PIANIST PLAYS FOR 72 YEARS

Rachel Nicholson, 83, found her ministry niche at First Assembly of God in Warren , Arkansas , early in life. Seventy-two years later, the ministry looks like a perfect fit.

During the height of the Great Depression, Nicholson, then 11, began playing piano at the southern Arkansas church. Today, after being the pianist all but 13 years of the church's existence -- First A/G is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year -- she remains at the keys on a weekly basis.

"She plays out of the traditional style, mostly hymns, but has versed herself very well over the years with new songs that have come along," says Jim Bales, pastor of First Assembly for 10 years. "She can pick up on just about anything you can hum."

Nicholson says she recalls wanting to help out when the pianist position opened. She learned on the job, having taken only nine months of lessons.

"It was back during real hard times when we didn't have much extra money," Nicholson says. "But I liked playing and kept fooling with it." For Nicholson, playing the piano each Sunday is as much a passion as it is her ministry. "I'm thankful I've been able to do it," Nicholson says. "It's a gift from the Lord."

-- Isaac Olivarez, Today's Pentecostal Evangel

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