This is an open letter to the congregation of the “The Rock”. When you think of a church, you think of doing things out in the open, not sneaking around behind the scenes planning and I admit you did the sneaking part really well as I had no idea (Laurie did a better job not telling me what Doreen and Ken were up to this time!) I continue to be impressed at how the Holy Spirit is at work in this congregation. We have people from all walks of life being formed into the body of Christ just as scripture has said we should be. This surprise, that did not seem to be on my agenda for the service, was one of God-given love. This congregation is a great example of this love. The whole afternoon showed that the Holy Spirit was present. Thank-you for the love gift of the beautiful office chair that you presented to me on Sunday. You were very generous. I sit at my computer a lot and lets just say this chair is really comfortable. As you know by now I do not like to draw attention to myself and titles mean nothing to me. It is not the title Reverend that I like; it is the process of being a servant of God, a sending out from the church, that is what means the most to me. I doubt I will use that title much but I pray that God will use me as His anointed servant. Here am I, send me. There was a lot of planning to this interruption in the service. Lets just say it was an extended call to worship. I found out this planning goes back several months.
I am very blessed to have a wonderful family. Years ago I knew as a very young man that someday I would marry Laurie Walls (she just did not get the memo). She has been my best friend for a long time and we grow closer as the years go by. As we have said, the second half will be so good, although the first half with all its adversity and trials produced three amazing kids, now young adults. During that adversity God gave me a promise about my kids from Psalm 144 (actually the whole chapter applies) but this verse about my kids means so much to me. “Our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants (reminds me of a palm tree in the storm), and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.” Thank-you Lord for that promise! As they shared on Sunday I could not help but thinking how blessed I am, not only as their pastor but also as their father. I could not have started this church without them. To my wife I just want you to know how blessed I am and how thankful I am to God each day for this arranged marriage, as God knew I needed someone like you. You are so gifted and knowing that you believe in what God is going to do through us makes it very easy to be a pastor. Thank-you for all your planning. Also to my parents Roger and Ruth thank-you for all you have done to make this ordination journey possible. Your support for my family has been above and beyond. You do so much for us on a regular basis, a visual of God’s love for us. Even though as you said you usurped the service, I do forgive you. Thank-you for believing in me. Also thank-you to our brothers and their families. Your support means so much. This special day could not have happened without the love and support of this very special congregation who have gathered at the Rock. I believe God has called us all together for a very special task that will unfold and one that He will empower. Thank-you Ken and Doreen and Lynn for the leg work in getting the chair. To all who contributed I say thank-you. Ephesians 3: 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
I look forward to the journey ahead. The anointing of ministry is not just for me. Continue to pray that God will send His power among us so that we may be build His kingdom in the power of His love. May our community witness God’s love through us.
Sincerely
Pastor Paul Gast
