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A Parting Word

Ten years ago, 1999 on July 18th, it was my oldest daughters 13th birthday. It was also our first Sunday Service with me as the new Pastor of the Open Bible Church in Galesburg, Illinois. Now my oldest is two years married and my youngest will finish 12th grade this January 2010. We have spent these ten years raising our daughters in a church that has been an absolute home to us. 

There are so many stories of relationships, friendships, mission trips and fellowships that would overload the internet if they were to be told. Our lives are forever changed and to this we are thankful to this church family. We were called by God to Galesburg and we grew to love it dearly. There is no reason that one could find to push us away from this our home.

Yet, there is a calling that moves us to another place-to attend to the needs of my Mama in Arizona. This baby boy preacher guy cannot allow his Mama to be without needed attention. She prayed me into the Kingdom of God out of an extremely deadend life-style and now it is my priviledge to share some personal care for her in this her time of need. 

This move presents to us the challenge of having to find a church to attend, not one that even knows we exist. We will be visitors for the fisrt time rather than the new hired Senior Pastor. I hope my family will be a blessing to another church as much as this church family has been to us. 

I only wish I could speak directly to each and every life that we have connected with in so many God Moments these past ten years. To some I would love to apologize for my less than Jesus actions toward them. I ask for their forgiveness. To others I would love to reaffirm them in the plan God has for their life and that they are so greatly valued by their Heavenly Father. To others I would love to thank them for the slaps on the back, touches on the arm, hugs in isles and the sweet little lady holy kisses on the cheek.

Whoever the Lord brings to this ministry as the new Senior Pastor will have some tough shoes to fill. Not because of what I have done, but rather because of what the Lord and others have done for my family and for me personally. To God be the Forever Glory!

Big Blessings, Pastor Ted