I couldn’t be more grateful to the Elders at Grace for their care and investment in the pastors here. It’s worth beginning this staff journal with, “Thank you.”
We started off our Sabbatical with an unexpected storm that caused upwards of $30k of damage to our home. After meeting with our insurance adjustor, we decided to still travel down to Alabama to visit Courtney’s brother and his family. Chris (her brother) is a faithful pastor in Clanton, Alabama and is a wonderful husband and father. Needless to say, we had great food and fun together.
Then we drove farther south to the white sandy beaches of Destin, Florida. This was the kids first time visiting a warm ocean and learning about the omnipresent nature of sand. Everybody loved playing in the waves and some collected shells. But the best part of Florida were the friends we stayed with. They treated us like family, took us to hot spots around town, treated us to many good things, and even took us on a family boat to our very own little island. It couldn’t have been a more enjoyable and relaxing time. I thank God for them and for providing this time for my family.
After we were done enjoying fun in the sun, we drove back home just to leave less than a week later for family camp at Gull Lake Ministries. I love being a camp pastor and speaker at Gull Lake, and the fam loves being campers. Sadly, my cousin whom I love and used to look up to passed away unexpectedly, leaving his wife and 4 children behind. My second day of camp was spent traveling to preach at his funeral. This was harder than I expected it to be, and I’m still grieving. However, God has reminded me of the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 7:2–4, and I have a renewed passion to share the Gospel every chance I get. Time is short, and people need to hear the Good News.
After family camp, we came back home for less than a week, then drove to Denver, Colorado, so we could fly to Oregon. We went primarily for my nephews wedding (he was the ring bearer in my wedding nearly 17 years ago), but boy was it an adventure! Courtney, three of our children, and I got to hike along the famous Trail of 10 Falls (highly recommend). This is by far my favorite hiking experience. We also visited the majestic Mount Hood with its snow-capped peak, and we were left in awe at the view on Trillium Lake.
Oregon was our last big family adventure, but not the end of the summer for me. I took Samuel to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter as a father-son trip now that he’s 13 years old. Spending time talking, laughing, and eating with him are memories I will cherish for a lifetime. I’m so proud to be his father.
All in all, the relational joy I got to experience with my family will be my most treasured gift this summer. I have never felt more refreshed in my life. There was also the focus on discipleship where I spent many hours researching and talking with other churches, but that will have to wait for another staff journal. This one’s long enough.
I love you, church family, and I’m so glad to be one of your elders and pastors. I thank God for you and the gift you continue to be to me and our community.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jack