“Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord,
How then can man understand his way?” Proverbs 20:24
That I have spent nearly half of these last 12 months in Holland with you is something I am convinced God ordained—determined—but I could have never expected it. Planned it. Initiated it. Understood it. It was all God.
There were stretches in the Fall that were not so easy. Trinity was in some rough waters. These last 2.5 months have been different. As I have noted, there is renewed joy and stability. It has been such a privilege to step back into your lives and observe how you have resolved to learn from the past and press on into the future.
It’s hard to write this last newsletter. I am envious of the next pastor to come. If only I were a younger man! There will be challenges ahead for sure. Forces have aligned and continue to align to attack Christianity in Europe and make the church impotent. But if Trinity is passionate about being the kind of church we will look at this Sunday in Acts 2, then this church will “have favor with all the people and the Lord will add to its numbers day by day” (v 47).
Some special thanks—
-to Rene and Henriette who took care of me in extraordinary ways
-to the board of elders who have worked so closely and have given so much of their time to Trinity
-to Carol, my able Administrative Assistant, who has been the ultimate servant
-to Cerrie for the commitment she makes every week to ensure Word and worship are aligned
-to Ron, who met with me every week and gave timely counsel and friendship
-to Janice who always left me notes
-to Fred for the coffee and Janet for keeping things in order
-to those of you who graced me with meals and friendship
-to you, the congregants, who have made this one of my great pastoral experiences
Watch for my upcoming book in the Fall—Pastors the Church Longs For, it might have your name in it. Again, thank you for inviting me!
Pastor John
