Leaving Friendship...letter to my Pastor...

hey Dean,

I just have to write you to let you know what a fantastic and wonderful journey you led me on !!! I came to you as green as grass, not knowing if I was coming or going, just seeking to fill that part of me that knew there must be something special (different than what I was doing) out there for me.

The past number of years (almost 9 years) have been such an awakening for me, discovering what the Lord can do for me and what I can do for Him.

The journey was at times a tough road to travel, through many difficulties and challenges. Losing Christopher was something I couldn't have handled without you and your mom and for that I will be forever grateful. I always knew that you cared about 'me' and wanted to help me get past the tough stuff and to continue forward as God would want!!!

Between you (as a man of integrity to look up to), Larry (who baptized me and counselled me during my dark days with Rosa) and Chad (who I look to as a loving son growing in maturity), I feel as though I am a new person, a new person in Christ, which is most important. I thought I could never leave the 'safety' of Friendship but I believe now the time has come...I feel I am strong enough to leave the 'nest' and venture out and support my own 'community'.

Our past messages have been about community and that's partially why I thought about leaving...also with Rosa going to Cedar Grove, I feel that it gives me an opportunity to try and save this relationship (and going to all the Friendship functions, including Sunday morning and bible study, by myself wasn't a lot of fun) I re-read the New Testament again this fall and it tells me to forgive and to love as God created us to love. This is something I have to do and I'm praying that God will answer this prayer with my move to Cedar Grove. I know that Kevin and Ken have the same servant heart that you have and that soon I will be plugged in with them in ministry.

I want you to know that I love you as my brother, teacher, servant and friend...it is a love that will never diminish or fade away. You have taught me so much and encouraged me beyond my own expectations to become a servant of Jesus and to reach beyond myself to others as He did !!!

Thankyou for everything my friend and I know God blesses His servants, give my love to all...and I will be around, you won't be rid of me entirely!!!

brother Bill