A sad happiness

Today seemed very sad and very exciting at the same time. John Tate announced he will be going to BICS and joining them as of the first of the year, right after he is married. He officially "resigned" this morning and his last Sunday will be Nov 7. I am more sad than you will ever know. John has become more than just our pastor, but also a close friend. He has spent many Thanksgivings at our house as well as birthday's, been to concerts and games. Our loss is the enormous gain of BICS. I have a greater concern with John's leaving, however, in our church. I am excited for the opportunity God is presenting John with but also with the opportunity we have as a church to rally together and pray seeking His will for us as a body. Please pray for us during the months ahead. It will not be easy to be without John, but we know that God's will is perfect and it is easy to forget that when we become personally involved in the lives of others. We often lose sight of the fact that the Lord has a plan. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and give you a future" Jeremiah 29:11. It is also exciting because I am leaving on a missions trip today. I love going and serving. However, I am going with a saddened heart. I am torn and will be sad for awhile after he leaves. I am so happy for John and Lisa with this fantastic opportunity. I truly love BICS as well! I have a hard time being sad knowing he is going there. So, I guess I would covet your prayers for my trip, our church and our Pastor.