When I started toward my calling to be a minister some fifty years ago I never gave a thought to the world being around in 2020. There was this idea prevalent then that surely the Lord would return soon and long before that time. But sure enough those fifty years have passed, and we are still here!

The world is probably not in much to different a state now as it was then. Christians probably do see some additional signs that the end is coming. We certainly thought we saw them back then, too. The Bible does signal us that every generation will see them. The world, however, mocks such an idea. But for us the reality of this coming Christ to our earth is a great hope and even a comfort when we see the moral corruption of our world. We are wise to heed the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:42–44.

“Therefore stay alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been alert and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

We are to be ready. It may indeed be another fifty years that the church waits but regardless how long the Lord tarries the church is to be about its work in the world. Our task of giving light and being the salt that preserves the world goes on. The gospel still changes lives and it is our privilege to continue to share it until the Lord returns.

The New Year is always a good time to renew our dedication to various things. Many will vow to get healthier. Some will commit to spiritual growth. Others will desire to make family a higher priority in their lives. In light of the second advent of Jesus to this earth might we wish to consider that our service to Him, to His church and to His world might be included among those renewed commitments.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support this last year and really all the years of ministry here with you. You are a wonderful people and have done marvelous things for the Kingdom of God. Also I want to thank you for the generous gift of money at Christmas time. It is always helpful but most importantly to me is the love that is shared with such a gift. I am looking forward to a great year together as we seek the Lord and His perfect will for our church and our individual lives. Let’s make this a year of prayer together for His direction and watch care over us and His ministry.   -PK