The Rev. Larry Rouse was called to service while walking along a river levee

The Rev. Larry Rouse of the Scott City First Family & Youth Worship Center, a General Baptist Church, found his calling in an unusual way. Rouse has been involved with a church his entire life, and at the age of 16, he decided to turn his life over to God and immerse himself into positions of the church. At the age of 20, he was voted in as the young adult Sunday school teacher at his church. He served in this role for five years until he took on a new position as a church deacon. Rouse held that role until one late afternoon day he felt a pull on his heart to go down to a local river levee, it was there when he heard the voice of God commissioned him to preach. "Moses had a 'mountain top experience with God'," Rouse said. "I had a 'river levee experience with God.' I answered God's call for me into his ministry of preaching one late afternoon while walking along a river levee, and have been faithfully serving him since." He has been a pastor for 35 years and serving at Scott City First for eight years.

How long have you been a member of your faith? 50 Years.

What education/background/studies did you go through to become a pastor? Some college. Ministers home study courses (graduated after two years). Licensed and ordained by general baptist ministries. Numerous conferences and teachings over the last 35 years. Served as clerk of Hopewell Association and Presbytery for over 20 years. Currently serving in the SEMO Association on the ordination committee.

Where are you from and when/why did you move to Cape Girardeau/Jackson area? Moved to Cape Girardeau in 2006 from Dexter, Mo., to be closer to the church and my wife's place of work.

What do you think makes this church special? The people are always the "church," and the people who attend SCF are amazing individuals. They are loving, dedicated and servant-minded; always supportive of myself and each other. There is always a sweet spirit that can be felt when we convene together.

What's your favorite verse and why? Psalm 107: 23-24 "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep." Some of our greatest experiences in faith are when we are totally dependent on the lord to see us through rough times, like a fisherman in deep waters. "Fair-weather faith is not faith at all." Charles H. Spurgeon

What program have you done with your church that you are proud of and why? Just introduced new wide-screen power point technology program to assist with our worship, sermons and teachings. This is an awesome resource to have in the church today, I always say "a picture is worth a thousand words," and with this tool it really helps to bring God's messages to life. "Sharing Jesus without fear" -- was a study I lead to show the importance of leading others to Christ, the answer to the great commission. "End-time Bible Conference" just finished a three-night conference with keynote speaker Dr. Mike Coleman who spoke on remembering our first love and anticipating the return of Christ, "Purpose Driven Church -- 101 Membership Class" starting September 2010 will educate and equip new converts and members to learn about warmer fellowship, deeper discipleship, stronger worship, broader ministry, larger evangelism. Teaching us to become a "healthy church."

What's your favorite day of the week and why? I enjoy everything about Sunday. It is the Lord's day, a special day set aside for fellowship, singing, teaching and worshipping with everyone together. It is an awesome experience to worship with everyone as a gifted Body of Christ.

What's your favorite part of being a pastor? Service: leading others to Christ, and helping them to mature spiritually. I also enjoy visiting nursing homes, hospitals and shut-ins.

What hobbies do you have? Reading and ever-learning. Fishing and boating. Spending time with my wife and family.

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? Serve as clerk of the Hopewell Association and Presbytery, ordination committee for s.E.M.O. Association, member of Ministerial Alliance in Scott City, Mo.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day? II Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will i hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."