In my 76th year,
I have entered a new phase of life. As I
have said previously, I never intend to retire but after forty-seven years of
active ministry, I have decided to refocus my ministry efforts in keeping with
my abilities and situations to fit the new realities of my life.
I still maintain an active ministry
with men. However, with more and more financial supporters retiring and/or
redirecting their giving, and the economy being in a tailspin, I am unable to
sustain the cost of travel and business meals as in past years. I continue meeting
with men on an individual basis for either breakfast or lunch as situations and
needs arise. It is still very exciting to see whom God places in my path on a
regular basis!
In the case of my activities
with Young Life, I have found that my pastoral efforts on a region-wide basis
have become redundant with the addition of associate regional directors who
have the care and supervision of staff in their geographic locales. This is a
wonderful and much needed development for the region. Because of this, I have
decided to step back from my role as pastor to the staff of the Southeast
Region of Young Life. I will focus my ministry to mentoring a few of the senior
staff on a monthly basis.
Peggy and I will continue to be available as
Adult Guest Hosts for a week at Young Life Summer Camps, primarily at SharpTop
Cove in Jasper, Georgia as we did a couple of weeks ago. We love seeing adults
see first-hand the results of staff and volunteer leaders building
relationships throughout the year with their high school friends. They bring
them to a weekend or weeklong camp experience where they see the love of Christ
fleshed out in an atmosphere of fun and excitement.
MINISTRY
NEEDS:
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don’t forget!
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I am
so very grateful for your love and support!