A Letter from Pastor Dave to members and friends of
First Baptist Church in Wallingford, Vermont

March 21, 2014

Dear Church Family,

I hope that you won’t mind if I gush just a little in the affection and appreciation that I have for our church family.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you for your prayers and support.  Thank you for your understanding.  Thank you for the love that you show to your new pastor and his family in so many ways.  Thank you for your commitment to the Lord and His ministry here in Wallingford.  You have blessed and touched my heart.

When we started ministry here at the beginning of the year I had already committed to take three challenging classes during this semester at Liberty University.  I had no idea, however, how difficult the eight weeks would be, especially the last part of the journey.  The past few weeks have put me through the wringer physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Consider:

•    Mom and Step Dad with cancer surgery  within 10 days of each other
•    Three Major Writing Assignments Due in extremely difficult classes
•    Stormy weather and slick roads
•    Unexpected Car repairs courtesy of “The Grand Canyon” of pot holes

Please believe me when I say, I am not complaining.  In fact, this has become an opportunity to praise God for His grace and strength in the midst of difficulty.  I know that I could not have managed all that has happened without His presence and your prayers. 

I know that, if I had been aware in the Fall what challenges would come in the winter I would have changed my plans dramatically.  However, God has allowed me to endure this to remind me of His sufficiency for every circumstance.  For example, the classes I took for the first eight weeks of the term were very technical and demanding classes related to advanced grammar and the origin and spread of the English language.  The readings were among the most difficult I have ever had to do.  The writing required was more than I have ever had to do for any class.  In the end I had three major writing assignments due at the close of the courses.  I said a number of times in the closing days that I would be fortunate to get a C in the classes because I had not been able to devote the time and effort to them I felt they needed.  However, the papers were graded and the final report is as follows. 

•    On the biggest and most difficult assignment, which I was sure I would just squeak by on, I received a near perfect grade and was heralded as “the best in the class!”
•    On the other two assignments, though I wasn’t as concerned with them, I received a perfect score and a near perfect score. 
•    My final grade was a solid A!

If I sound like I’m boasting it’s because I am.  I boast in God who has once again amazed me in taking care of every detail and providing what I needed most exactly when it was needed.  I boast in my new church family who has prayerfully supported their new pastor and lifted me up in their prayers.  I boast in my wife who has endured several weeks of having me so fully engaged in these writing assignments in every spare moment that I have been of little help to her in her endeavors.  I have reason to boast because God is so good, and He has surrounded me with people who are wonderful.

Many Blessings,
Pastor Dave