Albert, the Asset to Burnett Ministries 7-14-24
On December 31, 2021, I became a resident in New Jersey. After my move to Lindenwold, our bond grew deeper. When his aunt passed away in New York, I went to be with him and the family. In August 2023 , Albert was at a cookout sponsored by Burnett Ministries.
November of 2023 Albert visited me in New Jersey during the time I was recuperating from surgery, which was near the Thanksgiving holiday. We had dinner with my niece, his god daughter (another niece) and a few others. The next day, family came from New York with a big spread. I never saw Albert again after he returned to North Carolina.
However, we talked at least five times a week, after he clocked out from work, and sometimes during the day when he was on his break. Our conversations were what we experienced that day; we talked about the Word of God (he would also answer my questions about the Bible) and we always ended with prayer. And I would end our conversation with “Albert, you’re my ‘bestie’ ”- He got a kick out of it! Albert called me “Evangelist” most of the time.
Albert also fellowshipped with the ministry teacher on Fridays and they were joined by another brother once a month. On Friday nights, Albert, the teacher of the Bible study class, his wife and I would study together, and of course what came out of Albert’s mouth was absolutely astounding; no doubt he was getting illuminations from the Spirit of God.
Albert not only taught me; he taught several people who are involved in Burnett Ministries. Albert encouraged and supported me in my ministry and he was the greatest influence because of how God used him to help me with the Word, and my ministry. He would help me to create messages; proof the messages and suggest what should be posted to help the body of Christ to learn about principles.
Albert, being a five-fold ministry teacher gift to the body of Christ, helped others discover their gifts and he recognized the gifts in others.
I will ever cherish the teachings that the Lord allowed Albert to impart in me, and he will be sorely missed. It’s difficult to let go of someone who was bonded as we were. I thought about David and Jonathan, how much they loved each other; closer than brothers. That’s how I considered our relationship. Now Jonathan again caused David to vow because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul (1 Samuel 20:17).
Our plans that never materialized – trip to Selma for Albert’s family gathering; we planned to attend my family reunion in Guilford County, from there he would travel to New Jersey with me. That planned trip was for us to hang out in Atlantic City, Philly and then New York to be with family there. Albert also wanted to visit his brother in Virginia for Thanksgiving, and the plan was for me to be with him and the family there.
My final words for Albert’s story: We planned and that was fine, but the Lord had the last say. Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. (James 4:14-15) Brothers and sisters, put your time in the right way, because this may be the last time, we don’t know.
Lovingly and sorrowfully submitted, yet my greatest joy is knowing Albert, a mighty man of God, is with the Lord. Even though he experienced freedom on this earth (the demons no longer had that influence on him), Albert’s freedom now is beyond what our finite minds can comprehend. He is no longer trapped in a decaying body- Albert is free, praise the Lord he is free!
And, Albert would want me to keep it moving!
Gone, but the precious memories will never be forgotten.
Grace and Peace!
Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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