It was almost 12 years ago that my family and I met you for the first time. It was January 1995 when we first visited. We began working with you April 9, 1995. When we moved to Jeffersonville Andy and Jeremy were 10 and 7 years old. I was 41. Over the years I have lost most of my hair, but I have gained bifocals. Such are the seasons of life!
Most importantly, the years we have had together have produced a bond that gives special purpose and meaning to life. We have shared the gospel of Christ, and we have also shared our very lives. The apostle Paul spoke of this when he wrote to the brethren at Thessalonica: “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 12:8).
We have been truly blessed by YOU – the Meigs Ave. family. You have opened your hearts to us and welcomed us warmly into your fellowship. We have shared our hopes and dreams, our fears and tears, our gains and our losses, our victories and our defeats. At times, we have rejoiced and laughed together – even over another birthday during our Birthday Celebrations. We have rejoiced as our children were baptized into Christ, as two Christians created a new home through marriage, and as several who had left the Lord and His church “came home.” At other times, we have wept together as we stood side-by-side at the graveside of a loved one who has moved beyond this life. More tragically, we have mourned the decision of some who have forsaken the Lord to follow the world. Through it all, we have first leaned on the Lord and then on one another. Through it all we have stayed faithful to God's Word and to the power of prayer. Through it all, a special bond has been created that will impact and influence our lives forever.
We now leave wanting to encourage you in the great Work that remains before you. There is a powerful potential in the Meigs Ave. congregation. God has given so many of you multiple talents and opportunities. It will be up to you to fulfill God's potential in your life. We believe you are up to the task. We believe that many “good things” will come from you. Keep Paul's words deep in your heart, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Our thoughts and prayers (along with our hearts) will forever be apart of Meigs Ave. We know that we will hear of your great faith, your love for God, and your patient hope for the future.
| I close with a charge that was given to Joshua many centuries ago: “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8-9). Your friend always in Christ, |
Larry
