Comments

1. Our pastor, Ola Forbes, has been loving and serving our rural congregation for over 35 years. Although his salary is small and he must supplement his earnings by raising goats, Ola never complains. I can only remember once or twice that Ola has had a Sunday off. He and his sweet wife, Gloria, are humble, kind, generous, faithful, and loving. But what I appreciate most about Ola is his preaching -- his faithfulness to open God's Word to us week after week. We love and appreciate Ola!
   
   posted by Sharon Collins
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 6:56 am
2. Pastor David Mundt has been our kind of "behind the scenes" pastor - leading small groups - and a huge champion of Women's Ministry. He works long hours and his lovely wife Kristi truly is a servant seeking to support her husband and raise their three daughters. The shadow of cancer is always there as Kristi had cancer discovered just around the time of her third daughter's birth. I have found them to be an invaluable support as I serve in the church and David's teaching has been life changing for me.
   
   posted by Susan Baganz
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:12 am
3. I think my email got entered incomplete for my nomination of Pastor Mundt.
   
   posted by Susan Baganz
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:13 am
4. Pastor Ubaldo Pena and his wife Rosie serve the Lord by serving others. As their child I have been able to witness the reality of their sacrifice and love for others.
   
   posted by Erika Simon
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:48 am
5. Our church has been without a senior pastor for over a year. Our worship pastor, Pastor Trent and his wife Margie have worked tiredlessly to keep our church running smoothly. Pastor Trent has brought us to new level of worship and dependence on our Lord. They have 3 boys, one of whom is autistic. He not only leads our worship and oversees small groups, he is one of the leads with the Holland Chorrall. While singing with the Chorall, he is a shining example of Christ's love. Trent's wife Margie works with special needs children and most recently was on the board of the autism society. Our church is truly blessed to have this couple leading our church. They could really use a retreat. Thanks so much!
   
   posted by Barbara
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:52 am
6. My pastor Dennis and his wife Judy are amazing people who give of themselves tirelessly to help us know God better and love Him more reaching out to others with His love. Judy always challenges me with her love for helping women grow in their knowledge of Christ and spreading that on to others through facilitating Bible study groups and mentoring. Her knowledge of scripture and Bible miemorized is a blessing and challenge to me to go forward it that and loving Christ more and His word. She also loves to keep us informed and supporting our missionaries.
   
   posted by Elaine Laczny
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8:44 am
7. Our Pastor Hale has taught us the Word of God for over twenty years, He looks out for our souls , he teaches sound doctrine. He labors so diligently to teach us truth. We are so thankful. We read in Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.hebrews 13:17
   This morning I was reminded how important it is for us to pray for our Pastor and family. Our family is so thankful for a Pastor who loves the Lord so much and His Word. He is a Pastor who loves his wife so much and his children and grandchildren. My prayer this morning please Lord remind us to pray for our Pastors and their families!
   Thanks for the reminder to honor our Pastor.
   
   posted by Roxanne
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8:58 am
8. Love Love LOVE pastor David Landt and his wife, my good friend, Sarah. They persevere in serving our church, even with 4 very young children. David's leadership is bold; and his preaching is challenging, well researched, and truly inspired.
   
   posted by Jennifer Swanson
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8:59 am
9. My Pastor, Tim Camp, and his wife, my best friend Dana, are an awesome, godly couple - the best in the world!! They are so faithful to loving God and loving the people in our church, through joyful times and through severe trials. They exemplify what it is to live for the glory of God, and I love them dearly.
   
   www.brbctexas.com
   posted by Elisabeth Dyvig
   on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 9:22 am
10. Our Pastor Mike is the anointed one who called to serve the LORD with a vision and submission. He spends time in the presence of the LORD to hear what He says and to share to the hungry people. He always comes out with genuine ideas to show the love of Jesus to the unsaved community. He has got the burden for the unsaved and always available to the needs of the people around him.
    
