The people of First Baptist Church Maryville and the Winters Family greatly appreciate our prayers and ask you to continue to pray for the congregation, Pastor Fred’s family, and the assailant and his family. However, we ask you to e-mail any condolences to contact@fbcmonline.com instead of posting them here. We would like for this site to be filled only with memories and stories of our beloved Pastor Fred. Other guests, please utilize the Prayer Request section of our site for passing along your prayers and well wishes. Submit your stories now.

Our Stories

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Submitted by: Anonymous at 4:13:42 PM on 06/07/2009

My family and I first attended FBCM in the fall of 2006.  We had been looking for a home church in the area for about 6 months when someone recommended we visit FBCM.  We were reluctant at first because it was such a large church.  We went anyways and somehow Pastor Fred noticed us in the congregation and came to greet us.  He asked our names and what we did so we told him.  He proceeded to tell me to call the church office and set up at time to eat lunch with him during the next week.  I smiled and said, "Sure."  The whole time I was thinking to myself that this was the Pastor of a church of over a thousand people, he doesn't have time to eat lunch with a first time guest and I wasn't going to bother him by calling.  Later that week my phone rang.  It was Pastor Fred.  He wanted to know if I'd still like to do lunch.  We set up a time, had lunch together, and we've been at FBCM ever since. 

I knew right then that he was a man who truly cared about his flock.  It wasn't about numbers (though he was a great numbers man), but about relationship.  It was the last time that I ever had lunch alone with him, but I know in my heart had I ever needed an hour of his time over lunch he would have given it.  Every time we'd see him at church he'd say hi and address my whole family by name.  To this day I am amazed at how many people he knew.  Both long time members and new members alike.  He was a man who loved God, his family, and all others like no one I had ever met before.  For anyone who knew Pastor, you know the fondness and love with which I speak about him.  I praise God for the life he lived and the legacy he left.  Be diligent in your prayers for both our church family and for Cindy and the girls.  It is the least we can do to honor and remember him.

Welcomed Warmly

Submitted by: The Grubb Family at 6:04:53 PM on 05/29/2009

Fred and Cindy were so welcoming when we visited the church in June of 1998.  They even took our little family out to lunch!  It meant so much to my husband and me as we were a young couple in early marriage and parenthood, had few connections in the area, and were expecting our second child.  I attended several playgroups over that summer and got to know Cindy and her sweet little girls.  I recall them each being about a year older than our oldest two children (Austin and Spencer). 

When Spencer was born in September of that year, Cindy was one of the moms who brought dinner to us.  In November, he one of several babies dedicated to God by Pastor Fred at the church.  The following spring, Cindy was such a help in recommending two of the best babysitters we've ever had over the years - a big relief for a young, at-home mom going back to school at night who was nervous to be leaving her babies. 

 

Fred visited with us in our home(s) on a couple of occasions.  We had some interesting discussions.  ;o)  He used to ask us when were we going to be baptized on a regular basis.  On June 13, 1999, we went forward with our decision and he baptized both my husband and me - we still have a plaque honoring that special day in our kitchen.  Such a flood of memories…  We moved away from the area to continue furthering our education shortly thereafter.  When we moved back down (but to the Missouri side) in 2007 and initially had difficulty finding a church home, we almost drove the 40mi. one-way to FBC in Maryville.

 

Cindy, Alysia, and Cassidy, it was a blessing to have crossed paths with all of you and your wonderful husband, father, and man of God, Fred.  Your family will always have a special place in our hearts. 

 

Prayerfully & In Christ,

 

The Grubb Family

Jason, Melissa, Austin, Spencer,

Kiley, Isabelle (Ellie), and Casslyn (Cassie)  

My first Shepherd

Submitted by: Kenan Keller at 8:01:10 AM on 05/12/2009

My family joined the church about 7 months after Paster Fred started preaching at FBC Maryville. The day after I was born in 1992, Pastor Fred visited “me” in the hospital. Pastor Fred was so much more than I can say in this one memoir; but I'll try, using a “Fred-ism”.

 

The power of his Message

He was a man after God's own heart. You could see that in his demeanor, and in his sermons.

 

The style of his Mane

Pastor Fred used to talk to me about "our hair". Once, he told me:“Kenan, you and I have the same hair. Currently, you look like a doofus. Now, you either wear it short like your brother Timon (crew-cut) or long like Tim (ponytail). Your choice.”

 

The precariousness of his Method

Pastor Fred had a method of preaching that always led him to lean way over the edge of the stage while “hanging ten”. We, the members of the youth group, were always prepared to assist him; because we were always sure that one day, he was going to fall off.

 

The extent of his Mindfulness

Pastor Fred would always take time out of his day for other people, even though he was busy. I was reading the book of Leviticus, and didn't quite understand something; and Pastor Fred took time out of his week to research it, and help me to understand.

