTS of good preaching). Wow, and what a sense of humor he has…
By the way, he has made it clear to all at BBC how much he loves YOU and treasures your friendship.
See you at Jubilee!
I just wanted to let you know how blessed I am to have you in my life. From as far back as I can remember you have been there for me and my family.
I love you.
“1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Psalms 133:1-3
Thank you Alice
“That’s what friends are for!” Great example. Amen and Amen!
We have been using Pastor Al Hughe’s KJV tracts and Pastor Ken Blue’s book in Acts. Glad to know that great preachers and good friends, too. Amen again!
Bro. Blue,
Thank you for writing about my Pastor. He is all of the things you said and he works tirelessly for the Lord and the people of Boble Baptist. God bless you Bro. Blue
Hi Brother Blue,
Thank you for your kind and gracious words. They mean a lot to me. You have been a great mentor to my ministry for the Lord. I love you, my friend.
Looking forward to having you preach in our Jubilee on August 8th.
Pastor Hughes’ CURRENT contact email is [email protected]
The article can be edited to correct this information and then you can delete this post. Thanks so much!