A sorrowful, and yet exciting fairwell to my local church of 16 years.

Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ, (sorry this is kind of long)

I have had a heartfelt desire to send this e-mail, in order to let everyone know that Patti and I have moved on from Stillmeadow.

We prayed long and earnestly to the Lord, and decided it was time to leave. We both agreed wholeheartedly in the 5 elders set-forth decision, that the church building should be sold, and that we as a congregation should relocate, and get a fresh start, in order to break free of the "Status Quo". Since the elders decided to move on, instead of staying and contending with selling the building, Patti and I, after much prayer, saw that this was the Lord's will for us as well.

I truly believe it's not as important to the Lord if we stay or leave, as long as our hearts are right with Him. We can serve and worship the Lord anywhere, and everywhere.

The question is, are our hearts full of His love for Him and His Word, and for His church, and for the lost people in this world? Is the world crucfied to us, and we to the world? Are we loving one another in His grace? And are we walking by faith, and not by sight? Are we seeking the things above, or things of this earth? God is concerned with shaping our hearts into the image of His most holy Son's, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Lord is more concerned about our holiness, than our happiness.

These are the things I and Patti have been discussing. Is there any bitterness, any resentment, or even hatred in my heart? Is there any pride I need to deal with? Any self-righteousness? Any lust? Do I love the world, and the things of the world? If so, then God calls me to repentance.

We all have to deal with these sins. However, there also needs to be fruit in our lives-- righteousness, peace, joy, tender-heartedness, gentleness, goodness, patience, self-control, godliness and especially lovingkindness toward our fellow believers. Are we forgiving? And are we more concerned about the glory of the name of Jesus Christ, then our own agenda? Are we loving our wives, and respecting our husbands? Are our children honoring their parents? And are we concerned about holding fast to the truth of God's holy Word, the Bible, and speaking it's teachings in love, as the Lord gives us opportunity?

These are what we need to be confronting in our lives, and in our local churches. May God grant us the grace, power, and love to do this, through His Holy Spirit, by faith.

Patti and I will be attending Pastor Greg Dutcher's church, Christ Fellowship, in Falston for the time being. We're not completely sure of our future local church yet, but this is where we believe the Lord wants us for now. And by his grace we will continue to grow in His love, and in humility, in order to serve and worship the King of glory. To Him be all glory.

We love you all, and we hope the Lord, and we pray the Lord, will do even greater things at Stillmeadow than ever before. All for the glory of His holy name, the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. To Him, and through Him, and for Him, be all glory forever. Amen.

In His grace and peace with grateful hearts for the Cross, All for Jesus,
Donald & Patti