 

I will never forget Pastor Fred, and await the day of redemption when I will be able to once again worship the Lord our God together with him. We love you Ms. Cindy, Alysia, and Cassidy.

Pastor Fred Winters Lagacy

Submitted by: John E Ritenour at 5:10:03 AM on 05/09/2009

 

I live in Pensacola Florida. I found the First Baptist Church of Maryville site quite unintentionally. I clicked on the video feature done by Pastor, entitled "Why Do You Exist?" After viewing, I was very moved and touched by the simple, straightforward presentation of the gospel. It is indeed sad that Pastor Fred Winters is no longer with us. But look at the legacy the he has left behind! A church founded on the irrepressible and unchanging love of almighty God! I am blessed that I was already saved when I viewed the video - but how many unsaved people will view it? How many lives will be changed by the work that Pastor Winters did here on earth? Think about how many who will escape hell because of Pastor Williams's faithful obedience to the word of God! He leaves behind a wonderful legacy, full of hope and promise. God bless you one and all as you overcome the world and serve the Lord Jesus Christ!

My Pastor , My Friend, My Co-Worker

Submitted by: Sheila Satterthwaite at 1:15:21 PM on 04/20/2009

I have been a part of FBCM for about 13 years now.  In that 13 years I have seen God do amazing things here.  I have grown as a Christian and that is because of Pastor Fred preaching & teaching.  He always took us to the Word of God..never just "his" thoughts even if you asked him his thoughts most, if not all the time, he would go to the scriptures. I appreciated him as a man of God but also as a friend.  I knew I could talk with him about anything and it didn't go any further except to the throne of God.  I loved doing weddings with him, joking around with him...he had such a sense of humor.  I hope you got to know that side of him.  One thing I can say about Pastor Fred, he was always the same.  Whether at church, on a mission trip or at his home, he was the same.  He was a true man of God!

I remember our mission trip to Greece.  It was hot and we were all so tired.  We were at one of the parks to share Christ with the kids and their families.  There were these trash cans in the park that looked like penguins.  Fred put his head inside this dirty trash can and pretended it was attacking him.  We laughed so hard...I have photos of it if you ever want to see how crazy he was at times.  I have so many stories I could write my own book.  Memories I will cherish forever!

I miss him greatly, oh, how I miss him.  But I know God has a plan for us...all of us.  He didn't take Pastor Fred home just because He had nothing better to do that day...He has a plan.  Are you part of that plan? If not, think about it...what is your life telling others?  Listen to Pastor Fred's message on this website...where are you in God's plan?

Extremely Grateful

Submitted by: Lisa Gall at 9:54:18 AM on 04/14/2009

My family was in search to find a Church that we all would love.  As my husband drove down rte 162 on his way home from work, he saw just a sign out in the field that said (Future Home Of FBC) and when he came home he had said to me that this is where we would be going to Church.  We arrived on the 1st day of the opening of the New Church.  As I had stepped into the door, I felt in my heart that this is where I needed to be and then our daughter and my husband also felt the same.  We have attended FBC for 9 years now.  Pastor Fred preached with so much compassion and understanding.  The most simplist person could follow what he preached.  I loved how he put everything into prespective by using his personal senerio's.  We had lost our son 9 years ago to a Brain Tumor and ever since I had this heaviness on my chest as if I had to make myself breath.  When Pastor Fred Baptized me and as he lifted out of the water, I felt that heaviness raise out of me and never experienced the heaviness again.  Pastor Fred was a true Blessing to all of us,  Cindy is our rock now and she sure gives us the stregnth now to go on even more powerful than before.  Her Grace and compassion are so appreciated.  The Winters are a perfect family and an example of a family that all should be like.  What a Blessing to have you in our lives.  With Heartfelt Love and in my prayers.   Lisa Gall

skiing

Submitted by: Karl Winters at 4:09:33 PM on 04/13/2009

My brother Fred had been hoping to go on a ski trip with me sometime. He had asked if I could fly him to our destination. We never got to ski together. Last Friday I was on the slopes at Solitude in Utah, and while on a downhill blue slope I remembered our ski trip that never came to pass... and I promptly fell !!

I will see you again, Fred.       -Karl

 

My Re-Birth at age 56 and Pastor Winters

Submitted by: Susan Greenspan Thomas at 4:20:21 AM on 04/12/2009

I was an Over-the-Road Truck Driver for nearly 28 years.  I was laid over on a Sunday night; not being able to deliver until Monday morning. 

I had picked up this free New Testament on Cassette tapes in a truck stop and did the "Unthinkable" for a Jewish woman.  I listened to it!  Then I was obsessed with the thought, "What if this Jesus really is One with the Father?  What if He really is the Passover lamb?"

