So many things are happening at the churches where I serve; we are in the midst of repairing the downstairs basement walls at Bear Branch, repairing the roof at Purdin, and trying to look ahead at Pleasant Grove and build a handicapped accessible ramp for the front doors. Plus, we are planning on holding a Confirmation Class parish-wide, as well as Disciple 1 and 2 classes, also throughout the entire parish. And, this weekend we are having an organizational meeting for our Purdin area youth group.

And, of course, we have just started our Wednesday evening prayer and praise services; last week we had 16 attending at the parsonage. This week, James and Jean Montgomery are hosting it at their house north of Brookfield.

I think back a little under two years ago, when our District Superintendent, Bill Koch, told me that I would be the new pastor at Bear Branch and Purdin. Then, in November 2007, he also informed me that I would be taking the reins at Pleasant Grove UMC to make it a three-point charge. Wow. I was excited, scared, nervous…all sorts of emotions ran through my head.

And now, I can look back and see how much of a blessing this charge has been in our lives; I would have never dreamed that we would be able to accomplish all that we have: an area-wide tent revival, a blending together of the three churches, an ice cream social, a Disciple 1 class, a very large donation to five area ministries…yes, I am proud of these people who have spiritually grown so much in the Lord.

Ad then…I think about what other things we can do for the Lord and His kingdom, and it excites me to new heights! Wow! The world is our parish, and there are souls to be saved, and countless others to be ministered to.

So, I give a great thanks to the Lord our God, for this journey He has given to my family and I. It’s been fun; nerve-wracking; crazy; and many other words…but most of all, it’s been a real testimony in the lives of those who we serve for the Lord in this parish.

So, there are even more decisions to be made, and choices to be looked at…but through and through, we can truly say that we are making disciples for Jesus Christ!

Blessings to all!