The moments of our lives pass by so quickly, but the
memories we create will last forever. What if you were asked what is the best
moment of your life? Would they be the moments you've shared with loved ones
and family? Moments together that shaped who you've become. That being said I
want to share with each of you what a young missionary wrote about our Pastor:
Today my Pastor
turns 40 years old! I have known my pastor long before he ever
became pastor of our church.
In fact, Pastor Lawrence has had many “names” over the
years.
Here are some, just to name a few.
When he began picking me up on the busses over 15
years ago, he was “Bus Captain.”
When I was in 6th grade in his youth group he was “Bro
D.”
When I was in 7th grade in the middle of Mexico on my
first ever missions trip he was “Amigo.”
When I was in 8th grade and he would come to our
middle school each week to preach the Bible, he was “The Preacher.”
All throughout high school as he would teach us, train
us, take us on trips he was “Youth Pastor.”
When I would call him late at night with any problem I
would have he was “Counselor.”
When he took me hunting in the pouring rain and we saw
nothing he was “Hunting Guide.”
When he drove 8 hours round trip to my grandfather’s
funeral, to my family he was “Compassionate.”
When he married my wife and I (who also grew up in our
youth group) he was “The One Who Said I Could Kiss Her.”
When he encouraged me to take a trip with him to Peru
to pray about getting involved in missions he was “Leader.”
When he would take me visiting with him, or teach me
in a class setting, he was “Trainer.”
When I ventured out on deputation last year, and I
knew he was behind me the entire time, he was the “Sender.”
When I can call him on the road when I am not sure how
to handle a problem, he is my “Phone-a-Friend
When he asked me to preach our entire missions
conference last year, when I was scared to death to do so, he was “The One Who
Believes In Me.”
When he stood at my side as I was ordained last month,
he was my “Hero.”
When I watch the way he treats his wife and children,
he is my “Example.”
And when I see the way he loves the Lord Jesus, His
church, and His mission, he is “My Pastor.”
And now as I reflect on the last 15 years that I have
known this man, this small list of events that make up my life do not even
begin to scratch the surface to describe what Derik Lawrence has done for me
and meant to me. I am glad that I can now call him not only my Pastor,
but I can call him my friend.
2 Corinthians 12 Paul says “And I will very gladly
spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I
be loved.” Every time I read this verse, my mind immediately thinks of
how my pastor has given and poured his life into those around him.
Pastor, I have watched you grow as a leader, a
husband, a father, and a pastor over the last 15 years. You have taught
me more by your actions and how you live out your Christian faith than any
words could ever be spoken. I love you, and appreciate all you have done
for me and my family. Happy Birthday!
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