    posted by susan Ancheril
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 9:58 am
11. Pastor Bob and Amy have a heart for God and it shows in their service to our church ministry, the people in the church and in their outreach to the community.
    
    posted by Janet Metzler
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 10:05 am
12. Pastor Todd Wilson and his wife Lori. They work hard and together as PAstor Todd tends to his flock. Lori is a beautiful example of a submissive, true woman. One thing I have noticed is that she is very "careful" with his time, especially on Saturday night and doesn't plan things for him to do or attend on Saturday nights! If they do attend something, they normally leave fairly early so that he can have good sleep and a few more hours of study time.
    
    arjack201.blogspot.com
    posted by Abby
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 10:17 am
13. Yay! Thank you for doing this, ROH! The Lodge's website looks super cool!! :)
    Pastor Mike Ross and his wife, Jane are an answer to prayer for our church. We were without a senior pastor for a long time. When the Lord called Pastor Ross and Jane to come to our church, they left their home, moved to our state, and had faith in the Lord that He would work out all the details of selling their old home. It was trying for them, but they were faithful and obedient to Him, and as a result they and we (our church) have been so blessed. The Word of God is preached every Sunday, and that is a gift for us! Now, we have the chance to give him and his wife a gift in return! Thanks again! :)
    
    posted by Esther-Elaine
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 10:31 am
14. My pastor, Venning Long and his wife Frances have been truly an inspiration to me and our church. He and his wife are in their early 70's and have come out of retirement to pastor our little church because of his love for God and the calling on his life.
    
    He has such a humble spirit and is full of encouragement and can honestly work circles around most people in the church. He has a strong stand on the Word of God and preaches holiness as a standard for all God's people.
    
    He and his wife have been at our church for about 5 years and in those short 5 years have basically doubled the congregation, increased missions giving, started several ministries within the church (including women/men's ministries), purchased land and several other things, because he encouraged the hearts of the people. He never says "can't" and he won't let you say it either. He says if God says it can be done, it can be done. O what faith and courage I have seen in his life and am thankful that God sent him our way.
    
    (He also prayed that my husband and I would be blessed with children after years of being childless. We now have two beautiful children.)
    
    posted by Jodi Collins
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 11:46 am
15. Well, I guess I'll be the first pastor's wife to leave her name on here - though putting your own name in for this draw is a bit strange. But if you're offering, the retreat sounds lovely!! Being married to a pastor who loves our God and his congregation so very much is such a priviledge and I'm so grateful to God for this calling on our lives. The joys we receive far outweigh the hard times.
    
    posted by Marcia
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 12:06 pm
16. These are great, ladies! I hope you have the opportunity to share the things you're grateful for directly with your pastor and his wife.
    
    And way to lead the pastor's wives, Marcia! I'm so glad you entered the drawing.
    
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 12:10 pm
17. My husband is pastor of worship and youth in a small KY town, and with four children age 6 and under,a chance for a retreat sounds lovely!!
    
    Www.monicanicolehall.wordpress.com
    posted by Monica
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 12:43 pm
18. Pastor Jason and his wife Marco are truly servants in every sense of the word. They pour out their lives to the building up of the local church. Pastor Jason preaches every week, faithfully and fully devoted to God's Word, teaching and encouraging us to grow in sanctification to the glory of God. They are devoted to their family, to their ministry, to prayer and to God (Acts 2:42). We have been blessed by their humble example of what it means to be running the race with endurance as they teach and strive to fix their eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.
    
    posted by Lisa
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 3:41 pm
19. My pastor and his wife are extra special. They take time to care about everyone. The live out the Jesus Creed daily. They both have full time jobs plus the church and they really need a vacation.
    
    posted by Leslie Short
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 3:46 pm
20. In my church for the grace of God we have 5 pastors and every of them are very special and are a gift of god for his church I love them with all my heart. Their wifes are a really helper for them and we can see in his relation the love of God for his church.
    
    posted by Rosmary
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 4:11 pm
21. I'm a pastor's wife and would love to bless my husband with time away, alone. It is one of the hardest things to fight for in the ministry, but so important!
    
    posted by Beth
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 4:23 pm
22. Ladies,
    
    What a blessing to be challenged to do something so wonderful and how encouraging it is to read all the comments about pastors and their wives. May each pastor and his wife represented feel so loved and be very blessed.
    
