Farewell

What an absolutely awesome weekend at Portage Free Methodist! During both services I finished the series "The Church's Finest Hour" - celebrating how PFM is so good at weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice. During this series, I was introducing some of the new people to what makes PFM special, and helping them see how they too can join in with others as they celebrate, or help carry the garbage that others often have to carry. Then, after the "sermon" I urged everyone there to meet me in Heaven - asking them to promise me that they will be there too. What a fine time of prayer! Because I don't like goodbyes, I said "See ya later -- here, there, or up in the air!" But here's where it gets good... Between services, PFM had a wonderful snack time in the gym. And during that snack time, they honored us with some wonderful gifts (how on earth did they get two sleeves of Starbucks tall coffee cups?) and testimonies. What an honor! And along with that, many handed us cards - some with money gifts for us (yay!) and others with checks for The Harbor (yay!). But best of all, we felt loved. So many hugs and "thank-you's" - reminding us that everything we do for the Lord matters! This is cool: One African American friend, who attends with our group from the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program, gave me a big bear hug and said something like this: "Pastor Mark, you've given me hope and lot's of help. And there are so many brothers in Detroit that really need what you've given me. I am praying for you. What you're going to do in Detroit is so important - people's lives depend on it. Thank you - and God bless you!" Wow! I'm ready - and can't wait to get there! Thanks PFM for the awesome send off! Your friendship and prayers matter! Your loving sendoff gives us strength - we'll think of it and you often -- and with joy!