Gateway's Blog

Celebrating 5 Years

1
IMG_1931

Dear Gateway Family...

What an inspirational weekend this has been for us all as we celebrated God's continued goodness to His church over the past 5 years.  It was a great time to reflect on God's kindness, His providence over the lives of His children and the many ways that He has been at work in and through us as a church.

I am always amazed how God uses His Word at the right time and in the right way to guide His church through their experiences.  When we started studying the book of Nehemiah with the men last summer (2015) I didn't realize how relevant it would be in preparing us for this celebration.  Yet, we learned from Nehemiah the importance of a God-centered praise that is expressed in an event, in songs, in the reading of His Word, in prayer and in rejoicing.  Add to that, the joy of having the Mojica's with us, it really was a great weekend.

I personally want to thank Matias & Mery for making the time and sacrifice to be with us for this occasion.  You have been an encouragement to us all, and to me in particular.  I am also thankful that Matito can spend some extra time with us and that he can get to know our church family in a deeper and personal way.

I am truly honored to be serving as Teaching Pastor at such a great church.  We are not without our problems and stuggles, yet, as family, we are seeking to grow together, face obstacles together, serve together and ultimately glorify God together.  I couldn't ask for a better set of sheep.  For a long time I have prayed to God, "Allow me to be a faithful expositor who smells like sheep."  I am working on being both of those things and ask that you pray for me in my pursuit of those ideals.

Elia and I were truly surprised by the kind and generous gift of a two-night trip away to get a break and to enjoy some respite together as husband and wife.  We are both honored and thankful for your love toward us!  As JD mentioned, "behind every great man there is a great woman."  I don't consider myself a great man, but if there is any reason I might be nudged in that direction it is because of my wife.  She is deep in her devotion to the Lord and is a woman of prayer.  She challenges me, prays for me, watches what I wear and what I eat, encourages me and stands by me - even when things are difficult.  Thank you Elia for being a great wife.

Gateway Bible Church belongs to God and I am privileged to serve you all along-side my Elders and co-laborers in ministry.  It is work to be sure, but it is also a means of joy.  Joy in serving the Lord, joy in serving you and joy in serving with my family. 

We look forward to what God has in store for us next...

God bless,

Pastor Rod

John 6:63

1 Comment

We consider ourselves blessed to play a small part in the ministry at Gateway. God has been incredibly gracious to us.

Leave a Comment

Comments for this post have been disabled.