    Our pastor and wife planted this church over 30 years ago. They have been faithful to care about their people and share the Gospel over those years. They have given sacrificially, loved unconditionally and just plain worked hard all to God's glory. Presently, they are struggling with her health issues that are extremely severe and yet they remain faithful. They are much loved.
    
    May God bless Pastor Chuck and June Trent.
    
    posted by Sabra
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 6:57 pm
23. My husband, Justin, is a pastor - and I'm the pastor's wife :) We've just completed our first 3 years in an extremely difficult pastorate and are currently seeking after God for His next step in ministry. We have a 2 year old daughter who is the light of our days. My husband is one of the best expositors of Scripture I've ever heard - I always came away from his sermons with a better understanding of God's word. I grieve over the hurts and pains he suffered in our last (and first) pastorate. But I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has called him to pastoral ministry and I'm praying in hope that God will use him again to build His church. Your blog has been a tremendous encouragement to me as I strive to truly be his helper, especially in the midst of great difficulty.
    
    posted by Michelle
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8:22 pm
24. Pastor Mike and his wife Jan have been a blessing to me personally and to our church. Although Jan has cancer, she still shines for Jesus and encourages others. Pastor Mike loves God's Word and cares deeply for each member. It is a blessing to minister alongside them in the local church.
    
    posted by Kathryn
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 9:32 pm
25. I am writing about one of our associate pastors and his wife. They have three young children. During Lexi's third pregnancy, doctors discovered that the baby she was carrying was afflicted with Arthrogryposis; a.k.a curved and stiff joints. Doctors advised Lexy and Nic to abort, but they chose to bring their son to term and let God decide.
    
    When Jude was born, his spine was almost completely curved backwards, and his feet and legs were severely misshapen. He has endured countless surgeries and is, despite doctors' predictions, thriving and even recently walked.
    
    Lexi and Nic's faith through those dark days has had a profound impact on our congregation. Their lives have normalized, and they lead very busy schedules. Lexi teaches two Bible studies and recently obtained her Master's Degree. Nic has a full schedule as well.
    
    I think that when you watch others go through adversity and handle it in such a Spirit-led way, you can't help but be affected, encouraged, and challenged to follow suit.
    
    http://auburnchick.wordpress.com
    posted by Nathalie
    on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 10:03 pm
26. I truly admire and respect my current senior pastor, Rev. Jhu and his wife. They came in only a few years ago to take over and serve our church. We had a lot of issues... and still do.. but from what I've seen, he's been working through the problems, doing his best, depending on God and serving this church with his whole heart despite the difficulties he's encountered. I know he's not a perfect man, but I can see that in his decisions, he strives to do what is wise and best and pleasing to God. His wife is always wonderful to see, with a wonderfully warm smile and I know she is a wonderful support to her husband. Coming into an already long-time existing church is not an easy thing to do, but I slowly see some of the good changes taking place. I admire them for their hard work, perseverance and faith in God to work through all things.
    
    posted by Nari
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 3:37 am
27. I am a Daycare Teacher for the Open Arms of Grace Daycare and our Pastor Palmer is wonderful he takes the time to stop in and say hi to all our children (many who dont have dads ) he spends time every Thuresday with us in chapel to share storys and song about our Jesus. We know when we have a problem he will help us ,( even if its just to listen: )
    We are sharing our love for Jesus with all the children and their families in our daycare and he lets them all know he is their if they need to talk .
    Iam feel that Pastor Palmer and his wife are truely a gift from God for not only this church but also our community.
    
