8/27/23
We celebrated 40 years as Pastors in April this year. It was hard to believe, yet as we gathered pictures, newspaper articles, and wrote out invitations to the party, we thought a lot about the amazing 40 years God gave us as pastors here at All the World Christian Center. We were honored to have so many dear friends and family come support us and celebrate with us. Our four grown children, who grew up in this church, blessed us with their presence.
My prayer for you is that you will continue to grow in the Lord, that you will continue to stand up for what is Godly, that the gifts of the Spirit in you will continue to grow and produce much fruit, and that you will continue to walk in love like Jesus.
As you let His light shine through you, others will see Jesus in you.
Always believe, hope and pray for God’s blessings and His promises.
Never stop worshiping and praising God. Through worship and praise the Lord will strengthen you and show you how you can strengthen others. Help others realize that Jesus is the only way.
Keep the full armor of God on always and stand up against evil. Continue to fight the good fight. Don’t back down. Press forward. Don’t quit.
I recently heard a story about an 1968 Olympian, John Stephen Akhwari, from Tanzania. He was representing his country in the marathon at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. During the race he was accidentally bumped by another runner and fell badly wounding his knee and hitting his shoulder hard against the pavement. He continued running and finished last long after the award ceremony was over. A few people were still in the stadium and cheered him on as he crossed the finish line. When asked why he continued running, he said, ”My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”
We want to encourage all of you to finish this race that you began with the Lord. Run the race until you cross the finish line. What a great celebration! Finish well.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”
So after 40 years as pastors we are closing doors here at All the World Christian Center, but not ending the ministry God called us too. We will be moving north to be closer to family. We will listen to the Holy Spirit for His direction. We will step out. We know God has doors to yet open for us as we continue to prepare and study His Word.
We also will continue to run the race, keeping our eyes on the finish line, and we will finish well.