This is my last time writing this letter to you as your pastor. It is a little unsettling to do some things for the last time. God has allowed me to preach over 6,000 sermons and write over 3,200 articles to this wonderful church. A quote often attributed to Dr. Seuss sums up my feelings. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Or maybe Winnie-the-Pooh said it best. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” (You can tell from my resources that I have five grandchildren).
We intentionally call this publication “The Encourager.” It gives a lot of information, but we mainly wanted it to be an encouragement for you to stay faithful in serving Christ. Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
Let me both encourage and compliment you.
The more of God you see, the more of God will be seen in you. Jesus said His light shines through us. You have been a lighthouse giving hope, help, and heaven to people in need. Like the ancient street lamplighter, “they will know where you’ve been by the light you left behind.” Keep shining.
We are stronger when we are smaller. Those of you involved in LifeGroups are the real heroes of our mission. This is not only teachers and workers. It includes the class member that encourages, prays and ministers to others. Trees together make a forest. Soldiers together make an army. Raindrops together make a river. We are better together.
“If you don’t have a dream, how can you have a dream come true?” (Faye LaPointe) The Bible says, “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) There is no one like you. You are here not by chance but by God’s own choice. He planned the days of your life to make a difference in the lives of others. Don’t play it safe and do church as usual. Dare to believe God for the impossible. It doesn’t have to be sensational. Just a cup of water, a widow’s offering, a small boy’s lunch. We do the possible. God does the impossible.
The greatness of a church is not measured by its seating capacity but by it’s sending capacity. It is good to go to church. It is better to be the church.
Finally, remember how much you are loved by God. If He had a refrigerator your picture would be on it. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Please join us on June 16, as Bro. Mike preaches one last time as our pastor at Eastmont Baptist Church. We will have a combined service at 10:30.