Thanksgiving is a time to reflect over the past year and the blessings God has given us. When I look back over the past year, I can’t think of a more unusual and challenging year. From the annual report, what I did during the 2020 Pandemic Lockdown: I sold my house “For Sale by Owner”, moved across the state of Iowa, bought a new house, ended a nearly 24 year old ministry, left a school district bus driving job of 10 years, had a car totaled, replaced a car, learned how to do online and parking lot church while starting a new ministry, said goodbye to great friends, said hello to new friends, made changes to the church for social distance church, started a children’s program, started a chapel service at a motocross track, took and passed all requirements for a Illinois bus driver’s license, started driving in a new school district. . . 2020 might be the most productive year of my life, and I could not have done it without you!
YOU, Countryside, have been a warm, helpful, caring, kind, enthusiastic, encouraging, non-stop blessing. You literally moved me and helped with every part of this incredible year. THANK YOU!
In the past few months I have observed a congregation that is committed to one another, very much enjoys being in fellowship with one another, and enjoys the long history you share together. Countryside has the strongest commitment to missions of any church I have ever been a part of. In Wayne, Roger, and Don, you have Bible-loving men that are relentlessly committed to the ministry of C.C.C. John 13:35 lets us know that we will know our church family by one main characteristic… LOVE. Love defines this church.
You have shown Karen and me love.
As to 2021, I can only say that I look forward to working with the elders and committees as we come together to explore new opportunities. There are hundreds upon hundreds of people within a few minutes of our church that need to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Please be praying that God gives us a clear vision on how to best serve our community and be a beacon for those who are lost.
In Christ,
Steve
