Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Minister, community leader leaving

Hes a man who likes to use daedal words; but he never uses them in a deleterious manner.

Rev. Gary Maskell, pastor of Gurdon First United Methodist Church and author of The Gurdon Times Word of the Week, found his love for preaching some 14 years ago with the Four Square Denomination (similar to the Assembly of God churches) in Houma, a city in southern Louisiana.

Maskell, who grew up in New Jersey, initially desired to be a trumpet player like his childhood heroes, including Herb Alpert, Maynard Ferguson and Bill Chase. He suddenly had a change of heart one evening as he distinctly remembers hearing Gods voice and seeing (himself) preaching.

He added, Gods call is nothing to be trifled with, but it was such a part of my spirit and heart that I feel  and felt  continuously drawn towards ministry and serving God with my life.

Before making the move to Gurdon, Gary and Melissa, his wife of almost four years, along with Julia, their 14-year-old daughter, had lived in Junction City and served at the Junction City First United Methodist Church. They also lived in El Dorado and Camden, where Gary served as a police officer. Before coming to Gurdon, he and his family had ministered at five churches: Houma, La., El Dorado, Junction City, Emerson and Welcome.

For the past two years, Gary and his family have had the joy of living in Gurdon and serving at their church; but their upcoming move will take them to Warren to minister on Wednesday, June 25.

The thing the Maskell family loves most about Gurdon is the wonderful, loving people (they) have met here during our all-too-brief stay.

Will they miss Gurdon? Absolutely, he said. But Gods call is for us to be serving in Warren. I truly believe that God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. As we finish our stay in Gurdon, our hope is that our ministry of cheer and faith in Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life will inspire others to lovingly share Gods Word to everyone. That this inspiration will permeate the spiritual air of every believer in Gurdon to reach out and not only tell others of Gods love but actually show it to them by caring for one another in the good and bad times of their lives.

Besides being a minister, Gary is also the current president of Rotary Club and is active in one of the Arkansas Pastors Associations. He will also activate his membership in an Arkansas Chiropractic Association in preparation for some brief mission work as God leads.

For those who know Gary, he has always tackled a task to better the city or to help someone in need. No matter how large or small the job, he seems to bend over backwards for the community.

I think that its because God has placed a genuine love of people in my heart, he said. I think of Jesus and the great sacrifice He has made for me, and it inspires me. The presence of Gods Spirit in my life has also made serving and loving others a part of my very nature.

The thing Gary likes best about ministering is bringing the good news of Gods love to a generation of people who may not know how much God loves each and every one of them. I also hold tightly to the joy of reminding Gods people of the very same thing and reminding them to live in a way that reflects that love to others.

For every good thing, there is always something that isnt so good. For Gary, it hurts him to see the times when the church fails to act in love.

It is heart breaking, he said. But I always have faith that Gods Spirit will work on the hearts and minds of those who claim His name.

Gary earned the title of Reverend in the Methodist Church through an extremely slow process of intense examination, dedication, education and persistence through the District Board of Ordained Ministry in our Arkansas Conference.

To some it might sound like a high-falootin title, he said. But to me it signifies that call of God to be His servant as I go forth to preach, teach, encourage and comfort all of Gods creation.

And as for being the author of The Gurdon Times Word of the Week, he has had a long-standing fascination with such complex words as logorrhea and cacaphony that date back to his days in high school.

To illustrate his love of words, he said that, in his past, he has been known to bake cakes and various desserts.

Without the right ingredients to add flavor and color to the dessert, it might not look as appetizing as it could, he said. And it might even taste a little bland  but with just the right ingredients, an okay dessert or meal can be transformed into something very special.

The same applies to speaking or writing, he said.

With carefully chosen and appropriate words, an ordinary sentence can be brought to vibrant life.

With the mind-numbing effects of television, he added, it also offers some well-needed exercise for our brains.

Not only will Gary miss Gurdon; but many Gurdonians will miss him and his family as well.

Weve enjoyed Gary, Melissa and Julia living here in our community, said Rotarian Anita Cabe. He brought a lot of spirit to his sermons and worked extremely hard to move the church forward. I truly appreciate his dedication to the church and to the community.

Allen Wimberly, Gurdon High School band director and music director for F.U.M.C., added, As for the Wimberlys, well miss all the Maskell family. Melissa does a marvelous job with the childrens sermon. Gary is a great pastor. My 11-year-old son, Garrison, enjoys his sermons. The entire town of Gurdon will miss the community services that the Maskell family has provided.