By Starr Munro
Riverbend News
Born in Oakdale, La., on March 17, 1957, Wayne Hudson first found his way to church as a young boy through the Baptist church his grandmother and the rest of his family lived across the street from. From his very earliest of years, church was made a priority that set up the foundation that helped mold him into who he is today, and instilled a future of serving his community through sharing the word of God. Having lived in Mayo since 2001, he first served as a youth pastor at Mayo Baptist and then as a pastor. In 2004, he and his wife began New Beginnings Church, also located in Mayo. Fifteen years later in September of 2019, New Beginnings Church merged with Cornerstone Baptist, of Mayo, and the two churches became one, The Journey Church. Pat Raulerson was named pastor of the newly formed church and Hudson was named the co-pastor.
Although there have been many influences for (Pastor), he credits two men, in particular, for providing much of his inspiration. Throughout his middle school and high school years, these two pastors served as perfect pictures as to what pastoral work was about to later emulate himself after. These men went above and beyond for Hudson, like good leaders so often do. They spent personal time with him not only at the church but after church and after school, even bringing the young future pastor to his first FSU football game. He would not be where he is today without these two men and has hopes to pass that legacy on to some of the young people in his own life.
Pastor Hudson's favorite book of the Bible is the book of John, found in the New Testament. John is his favorite book of the Bible because it helps anyone who reads it to really see and understand not only the life of Jesus, but who God truly is. It also helps people to see the extent He went to in order to save His children through His Son, Jesus Christ. If Hudson could say anything to his younger self he would let him know to “Pace yourself young man, this is a marathon, not a sprint.” He would also be sure to mention to find balance in his life, balance in the important work of spreading the truth of God's love and saving time to spend with family. A verse from the Bible that has become his go-to is from Galatians 6:9 “Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.” A reminder of God's faithfulness, and His goodness, it serves as an encouraging reminder of the reward that awaits all who serve and know Him.