It has been several, several weeks since my last update, for which I do apologize. However, life/ministry has been busy and preparation for Ordination took much of my time especially these last few weeks.
This weekend has included many different emotions including enjoying family time with both my parents and Kim’s parents as well as Kim’s sister, Allison; stressing, relaxation, busy, FOOD, special memories and more relaxing with family. My in-laws arrived a our home on Friday morning and we got the camper parked, leveled and hooked up shortly after. The afternoon was spent doing some local sightseeing so they could see where we live and serve. My parents arrived later that night and after some unwinding we all turned in.
D-Day, Saturday
Today began with cooking a big breakfast for all the family that was here, more riding around, another family meal a lunch and then I had to escape to the office to settle my mind/nerves before Ordination Council. Saturday afternoon/evening involved many local pastors from the area and my Uncle Jim and his family as well as my cousin Amanda, her husband Todd and their son Haddon (who are planting a church in South Portsmouth, KY, kickoff service is 8-27-2010) coming to participate in my ordination council. My nerves were shot by the time 4pm rolled around as I had stressed for so long over the unknown questions to come from these men of God who were much wiser, and had been serving and ministering much longer than I had. Thanks to Jim’s way of making me feel comfortable and even more so due to the overwhelming support from my church family (over 35 showed up) to observe the council session, my nerves eventually calmed and following the 2hr. session I was able to breathe a sigh of relief! And once Jim informed me that the decision was unanimous that I be ordained, I really felt the release of all the anxiety from the previous weeks and months. Of course a true Baptist Church can’t do anything without food and this night was no exception as the great ladies of Calais graciously came through as always.
Sunday, Today -
Today was a very special day for us because of 2 reasons. First, the afternoon service was the official Ordination Service, and secondly, today marked the First Homecoming Service for Kim and I at Calais Baptist Church. Jay, my cousin and Jim’s son began our day with a presentation during the Sunday school hour on his mission trip and his burden for Guatemala. He did a wonderful job and I believe that he will make a great missionary. There is no mistaking his heart, his passion and burden for missions and the people of Guatemala. Please pray for him as he is about to begin his senior year at Appalachian Bible College and as he continues to prepare to go to Guatemala to serve full time as a missionary. Jim brought the morning message and the spirit of God was definitely present. The music and preaching from the service seemed to just bring out the heart of the people and God’s man. Praise God for such a wonderful morning. Of course, we had our Homecoming meal at the church followed by the Ordination Service. The Ordination service included a charge to the church, brought by Pastor Todd Lockyer of New Grace Baptist Church, South Portsmouth, KY; a general message of the glory of preaching by Pastor Jeff Cox of East Sunsburry Baptist Church of Beallsville, OH; a charge to me, the Pastor, brought by Pastor Jim Brown of Vernon Forest Baptist Church in Winston Salem, NC and culminated with the laying on of hands and presentation from my deacons. Below is a photo album from today’s events.
This weekend has been a extremely special time for both Kim and I and we are so thankful for all that were able to come and show their support and participate with us and equally grateful for all who have been praying for us and sending words of kindness and encouragement for the past several weeks. A huge THANK YOU to the folks at my church, Calais Baptist Church in Calais, OH for all the hard work and dedication this weekend and the strong show of support and love that you have shown to us this weekend and ever since we have been with you. No one will ever know how special this weekend has been, especially with the family connection (Uncle Jim) being a major part of all of this. Certainly not to be forgotten is the attendance of a very special member of our church, Cheri, who has been very sick for some time battling cancer and has not been able to attend in person for some time. Please remember her in prayer and praise God that she was able to be a part of everything that happened this weekend, in person!
Gonna sign off for now, and hope that the next update isn’t so long overdue. Pray for us as we are taking the teens on a camping trip this Thursday-Saturday. Pray that God will help to build strong relationships, help everyone that is going to grow spiritually and that God will be glorified!
Faithfully and Joyfully serving Christ!
