Note: This was originally written in mid-August, 2008 following our closing service at Colbert Chapel.
The day finally came. Even though we're confident in God's call and direction, experiencing our final service as pastor and wife at Colbert Chapel wasn't something that we looked forward to. The preparation for the service was difficult. What songs to sing? What scriptures to read? What would God have said? All these were questions that had to be answered before the service. Certainly they should be asked every week we prepare for leading God's people into the presence of the Most High. This Sunday, however, would be different. There wouldn't be another Sunday or another service to say things that were unsaid. There wouldn't be another opportunity to sing that special song that set the mood for approaching the throne room.
The day finally came. Even though we're confident in God's call and direction, experiencing our final service as pastor and wife at Colbert Chapel wasn't something that we looked forward to. The preparation for the service was difficult. What songs to sing? What scriptures to read? What would God have said? All these were questions that had to be answered before the service. Certainly they should be asked every week we prepare for leading God's people into the presence of the Most High. This Sunday, however, would be different. There wouldn't be another Sunday or another service to say things that were unsaid. There wouldn't be another opportunity to sing that special song that set the mood for approaching the throne room.
My concern for months has been that Suzanne's and my departure wouldn't be the focus of the serivce. I told her a few days ago that if I was preparing a farewell service I would do it one way. However, I was preparing a worship service and my desire was to point to Jesus - not his servant. Well, the congregational leadership had a couple other ideas. They presented Suzanne and me with a financial gift for our ministry. The goal was $5000 and they exceeded it. PTL! I know what it took for that to happen. It wasn't easy and we are humbled by their generosity. They also gave us a digital picture frame. It will come in handy showing pictures at presentations, but also at our new home in Asia. They also gave opportunity for people to share memories. It was a thrill to hear testimonies to God's faithfulness. It was humbling to be part of that. It led to a prayer time when the congregation gathered round us to pray over us for the next years. There was a lot of sniffling. It was very special to be surrounded by so many who cared so much. PTL!
It's now time to put most of our energy in moving forward to Asia. We have some things to finish here before we leave. We have to finish our sorting and storing, disposing and packing in the next five days. We drive to Portland on Saturday. We're scheduled to share in a church in Portland before we leave the States on August 25th. It is coming very soon and there is much to do.
One last thing: God has been very good in these last months. Some could possibly attribute all that has occured to chance. We prefer to attribute it to the hand of God. We were reminded today that we are also in a spiritual battle for the souls of people. The enemy won't stand idly by and allow God's servants to take his territory. We may be seeing the first salvo of his counterattack in what is occuring in our co-worker's life. She has just discovered a serious medical situation that may prevent her from joining her family in our country for a month or more. Pray for her that God will show his sovereignty and mercy in her life.
It is clear that Suzanne and I aren't alone in this. We have many people standing behind us in Colbert and Spokane. We also have others, literally around the world, standing behind (and with) us in this task. God is good - all the time.
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