Good Bye

Its 10 pm on Monday night three days until I fly out to Uganda, Africa. I just finished eating poppy seed chicken for dinner and then went to the boys basketball game at Williamstown High school. They lost to Henry County with a last minute shot. While at the game I saw many students and many other friends from the community. As I sit here and reflect on the people of Williamstown and my time spent here and the things Ive learned here. I can only say I have been WOWed by it all. A body of believers who are loving and encouraging to such a young minister. I had so many firsts in the two years I have been there. I preached my first sermon, taught my first Sunday School class, worked with youth for the first time, preformed my first Wedding, administered my first Lords Supper, and for the first time realized how blessed I am to be part of a Godly body of believers.

The reality that I am leaving for Africa is starting to settle in, and I am excited to go, yet sad to leave the people who have so greatly impacted my life. Those who have impacted it the most have been the youth in our church. I was impacted in a powerful way this past Sunday night. Before we finished our time together the youth gathered around me and they prayed for me. Now for youth to pray aloud randomly is not something they really like to do. Reality is most people feel uncomfortable doing this, but I saw courageous young students step out and pour over me prayers that brought tears to my eyes. Hearing the growth and maturity in their prayers blessed me. I will greatly miss each and every student. I know the Lord will teach me and grow me during my time in Africa. Even as I know this to be true I will long to return to you Williamstown.