Saturday, October 4, 2014

Farewell Message

This message was especially intended for our church family at Shell Lake Full Gospel on October 4, 2014.

My brother recently told me that it is easy to see what we are leaving behind, but without faith it is difficult to see what we’re moving toward.

God has so profoundly opened the doors for us to move forward in our move to Iowa that when our faith is challenged in the future we must remember the amazing miracles God has given us in this past month

Russell and I want to express our thanks and appreciation to all of you for your prayerful support to us during these past 21 years of our being here in this area. Thanks to all of you who have visited us, sent cards of encouragement and phoned just to see how Russell is doing during the past 13 years in which his health has been challenged with PD. We want you to know we appreciate it all.

I realize what an amazing opportunity we have to worship together in this gathering place with pastors who really care for all of us. I understand that they often wish they could fix us and our problems when in reality we, along with God’s help are the only ones who can fix them. I want to thank the pastors for their care of and commitment to Russell and me.

When I was a young girl a friend knew that I loved art work and gave me a ‘paint-by-number’ set. I hated it. I didn’t appreciate the confinement. I am also not a “well, whatever” type person, but a “thus saith the Lord” type. God has not allowed my spirit to be quiet and content with status quo.

The truth of I John 3:17 burns a challenge in me to share what God has given me. I do not want God to question me about His love being manifested through my life. With time I have learned that for some pain, poverty and discomfort become people’s comfort zone. I realize that people like me can bring discomfort to that zone of uncomfortable comfort.

I want to take this opportunity to ask your forgiveness if I have offended any of you. And I want to tell you personally and corporately that I love you sincerely. We can remain connected in the unity of the Spirit even when we are miles apart. Unfortunately I will not be around after the service as I have another commitment down the road this morning. I will miss you as we search for a new congregation to fellowship with.