This year begins my 20th year of serving as your associational missionary. As I look back on these years, it has been a remarkable and joy-filled journey. I give thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for placing me here and for our wonderful churches who voted to call me. Since “day one,” our churches have accepted me and my family and opened their hearts and arms to love and accept us. For that, I will always be grateful. During these many years, God has privileged me to serve and be a part of events, meetings, and experiences that I could have never imagined.
As I look back over the past 20 years, two things stand out far more than anything else I have ever been involved in.
First and foremost is the faithfulness of God. His great faithfulness and goodness have been displayed in so many ways, time and time again. He has led us together to develop new ministries and has opened doors of partnership both locally and beyond. He has blessed our fellowship and efforts to expand His Kingdom and minister to others. My dear friends, it is inexpressible all that God has done for us throughout these years.
The next thing that stands out is the people God has placed in my path. I have met and served with some of the kindest, most generous, helpful, loving, and dedicated people in all the world, right here in our churches. The number of people who have touched my life and served their churches well is far too lengthy to ever list. I am so thankful for every pastor who has served in our association. I am deeply indebted to the countless number of men and women who have served in leadership positions and on committees across these years. Also, I owe a deep debt of gratitude to those individuals who have been my “go-to guys and gals,” who have always been there to help in so many sacrificial ways. Life and ministry are about relationships, and there is no way I could serve in this position without the prayers and help of so many.
In conclusion, I am so thankful and blessed to serve as your associational missionary, and I look forward to serving with you for many more years.
Bro. Wendell
Mark 12:30-31