    posted by Debbie Madrinich
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 7:57 am
28. My Pastor"s wife is a picture of a true woman and my Pastor a Godly man. They have brought the word into my family's life, after sitting in various churches over the years. We were led there (by God), through our teenage son. I love the beauty of the truth being taught and a teenager grasping hold of it and calling his pastor "The Man". That is what my son said one Sunday after visiting another church. We walked out of the doors and he said "Brother LeRoy in the Man" ! Nice. My pastor's wife has taught me more in one lesson about being a true woman than I have heard my entire life. Truth with Love ! I am truely blessed to have them in my life.
    
    posted by tamara
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 9:27 am
29. My husband, OJ, and I have been married for 7 1/2 years. Before we were married, we were frustrated "hosts". But being married, we LOVE having people over. So, he took the property he purchased to retire on, in the mountains of North Carolina, and we turned it into a Christian retreat center, The Barn at Buladean. We can have up to 54 guests and are very busy. It is a ministry; one that we can do together and serve God together. Funny thing is, in our quest to bless others, WE are blessed SO much. But, that is God and how He works. Praise Him!!!
    
    thebarnatbuladean.com
    posted by Miyoshi Gardner
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:13 am
30. I am a Pastor's wife. My husband is the Pastor of a small baptist church in Houston, TX. We have been at this ministry since June 30, 1974.
    
    www.millsroadbaptist.org
    posted by Karen
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:27 am
31. This is the first Sr. pastorship that our young pastor, Jason Reyes, has held. He and his wife and young family of four relocated from a church where almost all their relatives attended. It was the only church home the children had known. Yet, they were willing to move six hours away for the sake of the gospel. They have endured unexpected, interesting and sometimes painful events in the last year and a half. All the while, Jason has been leading by example and preaching to encourage us in evangelism. His heart is for those who do not know the Lord and he is leading our church to examine where our passions focus. On the Lord? The lost? Recently, by faith, they put their house up for sale so they could relocate to the next town to be even closer to a larger percentage of our congregation and encourage 'community'. Amazingly, it sold very quickly and they in turn have had to find a new place. This was during the month when the most evangelism events had been planned for our church's summer. They could certainly use some time away together once their lives are settled again. Currently, the family is staying with their relatives out of state, while pastor Jason is here ministering and getting the new house ready for his family. They are true examples in serving our Lord while serving His church with joy.
    
    posted by Diane
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:44 am
32. Our pastor Marty Simons of Bellevue First Baptist of WA is transparent and humble in his preaching in presenting himself.
    He's trying to care for the seniors & pre-seniors in that though he hates hymns he still sings them for our church.
    
    posted by Leslie Dawn Neagle
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:56 am
33. My pastor is Leroy Wagner and his wife is Kimberly Wagner who writes some of these blogs on this site. They are such a fun loving, godly couple. They will help you with anything and they have been through a lot lately. They need this retreat for some relaxation time.
    
    posted by Heather Lucas
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 11:01 am
34. My pastor is my godly husband, who is a True Man, and supports me as I strive to attain the high standards of one of God's True Women. I admire him for his diligent study of the word, his sacrificial time in prayer for his precious flock, and for the excellent example he is of a Christian for our church, our children, and everyone who meets him. In 20 yrs. of marriage he has never been on a bonified vacation. Such a retreat would be a blessing.
    
    Trudeau
    posted by Jo
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 12:20 pm
35. I am the pastor's wife and would love to win this gift. However, I think that the other pastor at our church would be more blessed by it. He is the Community Pastor and his wife heads up Children's ministry. They sacrifice much of their "time, talent, and treasure" for the cause of the gospel. They are the ones who asked us to move to their town to start a church, and they dove in head first, probably unaware of what it would entail. But they have grown so much. They are the most generous, kind and compassionate couple I know. And they may be also the busiest! We could never do enough to show our appreciation to them for their hard work and encouraging friendship. This would be an awesome gift!
    
    posted by Tracy
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 12:32 pm
36. our church was burned twice since may of this year. pastor sauls and sandra have been so strong in the lord thru all of this. they are so in need of a "refreshing". we all love them so very much. i have seen god at work in our community since all of this has happened. we are praying for the safety of our people and church as we begin to rebuild. keep us in your prayers, here at mount calvary baptist church, in clayton, north carolina.
    
    posted by tanya dale
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 3:40 pm
37. Dear Michelle,
    
    Thank you for supporting and loving your husband during this difficult time. Our team is praying for you.
    
