Temple Baptist Life

I started this article several times and scrapped each article I have begun. I am having a very hard time putting into words what Diane and I feel about Temple Baptist Church. We could even say that words are so inadequate to express my feelings and thoughts.

We want you to know that this is an exciting time for Diane and me, but it is not an easy time.

We are excited to be stepping out on faith. God has confirmed His will in our life almost every day through events, scripture or just His wonderful Spirit of Peace. His peace has made this time in our lives worry free. The peace of God truly does surpass all understanding. Diane and I have walked closely with God, and with each other, and know that His will always has our best in mind. We will get His best and Temple Baptist will get His best. His blessing will be on the church and on us as we leave. If you stay close to God and each other, God will bless Temple Baptist even more than in the past. Just remember during this time of transition, the enemy is outside not inside. This is a time to come together in love and peace and not to make demands on each other. Remember, Jesus is the Shepherd of Temple Baptist, I was just the under-shepherd.

Please do not worry. God is already at work preparing someone to become pastor of this great church. I know this church and feel like I know you. The new under-shepherd will take Temple to greater things than I ever could. With the promise of a greater future we should not worry. God is not through with Temple.

One man was always worrying. He worried about his children, his job, his wife, his health. One day a friend of this man noted that he was extremely calm and peaceful. “Why are you so calm?, he asked. “You always worry about every-thing. What happened?” The former worrier replied, “I just hired a man to do the worrying for me.” “Well, how much are you paying him?” His friend inquired. “A thousand dollars a week,” the man replied. “A thousand a week? You can’t afford a thousand dollars a week.” The worrier responded, “That’s his problem!”

This is not an easy time for Diane or me. We are leaving a place where our kids grew up. We are leaving a town we love dearly. But, most of all we will not be able to see the people we love so much, on a weekly basis. You will be missed, but you will always be loved. You have been a joy to pastor and minister to. You have shown me what real love is. You have shown strength when I was weak. You have ministered to us in our own times of hurt. You have amazed me at your desire to reach the Salida community for Jesus. We have laughed a lot, we have shed a few tears along the way, but you have always been there for me. I know you do not realize it, but you have taught me so much. There are so many great and wonderful gifts I can take from you that will be mine forever. Thank You Temple Baptist Church for being there for me! Remember, I resigned from a position and not the people of Temple Baptist Church.

I have thought much about what advice I would give to you as Diane and I leave. Here is my list:

1. Love the Lord with all your being. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
2. Protect the unity of the church at all costs. Some will need to step forward and some will need to step
   back. Remember, it is not your will or your way that is important. It is what God wants!
3. Live in harmony with one another. This is not just for the musical folks. Harmony should be shown in what you say to each other, in how you express yourself, and in what you do.
4. Let scripture always be your guide. God speaks clearly through His word and it will never lead you in the wrong direction.
5. Love each other because you are family. Be slow to anger and swift to forgive. Be an encourager and not a discourager.
6. Seek God’s will and not your own. His will always give blessing more than you want to be blessed. He wants to bless you so much.
7. Think of the other person before you think of yourself. That is a servant’s attitude. You were saved to serve and not to sit.

Keep these truths evident in your everyday dealings with each other and the world.
As I close this article we want to Thank You for all your gifts to us through the 21 years we were here.
Of course I will leave you with a little story:

I saw this in Reader’s Digest, On the last day of school, children were bringing gifts to their teacher. The teacher was leaving and would not return the next year. The florist’s son brought the teacher a bouquet. The candy store owner’s son brought the teacher a pretty box of candy. Then the liquor store owner’s son brought a big, heavy box. The teacher lifted it up and noticed that it was leaking a little bit. She touched a drop of the liquid with her finger and tasted it. “Is it wine?” She guessed. “No,” said the boy. She tasted another drop and asked, “Champagne?” “No,” said the little boy. “It’s a puppy!”

This very short article still can’t express all the love, gratitude and blessings we have received as we served with you. All we can say is GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY!

Glad I Was Your Pastor,