A Sunday Of "Lasts"

Sunday was bittersweet--a sad day and a joyful day. We had a day of many "lasts." It was Hannah's last Sunday at the only church she knows. This body of believers welcomed her into the world and have faithfully loved her every day since then. We attended our last Sunday School classes, Sunday morning, and Sunday evening worship services at First Baptist of Clewiston. Jonathan preached his last sermon at the church where he was ordained, and I spent my last Sunday morning running around and organizing people as the Nursery Director. While it is sad to leave a body of believers we have served and loved for over three years, we found great joy as we reflected on what God has accomplished in and through us.

Though we will attend the Wednesday evening service before we leave for Jacksonville, Hannah received lots of hugs and kisses. She spent her last Sunday School hour with Miss Grace and Miss Debbie--two women who love her dearly and have cared for her for the last two years.

Pastor Brian called for a special time of prayer for our family during the Sunday evening service. It was a wonderful thing to hear our brothers and sisters petitioning the Father for our safety and our ministry. It has brought us great joy to hear those we love here (in Clewiston) express their desire for the gospel to go forth in Wilson.

After the service, the church held a dinner in our honor. We enjoyed the food and fellowship of our friends for the last time (this side of glory). I was doing well (emotionally) until Brian had our dear friends Barb and Bob Buker say a few words about our ministry and time here. I lost it!!! As I listened to them talk about our friendship and ministry, and then give God the glory for His sovereignty and providence, I just sat there and cried. They are two of our dearest friends, and they love the Lord with all their hearts. As Bob said, despite our age differences (they are our parents' age), different backgrounds, etc. it is the bond of Christ that allowed us to become such close friends. We will stay in touch with the Bukers, but we will miss them greatly.

As I said, it was a bittersweet day. Though it was a day full of "lasts," it was wonderful to end the day with the prayers, warm wishes, and hugs from brothers and sisters in Christ.

Hannah and Nathan in Sunday School.