    "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he mght be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romands 8:28-29)
    
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 4:00 pm
38. Dear Tanya,
    
    Our team is praying for you and Mount Calvary, too!
    
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 4:02 pm
39. I am not leaving this comment for my pastor and his wife, but for my daughter and son-in-law, who is a pastor turned church planter. I really appreciate their commitment to follow God's leading in their lives, even though it means moving far away from everything and everyone they know. They just built a brand new home last year, which they really put their hearts and souls into, and had a wildly successful ministry at their first church, but they are leaving it all behind to follow the call to serve in this new calling for their ministry. I am so happy they both went to Bible college (against their 'better' judgement), met, and eventually married. We will miss having them close by, but I wouldn't have them anywhere but in the perfect will of God!
    
    posted by Nancy
    on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 9:06 pm
40. My name is Keri Seavey. My husband is the pastor of Living Water Community Church in Vancouver, WA. We started the church 10 years ago and love the Body of Christ that the Lord has allowed us the privilege to serve!
    
    www.livingwatercc.org
    posted by Keri Seavey
    on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10:46 am
41. Wife and student of a great man of God who is responsible for the woman of God I am today. I was recently asked who has been the most influential person in my life in shaping my spiritual walk and the first person to come to mind was my husband. God uses him everyday to give me a hunger and thirst for not only God's Word but God Himself. We've been in the pastorate for almost 25 years.
    
    www.jodylynne.blogspot.com
    posted by Jody
    on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 11:22 am
42. Our pastor, Chip Hunter, is a funny, humble, thoughtful, loving servant of God and our church. He has such a winsome way of laughing at his own faults and letting us know that he struggles with the same issues that his flock does. His wife, Debbie, serves her family and our church with loving dedication. I feel so blessed to have them!
    
    posted by Susan Fisher
    on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 12:11 pm
43. I would like to pay tribute to my pastor, Dwight Gosser, and his wife Marlene, who faithfully shepherd and guide the flock at New Life Christian Center! He un-ashamedly preaches the Word of God, with no fear of man! He is not afraid to feed the people with the MEAT of the Word! His wife, Marlene, heads up the children's ministries, and also helps initiate group events at church. She gives her all in everything she does, and has a way of making everyone feel special! Her and Dwight absolutely love to spend time together, and I know they would be thrilled to experience The Retreat! But, may God bless who HE sees fit with this generous gift! Thank-you Revive Our Hearts and True Woman for your constant encouragement in the Ways of God!
    
    posted by Valerie Stech
    on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 3:44 pm
44. Although the pastor I'd like to nominate, Bruce McKanna, may seem young in years the maturity and wisdom he has shown in leading his congregation through a tough year point straight to his love for God and reliance on the grace and mercy only He can provide. He is a humble man who believes serving God, the church and his family is the highest calling a man can receive. He is crazy about his wife (she's crazy about him too!) and his boys love to crawl up in his lap to read Bible stories and pray or play a mean game of ball in the backyard. What a blessing it would be for them to receive a token of appreciation for all they have generously given to their congregation.
    
