I've chosen to share through text because all of you have cell phones and not all of you check emails or have emails. So, I concluded that at least this way you would take the time to read my thoughts, desires, and true feelings concerning each of you. 

First, I want to start off by letting you know that I've been very pleased with working with each of you over these past 18 years. 

Thank you for your hard work and your intentional service to the kingdom!

Being in ministry, I have to say that for me the greatest joy is to see an individual, specifically individuals like yourselves not only grow in their faith, but become passionate about their relationship with Christ. That within them is a burning desire to know God's character, nature and will. And in doing so, they have a zeal to see others come to know Him and go down that same path. 

I love the words of Paul in Philippians Chapter 1 as you can hear his passion for the Church of Philippi. It's that kind of passion I have for Liberty. 

Listen to the words...I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all (v.3-4)

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (v6)

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.(v.9-10)

yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.(v.24)

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. (v.27)

I share this with each of you because I want you to know that Servant Leaders, we must ask ourselves what is our pursuit? Are we focused on tasks or are we focused on people? Do we use people to get to the desired end? Or, do we have the desired end to reach people? 

I do a lot of reflecting, so as I reflect over these past 18 years I want you to consider today how you can be more effective in ministering to others and leading them into a deeper relationship with Christ. 

Leaders must be intentional; however, the intentionality must have the proper focus. 

During our time together, I have sought the Lord for ways I can improve in my vocation. It's the same I learned to do with my family so that I could be better and more intentional as a Husband and Father. 

God has blessed me in those areas to bring out of the text the things we have all needed to make us better Christians. I pray that you have been encouraged and challenged these past 18 years. 

Obviously there is more to this text than just a thank you for turn help in ministry. It is also a challenge moving forward.

Let there be no mistake, no doubt and no misunderstanding about my goal and purpose for Liberty...to move the church to a new location for a renewed vision. I cannot donut alone. The Lord needs all of us actively engaged in His work to make this a reality. We are closer than ever but there is still a lot of work to be done. 

That being said, take the time before my 18th appreciation to do as I have done and reflect on the various things we have been a part of over the years, and the conversations we have had, and then consider this: What is our Heavenly Father saying to you about how you can invest in others moving forward?

That is what it is going to take, us, investing in others to finalize this vision of moving. I wonder, can you really read over this and say that you have, or will you be honest and admit that together we can do better. 

Again, thank you for 18 years of being a help. But keep in mind that the work of ministry is never finished. 

Love you, and my grace and peace I leave with you. 

Disclaimer: I know I probably forgot a couple of servant leaders. If so, please know that it wasn't intentional. I found myself caught up in the spirit expressing what was in my heart to those the Lord had placed on my heart.  

Pd