Leaving is never easy. Whether it’s saying goodbye to a broken relationship or a grown-up child, the act of separation is usually accompanied by a measure of pain. And so it is with my departure from Choctaw to go preach for another congregation in California.

As I go, there are several ideas I want to share with you in the hope that they will ease the discomfort that many may feel at this juncture. Things that will serve to soften the pain of separation.

When thinking of the time we’ve had together here, please remember:

1. THIS IS GOD’S WORK.

Whenever I look back on this great church I will realize that God Himself was at work here. From the circumstances that first brought me to you, to the events that will carry me out west – God’s hand was in play. I pray that we will always be flexible enough to follow His lead regardless of where it takes us, knowing that in the end we will all be together in Heaven anyway.

2. THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD.

It would be false modesty to deny that the success Choctaw has enjoyed was helped along by many gifted and devoted people who served in various ways. To honor these is both healthy and Biblical (Romans 13:7). But the true satisfaction for me personally comes from the fact that God receives glory from this work. To participate in this honoring of the Lord through ministry is my greatest reward.

3. GOD WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.

Preachers come and go but God will never forsake you. I begin a new work in San Diego; you continue with a new man and his family here. In the end, God will bless both of us so long as we remain faithful to Christ and His Word. I know that I will do my best to accomplish this. I pray you will do the same.

Remember these things and the Lord be with you until we meet again.