    posted by Jule
    on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 8:32 pm
45. Our pastor and his wife, Jerry and Cindy, are a tremendous blessing in our life. We have moved around a lot since getting married 2 1/2 years ago and "found" New Community Church on one of my husbands' work assignments to St. Louis.
    Pastor Jerry is a faithful teacher of God's Word who definitely demonstrates a passion for God and His Word. He loves teaching the Word and loves the people God has placed under his care.
    His wife has been a special blessing to me as well. When we were very new to the church we met with Pastor Jerry for some counsel regarding our marriage and, after that meeting, he recommended me meeting with his wife also. She called me about that within a day or so and then came weekly for several weeks until we were moving again. We were both so thankful for their counsel and that they would take that kind of time for people they did not know, nor who had been part of the church for long at all.
    We have and are growing at this church and are SO very thankful for a pastor (and the rest of the staff) who are seeking to honor God and live for His glory alone. The Word is taught unashamedly and lived out by our leaders. We praise God for allowing us to now be able to stay and be a part of this church for awhile. :)
    
    posted by Val
    on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 1:54 pm
46. Greetings, Paula and True Women!
    We just got back from a lovely vacation (first one in years) and it was so refreshing. Our pastor (the husband of Jo, above) is truly a blessing; a man of the Word of God and prayer; one who has stuck with us through thick and thin. Not only he, but also his wife and family, have been a true example of a Christian home for the church, and he has been faithful to "feed the flock". I would love to see them have a vacation like this. However I will be praying that the Lord's perfect will be done in this matter -- He alone knows who needs it most, and whom He will send to the Lodge -- may the will of the Lord be done, and I pray that He blesses not only my pastor, but all the faithful pastors and their wives (if married) with all the rest and resfreshment they need this summer/year. As Jesus said, "Come apart and rest."
    In His love,
    
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Monday, July 6, 2009 at 8:50 am
47. I'm so glad you had a wonderful vacation, Leslie! Welcome home.
    
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Monday, July 6, 2009 at 9:25 am
48. Thank you Paula! You put a smile on my face!
    
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Monday, July 6, 2009 at 3:46 pm
49. My pastor, Duane and his wife Bonnie are a couple that show their love of God through their encouragement to the people of their congregation. They always are giving and showing their thankfulness to those who serve in any way. They support us through prayer and teach us clearly the truth of God's word. They reach out to our community touching others through conversations and service. Like God teaches and loves them they show that through their service to the congregation and to the community around them. I'm privileged to have the opportunity to grow and learn how to live a life that brings glory to God through their friendship.
    
    posted by MaLinda Eaton
    on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 7:31 am
50. I am a pastor's wife for 39 years and it's been a journey I wouldn't trade, although it's often quite lonely! Loneliness has become a friend, because in it I find my best friend, Jesus! The journey also, has had many, many "gifts" of love and rewards! It is easy to be so involved in ministry, at the expense of "losing the romance" in the relationship! So a "Romantic Getaway" would be wonderful! :>)
    
    posted by Edna
    on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 8:18 am
51. Our Pastor Jim faithfully preaches God's Word to us and for that I am truly grateful. I so appreciate him and Marcia. They live what is taught. It has been my privilege and blessing to watch their dependence on the Lord Jesus through various trials in the years of their ministry with us. God sent them here to me (and, okay, for the others in our congregation too!) Witnessing their humility before God and the wisdom He gives them has blessed me beyond words. They set the example for us in their daily lives. I would love for them to be blessed with this retreat.
    
    posted by Linda Hoadley
    on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 11:16 am
52. I am married to a wonderful man who loves the Lord and loves to teach His Word. He is the pastor of a church plant in Tampa. I praise the Lord that He has blessed us with this ministry. We have really been focusing on hospitality the last year especially to our visitors, college students, and singles. Although it has been a challenge at times, I can honestly say that it has been a blessing. There is nothing I would rather spend my life doing than serving the Lord through loving and serving His people.
    
    posted by Brenda Sprott
    on Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11:45 pm
53. Pastor Russ and his wife Brandi are totally dedicated to their family and to our church. They have 5 children that they both homeschool. They are modeling and teaching our parents how to live a Christian life before their children, how to educate their children not only in school subjects, but most importantly in the Bible.
    Pastor encourages parents to bring their children into the church service with them and to teach them to listen to the sermon, by providing paper with squares on it to draw pictures of the sermon's message...a child's way of taking notes on the sermon.
    Our pastor and his wife are very concerned with teaching us to take responsibility for our children...our own, if we have children, and our church children as a congregation. We need to model how to listen and to behave in a Christian way. We set the examples in how we talk, the things we place importance on, and of course our actions.
    Being a Christian is a lifestyle....Christ flowing through us 24/7 to our families, our church, our community, our country, etc. To do this, we must be in the Word, in Prayer, in Meditation, and totally focused on God. Do we do it perfectly....no! But we are involved together as a church, helping each other and reaching out to others.
    
