Features, Lifestyles, RSS Facebook, RSS General, RSS Twitter
 By  Nathan Strickland Published 
8:01 am Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Ledford hopes to aid church in reaching youth for Christ

 

The Ledford family including Bro. Randy, wife Michelle, son Machen and daughter Jessica believe they have followed God’s will to settle down in Franklin County. | Contributed

 

Many blood-bought believers would agree that giving up your life for Christ isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do.

But with great sacrifices, comes great rewards and Bro. Randy Ledford believes whole-heartedly that God has called him to minister to youth.

Ledford serves as the new director of student ministries and connections at Divine Baptist Church in Russellville.

Ledford, who just moved to Russellville from Columbia, Tenn., said this marks the 14th move in 17 years following the gospel’s call.

“We just go where God sends us,” he said. “Pastor Roger Williams called and said he had a need for his student body and connections which is simply just connecting people. So we just followed God’s direction and now my family and I are here spreading the good news.”

Ledford said he has only been here for four weeks, but sees the chance to reach a lot of people for Christ.

“We are just kind of getting settled down right now, but I have gotten the chance to get connected with the group and they are just an extremely mature group of teens and people involved and the congregation is just so giving and kind,” Ledford said. “There are around 35 teens in our youth group and the Sunday morning service has around 95 to100 people every weekend. I love to see and be a part of a growing church and believe me this church is growing rapidly.”

Ledford said he is glad to be a part of a church that “builds ministries before buildings” and “whose three main building blocks are worship, connections and service.”

Ledford said Divine Baptist has purchased another property and plan on moving into a building that holds more people as more people turn their eyes to the sky and seek the wisdom of Christ.

“My mission here is to bring students to Christ and I look forward to what God is going to do with us in Franklin County,” he said. “It’s all about loving God, loving people and reaching the world.”

Ledford and wife, Michelle have five children: Dustin, 26, Angel, 22, Paige, 19, Jessica, 16 and Machen, 8.

Ledford said his three oldest children have stayed behind in East Tennessee to work and attend college, but Jessica and Machen have made the trip and are excited to make new friends.

“We hope it is going to be quite a while before we make another move,” Ledford said. “We plan on staying here as long as we are of use to God’s work and I believe as long as folks are open to the gospel we shall remain here. We enjoy putting together conferences and concerts and I am looking forward to that.”

Ledford encourages those who are looking for direction in life and who are wanting to learn more about God to come join him at Divine Baptist Church and he will help guide you to eternal salvation by getting to know Jesus Christ and accepting him as your Lord and Savior.

Also on Franklin County Times
The sky turned black, and he lived to tell it
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
By Brady Petree, Addie Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — By the time April 27, 2011, arrived, Rodney Smith had already grown accustomed to the warnings. For days, sirens had gone off across F...
EMA warns: Don’t rely on storm sirens
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County EMA Director Mary Glass said outdoor warning sirens should not be residents’ primary alert system during severe weather...
Ex-principal recalls lost students, teacher
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
SEARED IN THEIR MEMORIES
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — On the morning of April 27, 2011, Phil Campbell Elementary School (PCES) Principal Jackie Ergle was aware of the threat of severe weat...
West Elementary hosts Careers on Wheels
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — West Elementary students climbed into concrete trucks, explored emergency vehicles, and learned about skilled trades during the school’...
Cultura Garden Club spotlights pollinators
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
April 29, 2026
Bees, butterflies and plenty of garden talk filled the room as Cultura Garden Club members gathered at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellvill...
State should broaden its readiness definition
Columnists, Opinion
April 29, 2026
Families across Alabama are asking hard and necessary questions about what’s next for their high school students. What’s the right path for my child? ...
Local group seeks to help veterans
Franklin County, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Veterans in Franklin County who need help with groceries, transportation, meals, wellness checks and caregiver support may not always k...
Free CPR, home safety programs offered
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Fire Department is offering free CPR classes, smoke detector installation and home safety inspections as part of an ex...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *