What does new be-ginnings mean? Now that we are at this place, at this time, at this moment, what do we do with all the Lord has given to us? We have a whole 12 months to become bet-ter, learn more, and make a difference in the lives of others.
As many of you know, in December I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. My experience was marvelous. Many thought I had been ill and was just now revealing it. I knew about it three days before I told the congre-gation. My doctor wanted to move quickly so we did. The surgical process was done with the “DaVinci robot- which means I had four punctures in my body, and not the large cutting associated with surgery. With minor doses of pain medication I was able to immediately sit up after surgery, and get around easily. Once I arrived home, I was able to continue to sit up and do little activity. I was told to allow three weeks for recovery. It was encouraging to see the handiwork of God and man working to-gether to bring about the victory.
It is time for the church to begin the year correct-ly. Ministry leaders need to be ready to insure min-istry effectiveness. That is more than having meet-ings each month, but helping the ministry to pros-per.
Once again I extend my prayers of thanks to so many of you who visited, prayed, and assisted with my bout with cancer. I am fine and ready to get back in this field of labor, and encourage our church to be a church in the word, making a difference in the world.