BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

TOMAHAWK — Lonnie Ratliff has been the pastor at Zion United Baptist Church Pack Bottom for 50 years and is still finding joy in the job.

Ratliff, 73, says the Lord called him to preach in 1969 and has kept him going.

“The Lord told me to go and warn the people to flee from the wrath to come,” Ratliff said. “And no matter how many times I try to boost up from that, it always comes back to that.”

He’s been blessed to work with four generations in his 50 years and has seen countless ministers ordained who have gone on to lead other churches.

“It’s always been a loving church,” Ratliff told the Mountain Citizen.

Ratliff, who grew up on Nats Creek in Lawrence County, recalls traveling through Martin County as a teen of 16 years.

“Due to high water, we had to come through Martin County on our way to Columbus,” said Ratliff. “I told my brother, ‘I never want to live here.’” He chuckled, “And guess where the Lord sent me back to?”

The church that started with nine members has grown to over 200 today.

Ratliff says he will continue pastoring as long as it’s the Lord’s will.

“I have told the members of my church that if my health fails and I can no longer take care of the church, they are to get rid of me and get someone that can,” said Ratliff. “The church needs to go on.”

When asked what he loves most about pastoring, he said, “The people and walking with God — that’s No. 1.”

Ratliff’s congregation chooses the chapters they want to have read in their services.

“I deal with truth,” he said, noting that there are scriptures that are “rough on people.”

“The Bible is not something you will master,” said the pastor. “It will always be the master of you.”

Ratliff, who is not a paid pastor but works as a plumber and carpenter, believes a church is one of the greatest assets to a community. He praised his church leaders and members.

“We do our best to take care of the building, and if someone is in need, we take care of that,” said Ratliff.

On Sunday, church members paid tribute to Ratliff and his wife, Pat, who is 72.

“I just want to say what an honor and privilege it has been to be with you,” assistant pastor Dennis Hughes told Lonnie during Sunday’s service. “You’ve always meant a lot to me. You’ve helped me through the way, and I know God has blessed you to bless a lot of other people. I pray that God continues to bless your path.”

Hughes presented the Ratliffs with a card containing reservations for a cabin in Tennessee for a week and a plaque inscribed with a message.

“It’s from the church,” said Hughes.

Reading from the plaque, Hughes said, “Pastor Lonnie Ratliff, you have served the Lord tirelessly, faithfully and with great compassion … In wisdom, you have instructed us … You have led us. … shared our deepest joys and stood with us in our darkest hours. … held us close to your heart, strengthening us with prayer. … exemplified your life first as our faithful shepherd, servant and friend. … selflessly dedicated your life by faith to the son of God reciprocating his love to us, and for this, we truly forever are grateful.”

Hughes also read to Pat, saying, “She is more precious than rubies.”

“God knew that when he chose you to be our pastor’s wife that you would be a great help to him and a godly wife. You have faithfully served by his side. Through your sweet, humble spirit, you have set the example as a great prayer warrior and friend. Your kindness and love have touched each of us. You have been there to pray in our time of need and rejoice with us when we are on the mountain. We love and appreciate you for all that you are.”

The congregation stood in applause, and Hughes announced the church would also give Lonnie and Pat $1,000 to enjoy in Tennessee.

“Just don’t spend it all in one place,” said Hughes.

“They’ve given me my walking papers today,” Lonnie joked.

The Ratliffs have been married 55 years and raised a son, Mike Ratliff, and daughter, Annetta Kirk. They have six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Their daughter spoke at the service.

“Dad and Mom have been an example for me since as far as I can remember,” Kirk said. “My earliest memory of being in church was when I was 4 or 5 years old. Dad would put me on the pulpit and sing ‘Handwriting On The Wall.’ I want us to do that.”

The pastor joined his daughter at the pulpit and invited his sister-in-law Sharon Ratliff to sing with them.

Kirk spoke of her father’s dedication to the church while she was growing up.

“I would be kind of jealous,” she said, adding that he did whatever was necessary with his family Monday through Thursday, but he was at the church Friday through Sunday. “No matter what was going on, he would be here.

“Every time this church door is open, he wants to be here,” added Kirk. “I appreciate that so much. I appreciate everything that you and Mom have taught me, from how to love and be a friend to how to be there for people.”

Kirk said she had often seen her parents tired but drag themselves out because someone needed them.

“That’s showing the true love of God, and I feel that,” she said. “The reason this church loves each other so much is because you show it — you and Mom both — and we can’t thank you enough. I love you.”

Church members dedicated and sang hymns to their pastor, including the first song that Lonnie ever sang in church, “The Battlefield.”

“Brother Lonnie, we thank you for all of the years that you’ve given to us, even though there have been times that you have made us so mad that we would probably have liked to wring your neck,” one church member said. “We thank you for the love and dedication that you’ve given to this church. There is no one else that can replace you, and I hope that no one ever does. God loves you and Sister Pat and we love you and Sister Pat.”

Brother Bill Frazier preached, and as the congregation sang, Ratliff gave a heartfelt altar call to the lost.

“Would you please come?” said Ratliff, extending an open hand.

Jeff Pinson answered the plea, went to the altar, knelt and prayed. When Pinson stood as a saved soul and wiped tears from his face, the pastor embraced him.

Lonnie and Pat stood in front of the altar at the end of the service. Lonnie shared his gratitude for the church members who helped keep him in line, adding that Pat was usually the first to line him out.

“We were coming to church one night, and she said, ‘I want you to watch this,’” said Ratliff, moving his hand across in front of his neck in a cutting motion. “‘When I do that, it’s time to cut it off.’”

That comment drew a chuckle from the crowd.

“I took care of our first funeral in 1969, and it’s never stopped,” said Ratliff. “We took care of our first wedding, and it’s been 48 years. That first couple is doing all right, and they love God.”

Finally, Ratliff told his congregation, “Be good to each other. We are honored that you’re here.”

Pat also expressed gratitude and love.

“You’re family, you’re friends, and just everything in our life,” she said. “I don’t know what our life would be without all of you in it.

“We raised our babies together,” said Pat, noting that some members had been together 47-48 years. “I love you all so much.”

When the pastor was about to speak again, Pat gave him the sign, and he gave her a thumbs-up.

Church members hugged and shook hands with the newly converted Pinson as they sang, “I Know My Name Is There.”

Ratliff says the church is open to anyone who will come. Services are 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Sunday, with Sunday school at 10 a.m.