It was one year ago yesterday that I began preaching at the church. Incredible how quickly time
passes! The changes that have happened in the last year are head-spinning; our dear friends from Maine (pastor Doug and Tina) moved down and joined the staff, we purchased a home; we got a dog; our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter moved down; we launched our discipleship initiative and have completed the training of our first tier of discipleship leaders, and are ready to launch our first groups in a couple of weeks; we began the Compassion Performing Arts Series, and have hosted two of the four concerts; we hired a music minister; and I finished the first season of directing the choir. Whew! It’s been a full year and I have enjoyed
every bit of it.
Praise the Lord! Our son-in-law, Andy got a job. Andy began work today at the Piedmont International Airport in Greensboro. They were so excited, and we are very happy for them. They secured an apartment over the weekend and will be moving sometime this next week. God is good! ☺
On Wednesday I had a chance to meet with Pastor Chris Vernon. He planted a Wesleyan church just outside of Wilmington. It was exciting to hear him share what the Lord is doing there. I don’t have all the stats, but he said he would send me an email update. Once I get that I’ll pass it on to you. However, in general, they have grown in just a couple of months to an average attendance of over 100 a week; several have been baptized; and many are getting saved. It is wonderful to hear what God is doing and to observe Pastor Chris’ humble heart. Crosswinds, the church’s name, was planted this last winter. Part of our mission budget goes to support that church plant. Stay in prayer for that young church as they seek to be obedient to God’s call.
Pastor Chris expressed to me an interest in learning about our discipleship journey and wants to meet with us to learn how they can implement such a ministry in their church. Can you imagine what God will do if they begin early on, taking their congregation on the Discipleship Journey—especially with so many of them being new to church? It will be amazing to watch! I praise the Lord that our church has the honor of being just a small part of what God is doing there.
Thursday was District Conference. It was enjoyable to fellowship with the different pastors serving in our churches, and to hear the many positive reports from all over our district of what God is doing in our various churches.
We had family visiting from out of town, so on our day off Marcia and I took my sister to Wilmington Beach. We had a great time, but realized that next time we go to a place like that we need to go with someone who knows the area or has been there before, because we didn’t really know where to go or what to do. Even so, we had a lot of laughs and enjoyed the drive.
Maranatha! Keep your eyes to the sky. Our Redemption draws near!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Rick
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