Fourteen years ago today I accepted the call of the church I have been privileged to lead ever since. Having been away recently for the better part of five weeks, I spent this morning with the ministry staff and reflected on the blessings of God.
I am so grateful for FAIR OAKS CHURCH! It has been an interesting journey to say the least—wonderful mountaintop views, a few trials along the way, yet always the sense that God has been at work.
I have often said: “The Future is as Bright as the Promises of God.” And I feel more strongly about that than ever before.
Lavelle Greene (May 22, 1915-July 19, 2012)
Recent events—sad things, the loss of my beloved grandmother, Lavelle Greene (97), on July 19, and the loss of my brother in law and dear friend, Dan Holland (56), on August 14–have given me reason and a measure of time to think and pray. Time is always short and must be redeemed and never squandered.
Pastor Daniel K. Holland (October 22, 1955-August 14, 2012)
They were both “ready” to go, in the Biblical sense of salvation, but I was not ready. In my grandmother’s case, of course, there had been a sense that her declining health would one day soon give way to her graduation to glory. But the passing of Dan was unexpected, shocking, and quite surreal.
If you haven’t seen the wonderful funeral service for Pastor Holland, you can view it here.
Many have said to me recently, “Heaven is sweeter now…”. And I understand the sentiment (and agree with it), but I find myself focused right now on earth and the important work of preparing more and more people for that day that is surely coming for all of us. — DRS
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