Letter From Pastor
08 July
- July 09
- Sharon and I have just experienced the celebration of our 40 years of ministry in the Gateway Community. We have never been so surprised in our lives as to be honored by all of you, but also to have our pastor, Jack Hayford, be here to share in the celebration.
Several months ago, Pastor Sandy extended the invitation to Pastor Jack and Jim Jr then approached him at a Pastoral Discipleship week in California. I did not know he was coming until I read it in the newspaper on Friday night that he would arrive on Saturday and spend Sunday with us. Sharon and I were so shocked and honored to have him come, but also very honored to share with him our wonderful church family.
Forty years can just mean you are getting older, but it is each one of you that makes the forty years the most fruitful reward that any pastor could ever have. I told our Pastoral Staff the only thing that would have been any greater is if they could have arranged the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus.
Hundreds of people came to an Open House on Saturday, and more than 500 came on Sunday morning. There were also many cards, emails, and other expressions and gifts of love. Our church family blessed Sharon and I each with a beautiful gift. I received a gold ring with the Foursquare colors in the stones. Sharon received a beautiful gold necklace with the Foursquare colors in the stones. These one of a kind gifts were custom made in Sri-Lanka with the help of Leslie Keegel our missionary there. That ring is a remembrance of all God has done, but it reminds me that the Lord of the Ring, our Savior, Baptizer, Healer, and Soon Coming King is all about the now and the future he has for all of us. Truly, are hearts our humbled by your love. Pastor Jack spoke about Jesus kind of people and that is what you are. You are the real deal, the proof of the truth that God is working in the world today. Thank you!
Pastor Jack’s prophetic words to the Church of the Open Door can never reach fulfillment without each one of us being Jesus kind of people together. He declared this church to be a beacon of light with a beam of blessing that goes far beyond the boundaries of our understanding. The beacon of light becomes much brighter with the connection of a people who move in clear direction of destiny and desire that only God alone can inspire. The Church that Love is Building must ignite and bring sight to see every soul is leaning and looking for a Savior. These words came in seed form to the soil of our soul. How fruitful they will be is up to you and me.
Pastor Jack said to me, “So many people are just waiting—hoping God will somehow, someday do something.” Then his face brightened and his voice intensified as he said, “You have to go for it. It is a done deal with God, but we must reach beyond what we know so we can grow by His grace. Press your dreams in work clothes”.
Okay, all you Jesus kind of people. Let’s go for it for the glory of God! We are better together. Be a beacon of light and bring people to church, The Church that Love is Building! Let’s partner in the greatest purpose on earth—to be His Church—His family.
Pastor Jim
posted at 13:30:26 on 07/08/09
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