Pauletta Dick, Dr. James Castlen and Clear Creek Baptist Bible College

There are from time to time stories I read, announcements I see being made, or pictures I see in newspapers that creates the ‘re-connect in my mind’ and this column is the result of just that type of newspaper experience. I read with regularity the Western Recorder. For many of you that name will mean nothing, no bells will go off, no lights will come on. It is the state paper for the Kentucky Baptist Convention (KBC) and truth is, many Baptists will not know that’s the name of the state paper, and they may not even care, but it is nevertheless. While reading through it, I looked upon two different photos that brought a flood of memories and a reminder of the impact and connection of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College (CCBBC).
In 1978, I met Joel and Paulleta Dick through Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. Both were students at CCBBC and members of First Baptist Church, Pineville, KY. Our paths would cross many times over through the years. In ministry I served the Immanuel Baptist Church in Monticello, KY. Paulleta was a native of Monticello. As a student at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, because of my role with the Baptist Student Union, I often found a friendly face in Paulleta, as she served the Student Ministry Department of the KBC after her days at Clear Creek. She was always around at the state events directing students and making a different through her role. Later, when I joined the staff of the KBC as campus minister of the Baptist Student Union at Union College in Barbourville, KY, I was delighted again to discover Paulleta still involved, as I attended staff meetings and training events. Her late husband, Joel, was a dandy man and just as giving and caring. The picture that created my memory rush was the announcement that after some 33 years of service, from her days at Clear Creek to the Kentucky Baptist Convention, she was retiring with confidence, knowing, “I see how the Lord was leading me step by step.” she said.
The second flood of memories and thanks to God came from the Annual Meeting of the KBC and the election of officers. Dr. James E. Castlen was elected to serve as the 1st Vice President of the convention by the delegates. I have such high respect and appreciation for his service, which also includes Kentucky Baptist and Kentucky Baptist Institutions in a number of roles. In addition to his elected officers position with the KBC, Dr. Castlen is the full-time Director of Missions for the Three Forks Baptist Association in Hazard, KY. The association consists of some 22 churches. My thoughts of Dr. Castlen go back to his time as a professor at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, his love for music, theology, and people. A few years have passed since I last saw Dr. Castlen, but I know it would not take us long to catch back up on the happenings in our lives and ministries.
Both of these individuals underscore a reminder for me of the importance of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, and the impact she has played on the lives of not just folks in Southeastern Kentucky, but throughout Kentucky and the world. My testimony is but mine, just one voice sharing one story. Imagine what would happen if all the voices joined together to share of the good times and the difference made because of one other man’s vision, Dr. L.C. Kelly, CCBBC founder.
I have been richly blessed by Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in many ways. President D.M. Aldridge and his wife were great encouraging supporters of my personal ministry, always sharing a word and not afraid to tell me what I needed to hear. Those types of friends you never forget. President Leon Simpson and his wife were without question great visionaries, whose leadership not only brought the school to academic accreditation, but Dr. Simpson created the vision for the Student Life Center that has been such a blessing to not only students but the community at large. Dr. Simpson began the total campus “make over” that continues today. His impact and guidance provided real examples about what leadership is, and today it is easy to spot because of his time at Clear Creek.
President Bill Whitaker also has had an impact and I appreciate the invitations that he extended during his tenure and his genuine desire to see things done properly while continuing to advance the college in every aspect. Dr. Donnie Fox now serves as President of CCBBC, and he and I too share in friendship because of the years and connections we have both shared at Clear Creek over the years.
Today I write because of the ‘re-connect in my mind’ and the impact of just one or two here and there which adds to the lives of each one. My list of friends just keeps growing and growing. It is amazing how life works down here, and I’m just glad to be me in my part of it.

Until then