This past weekend Amy, the kids, and I had to say goodbye to a congregation we have come to love intensely. Going through three emotional services, an all-church farewell picnic, and a men's breakfast has wiped me out completely. I hate saying goodbye, especially to someone I really like; I really like (and love) this Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church family.
Swc, we have experienced the beauty, adventure, challenge, and mystery called the local church. I believed in the power and potential of a local church to transform communities in Jesus' name, but now I'm absolutely convinced of it! Journeying with you has been and always will be one of the highlights of my life.
If you would like to listen to my final message to SWC at our weekend services, grab some tissues and click on the following link:
Message: Packing Up
3 comments:
Praying for God's riches poured out upon you and your family, brother. Hope that your remaining days in Stroudsburg won't hurt too much and that you had a good lunch.
in His love and by His grace,
My life has gone through a major transformation over the last 5 years, starting with truly accepting Jesus as my savior, being baptized, attending CR and becoming a servant leader.
•God has removed self-centeredness from me…I am now a follower of Christ.
•God destroyed the greed and materialism in me…I am now generous and charitable!
•He lessened the fear in me…replacing it with courage.
•He removed the resentments… leading to forgiveness.
•He diminished the anger…which is becoming calmness and serenity.
•My pride is becoming humility.
•Lust, procrastination, gluttony and impatience…are becoming love, purity, action, moderation and patience.
You have played a large part in this change, and for that, I am truly grateful. Thank you for your leadership and friendship. Thank you for making church relevant. May God be with your new mission. Our love and prayers are with you and your family!
Well, yes, it took me this long to have the courage to listen to this tear jerker sermon! Chris and I miss you guys so much, and I have to ask your forgiveness that we have never quite gotten our act together to go see you and Amy one last time before you left.
I really want to write a letter of appreciation to you and to Amy, mostly because I wouldn't be a Christ follower today if not for you. I'm praying for you guys, and have, that your transition is painless, and in listening to your message, I know that the church I'm now with is exactly what you were talking about.
Please give my regards to Amy, and email me, or have her email me at ginabad (at) gmail (dot) com. I just friended her on Facebook too.
Peace & love to you and your lovely family, Lenny,
Gina Badalaty Fosco
mom-blog
PS, will you still blog here?
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