    posted by Joan Adams
    on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 4:08 am
54. Congratulations, Erika! You just won the Romantic Reflections Retreat for Pastor Ubaldo Pena and Rosie. Check your inbox for further details.
    
    To the rest of you, thank you for your heart to bless your pastor and his wife. I encourage you to pray about sending them to the Lodge for a Romantic Reflections Retreat--it will bless them deeply!
    
    http://www.lifeaction.org/thelodge/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26
    
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Friday, July 31, 2009 at 1:22 pm
55. Our pastor and his wife have been our church shepherd for 3 years now. I took the Lord as my savior when started coming to church 1 year ago. I never understood how disgusting sin was to our Lord. I never understood that God despises sin, HE will not tolerate it. But my God, so just and so loving, sent His only begotten son into this world to save it and save us from ourselves. I never knew that it was my doing who put Jesus on that cross by my actions, thoughts and deeds but my pastor truly uses Gods infallible Word to speak to my heart on what I must do in deed and in prayer to be pleasing to God.
    The sole truth (of the Word) of God also tells me when I have let the world slip into my heart trying to rule my flesh; that is when the Spirit tells me I have again missed the mark of being pleasing to God and I become broken and repentant. How great is it to know when communion with God is broken by our sin, the relationship with God is not because Jesus was sent and is the intercessor for us to His Father!
    How undeservingly loved I feel to have learned this! I cant help but to weep from excitement knowing that God provided the ONLY way, truth and life through His son, JESUS for such a worm as I. I now know the desperate need for God and Jesus in my life and in the lives of others. I could only imagine the hopelessness and despair of a life without HIM. Thanks be to God for what HE's done and for what my pastor has done as well.
    My pastor works a 60 hour week, provides for his family of 10, takes care of the flock of our tiny church of 11 families, tends to the needs of other pastors, churches and the community and STILL finds the time to pastor our Church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday WHILE giving up his Church salary to do it!! He uses his pastoral salary(which is less than my electric bill) to help the needs of his church by keeping food on our tables, keeping electricity in our homes, providing transportation for those who dont have a way to get to hear the Word of God, provides support and counseling with instruction by the Word, tends to the bedside of the sick and ill in the hospital, providing monetary legal help, providing personal services to the members of the church by fixing broken water wells, yard clean up after our hurricane and cutting the grass for the widow of our church.
    On top of all that, he keeps our little church operational so that we are afforded the opportunity to meet with God. His wife is the secretary of the church, she provides child care for the children and sleep overs for those children for the partents sake while taking care of her own 6 children, she organizes womens bible study every Friday night, teaches Sunday school for the little children during services, organizes the womens retreat annually, gives emotional support and her time to her husband, the church, the community and all the women within the church who need her and home-schools her own children during the school year, ALL while receiving NO SALARY either. They are a God-send to me. They are the supportship of our church. My pastor has a lifeline to God. My pastor surrenders all of himself to allow God to work through him for our benefit and always gives glory to God for it. He asks nothing in return... ever. His is passionate of Gods will, through Gods will and for Gods will. He is my pastor, he teaches the Word of God, he loves the Word of God and he LIVES the Word of God.
    I have never met another like my pastor or his wife. He is the Shepherd of our Church and I will follow him in support to anywhere. The only thing he will accept in appreciation from our church is our prayers for him and his family. I would love to honor him and his wife by submitting this letter as an opportunity for them to have some alone time with each other and with God.
    This I pray for in Jesus' Holy name, Amen.
    
    posted by sheri kavanaugh
    on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 5:25 pm