By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Everyone’s faith walk is different and for Natchez native, Craig Cox, his involvement with Cliff Temple Baptist Church was a miracle in the making.

As a young man, Cox grew up attending Springfield Baptist Church. His walk with the Lord became strained as he grew older and he stopped attending church.

“I fell out of God’s will and started chasing self-centered dreams,” Cox said. “ My grandmother, Carece Cox, was so faithful in prayer about me finding a Christian soul-mate to guide me back to God and I believe it was her plea that helped save me.”

Despite the difficulties growing up, Cox has made his way in the world and is now the owner of a successful business, Mid-South Service.

“I give all the credit to God,” Cox said. “Whatever job we do, I bring my faith in God into the business. I think putting God first in all I do has made all the difference”

Cox has come full circle in the church. Not only does he attend, but he and his wife, Tina, are the youth leaders at Cliff Temple. Every year they are able to take the youth of the church to summer camp. He is also an active musician with the praise team for six years and now serves as the music director for more than a year now.

“My outlook on church has changed and continues to change as God opens new doors for me,” Cox said. “I enjoy church and love serving the body of Christ.”

The renewed interest in church has also allowed Cox to do more in his personal life including being a coach for his 7-year-old son’s travel baseball team Full Swing.

“I try to teach my son Drake, and the other team members, the importance of prayer along with giving God the glory for their talent,” Cox said. “ We try to help build their character, teach them respect and exercise their … talent to the extreme.”

The team has done well. They have won three championship rings and numerous trophies and even advanced from AA to AAA.

Cox also credits a good friend and mentor, Donnie McIlwain, who has served as the music director of Cliff Temple for more than 20 years, with being a positive influence in his spiritual life.

“It is very important to me to set a Christian example for my family,” Cox said. “I am very glad my family is so active in the church.”

The struggle to live a life of Christian example can sometimes be difficult, but Cox says he tries daily to do so.

“I am thankful for all the opportunities God has given me,” Cox said. “I am so thankful for my wife Tina and our children, Cade and Drake. I am far from perfect and I struggle every day, but I try to live my life by my favorite verse, Colossians 3:17.”

His wife Tina says she is very proud of her husband.

“I am so thankful for Craig,” Tina Cox said. “ He is a Godly husband and father and he does so much for everyone else, but he hates it when I brag on him.”