Go Beyond

Corpus Christi, Texas

I have been on a long journey, in particular a journey that officially started thirty-four years ago. I took my first steps down the path of full-time vocational ministry on Father’s Day in 1978. That’s when I was invited to serve on the staff of Second Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas — the Sparkling City by the Sea. Seven years later, I served my last Sunday at Second Baptist on Mother’s Day. It was tough for me to leave the place where it all began but I knew it was the right thing to do. God had opened a new door of opportunity for me to serve Him in another city. Crossing the threshold of that open door started me on an adventurous journey that eventually led me to Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy, Texas where I enjoy the privilege of leading others to engage with the people of our community and the nations for the glory of God.

I arrived in Corpus Christi a few hours ago. It’s both ironic and comforting to me that I will begin my first-ever sabbatical on Mother’s Day by worshiping at the place where it all began for me — Second Baptist Church. Many of the people who I knew in those early days of my ministry are no longer there. Many have died and others have moved on. But it’s still the place where my journey into ministry started and for that reason will always hold a very special place in my heart. I am grateful for the kindness of Kingsland to offer those of us on staff a sabbatical every seven years. And I am grateful to God for leading me back to Corpus Christi as the launching pad for my forty-day sabbatical adventure that will end the week after Father’s Day.

I am looking forward to the next forty days. I hope to get some rest and to enjoy quality time with my family. I will spend the first part of my sabbatical with my Dad. Our plan is to do a road trip that will take us through some of the most scenic places in the southwestern United States. I will spend the last part of my sabbatical with my son as we compete in the Texas Water Safari, the world’s toughest canoe race. I will also have enough discretionary time to do lots of reading and writing, two of the things I enjoy most. So, I invite you to travel with me over the next forty-days as I embark on my newest adventure. I hope to share meaningful insights and interesting stories along the way. I also invite and welcome your prayers as I spend these days doing the things that will revive and refresh me and prepare me for greater days of service after I return to Kingsland. Thanks for your friendship and readership.