Dear
Valley People,
My thoughts are full of the fact that we are leaving Valley in about 4 months time. In some ways, I can't believe this is happening, but the truth is starting to dawn on me. Alan and I have started to do some hand over work; my instructions for removal arrived in the post today; the people at our new congregation have been asking what colours they must paint the manse. And in my stomach is a growing hollowness.
"Why are you going?", several people have asked me. I am reminded that in Acts 20:22, when Paul was leaving his congregation, he said "In obedience to the Holy Spirit I am going ..." I have felt for a while now, the Spirit saying to me that my job here at Valley is complete and that I need to move on and contribute to the building up of another congregation. I feel that I need to take the considerable amount that Valley has taught me and try to use it in the growth of another church.
We will probably move in the second week of December and my last services will be on Sunday 3 December. I would be lying if I said that I am not looking forward to our new appointment. I am looking forward to the work there; to the new challenges; to living in a small town; to living in the bushveld. Leaving Valley, that's tough for us, really tough.
May the Lord be with you and us as a family, as we go through this change together.
With love,
Mike