I slipped into a Sunday night service.  Didn't have any nice clothing with me, so I sat waaaay in back, of course!  I listened.  No.  I was riveted to the words Pastor Winters was saying about Jesus.  I concluded one of two things were occuring:  1:  Pastor Winters was making secret trips to Independence, Missouri and looking in my windows.  That's how he knew so much about me.  or.....2:  Jesus really is the Messiah, the Passover Lamb, the Blood on the Doorpost and it may be possible that this Jesus could become my own Messiah. 

I went down to the front and spoke to Pastor Winters softly that I did not know how to say words like Christians do, I refuse to play "church"; however did he know how I could tell Jesus that I believed that He was the Messiah, and I'd like to be a follower of His, that if indeed Jesus sees me "as is" then I shall not be so arrogant as to ask Him for nothing other than I'd like for Him to come into my Soul and Love me and guide me to love Him back. 

Pastor Winters helped me with this most intimate and quiet prayer.  When it was over, I asked the Pastor what about tomorrow morning?  What if I have a change of mind?  He responded that it was nothing that I did anyway that could re-birth myself.  That it was too late.  Jesus is God and will never let me go.  It's a Re-birth and permanent.  I said ok.  Thank you Sir.   and left. 

That was 5 years ago.  On Earth I'm 61 years old, but not really.  I'm only 5 years old!  Every aspect of my functioning life has changed.  I am a Messianic Jew and a follower of Jesus. 

And to think!  I had been angry at God for years.  I had no Grandparents or Aunts and Uncles, etc.  Adolph Hitler cremated them.  ....and the very Pastor who knew Jesus and knew how to talk to Jews too, was murdered.  hmmmmm.   I will not second guess Jesus, afterall, how many times has He asked any of us for a consult?  Nothing touches our lives unless He allows it.  And then it is only because of His greater design for us.  Our character is formed and transformed, according to His plan. 

So Pastor Winters will be there to greet me when I reach Heaven.  I know it!  Oh!  and for you folks?  When you get to go to Heaven?  ....and you are walking up to your Mansion, and you see a Grapefruit tree in full bloom in your front yard?  You will know I made it too!  I have put in a personal request to Jesus that I'd like to bring a shovel so I can plant Grapefruit trees all over Heaven to bless all of you. 

May Jesus keep each of you in the Palm of His Hand.....ahhhhhh!  Such a nice place to be!

In His Service,

"Susie"

PS  You may want to meet up with me in Heaven.  If you see a woman with Red tap dance shoes on dancing on the streets of Gold?  That will be me!  Please.  Step forward and introduce yourself. 

Even in death Pastor Fred continues his work on earth.

Submitted by: Amber Forsythe at 4:03:52 PM on 04/09/2009

I only met Fred one time but I did know Cindy because she worked with my mother at a senior health center.  When I heard of this tragedy I felt almost like I was experiencing a loss too.  I turned my back on God several years ago with all my illnesses and pain and never looked back.  I attended the viewing and was sad that when I made it to the front Cindy was out of commision and Fred's parents were greeting folks, I wanted to tell her how much I loved her and her family even though so many years had passed since I have seen her.  I decided on that sad night that the Holy Spirit does in fact live inside of me, still!  I turned back to the Lord that night and am now involved in a Baptist Church in OFallon, MO.  Fred had such an extraordinary impact on everyone he met and even in death he has touched me DEEPLY, even in death he continues his work by turning faces towards God, including me.  I will thank the Lord every day for allowing him to continue to touch lives on earth even in death, he has truly made me a more spiritual person and I will follow Christ for eternity thanks to Fred Winters.

Rest brother Fred, I will see you soon and give you the proper "thank you" that you deserve.

God Bless,

Amber Forsythe the no longer lost soul.

 

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Submitted by: Anonymous at 9:08:50 PM on 04/08/2009

When me and my family moved here i was in 5th grade. I didnt know any of the kids and i was afraid to go to sunday school because i didnt know what the other kids would think of me and because i didnt know anyone. I remember my dad taking me up to the class and i didnt want to go in and i started crying out in the hallway. My dad was trying to comfort me and convincing me to go in the classroom. He said that they are all going to be really nice. I still did not want to go. So my dad asked me if i wanted to go and talk to pastor fred because we knew that his daughter Alysia was in the same class. So we went and got pastor fred and he was telling me that it is going to be ok and he said that his daughter was in there and she would be friends with me. He then prayed with me and my dad and then he took me up to the classroom and introduced me to his daughter Alysia. She was very nice and she is still one of my best friends today!!! :) I love her so much and she helped me get to know everyone and made me feel welcome. I will never forget this. Pastor Fred was an AMAZING MAN!!! I love the whole family very much.

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