Dear Prayer Team,
Thank you for praying for me, my family, and our church family.
I really need your prayers. This work of pastoring during a pandemic is very demanding.
This week I ran across this article: The Coming Pastoral Crash, and I immediately sent it to several of my pastor friends with a note saying, "Take care of yourself."
While I am doing all of the things I can think of to not become a casualty (including daily exercise, disciplined rest, heaping doses of prayer) and am receiving plenty of encouraging support from my church family, my fellow elders, and my pastoral colleagues (especially my own Pastor, Kerry Doyal), I resonate deeply with this description of what it's like right now to be a pastor. I know that I have it good. I have great health, a wonderful family and home, a loving church family, and many many more blessings. But this article continues to stick with me and remind me of my limits and my dependence on prayer.
My biggest praise to report right now is also my biggest prayer request. Yesterday, I got to announce the resumption of in-person ministry on our church campus starting June 7th. I can't hardly wait, and at the same time we have a lot of thoughtful preparations to accomplish before next Sunday, especially because we're going to offer two new shorter, smaller worship gatherings. So, I would appreciate prayer for clear thinking and productivity in making wise plans over the next several days (while still doing all of the same things we have been in serving the church during this strange time!). Thank you for your prayers.
 Our family continues to do well. Andrew is enjoying being a recent high school graduate and building his budding blacksmith business. Peter is busy working for several employers and running his lawncare business. Sadly to both Isaac and the leaders at MMR, due to COVID-19, Isaac will be waiting for another year to serve as a counselor at Miracle Mountain Ranch. (Pray for MMR as they work out their plans for summer ministry in the tumble of these tumultuous days.) Both Isaac and the folks at MMR are disappointed, but we know the Lord has good plans for us all, regardless. This gives Isaac a much needed break, as well, for which we are grateful. Robin is still enjoying her new job and long walks on the beach with a happy dog. Heather is the beating heart of our home.
I'll write more when I can, but for right now, I just want to say thank you for praying. I don't want to know what it would be like if you weren't.
The Lord is good.
In His Grip,
-Pastor Matt
|
|
|
|
