A Tumultuous Week

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A week ago today, my family and I were recovering from a stay in the hospital with Nathan. We also learned a week ago today of a tragic death in the life of our church family at Wilkesboro Baptist.  As it turned out, he had a bad virus that took our generally happy 18 month old and made him a feverish lethargic little boy. You can tell from this recent picture, he’s doing much better.

My emotions last week were a wreck. When you are sent from the doctor to the lab to get blood work and from the lab results to the ER, it is never news you want to receive—especially when it is your child. I wish I could say my faith was solid as a rock, but it was not. Jean and I spent a fair amount of time last week questioning. But God taught me some important things from last week’s experience.

  1. God will never allow you to face more than “He” can bear. I’m certain I was in over my head last week, but God was not. We made it through the emotional roller coaster of last week on God’s grace and strength.
  2. Prayer is tremendously important. Many of you reading this blog prayed for us last week. My church family and friends were praying for us last week. And I sensed God’s grace, strength, and calmness through it all. He was faithful, and your prayers were felt.
  3. When the church cares, Christ is honored. All the cards, well-wishes, gifts, meals, and encouragements revealed how much we as a family are loved in our new home. Thank you for your love and care to our family last week.
  4. Even a little faith in a big God is enough. I knew “theologically” that the amount of faith is less important than the source of faith. After last week, I understand that to be true experientially as well. God provided grace, strength, healing, and calmness last week even when my “amount” of faith was truly not enough for what God provided.

This week has been one of reflection and gratitude. I want to thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, gifts, and meals. I want to brag on my church family specifically. Wilkesboro Baptist Church is a loving, caring church. You made my family and I feel loved, cared for, and prayed for. I’m honored to serve as your Senior Pastor and thankful God put you in our lives.

My first six weeks…

My first six weeks at Wilkesboro Baptist Church has been a bit of a whirlwind. I can hardly believe we’ve sold a house, moved all our stuff, concluded one ministry, begun another, all in the last 90 days. My first six weeks at the church have included baptism, the Lord’s supper, a funeral, deacon’s meeting, finance committee meeting, deacon ordination, pastor installation service, and a church business meeting. It’s been a fun whirlwind.

I’d like to share a few initial observations about my time so far:

  • I remain convinced God placed me here at Wilkesboro Baptist Church. Not only did I sense God’s leadership here, but the church is a good fit for me and my family.
  • Preaching weekly is a joy. Having the opportunity to pray, think, plan, study, and preach through sermons and series is an incredible privilege. I am thoroughly enjoying this aspect of my ministry.
  • My church is fantastic. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. From the meals, gifts, and cards, to the banana pudding and pound cake, my family and I feel welcome. Thank you Wilkesboro Baptist Church.
  • God has blessed Wilkesboro Baptist with a wonderful staff, deacon body, and church leaders. I look forward to the years working together to accomplish God’s mission of making disciples.

Let me offer this word of exhortation from my pastor, Dr. Greg Mathis. He shared these thoughts regarding an effective ministry at my installation service on September 27. Let us forgive early and often (show the grace and forgiveness to one another that Christ showed to us), protect our priorities (keep God first in all that we do), evaluate our attitude (don’t be judgmental, bur rather be humble and contrite), remember the power of prayer (depend on God’s favor and power), and clean our hearts daily (deal with self regularly).