Grace to you, and peace
As year end approaches I find that I am looking to retirement with mixed feelings. It is a moment of sorrow as I prepare to step away from the greatest season of ministry I have ever experienced.
I will miss being in ministry with you. You, through prayer, financial support, notes of appreciation and encouragement, and countless other ways, are what make this ministry possible. Your unfailing interest and support have touched my heart in ways too numerous to mention. Thank you for the support you have given, not only to God’s mission through The Mission Society, but also to me. I especially thank you for all your prayers, cards, calls, and kindnesses during my life-threatening illness last year. It is the power of your prayers that brought me through.
At the same time, this marks the beginning of a new adventure for Sue and me. I am not retiring; I am transitioning to a new season of ministry. The distinction is important. Webster's Dictionary defines retirement as “withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life.” As one who was called to full-time Christian service more than 35 years ago, I am committed to furthering the cause of Christ until the day I stand before the throne with the multitudes of other faithful believers. I cannot and will not withdraw from an active working life on behalf of my Lord and Savior. In the years ahead, my wonderful wife, Sue, and I will have more time to spend with our children and grandchildren and will travel, but, there will always be the passion to reach the lost for Christ. The activities in which I will be involved in the future have not fully been revealed. As in so many transitions Sue and I have experienced, we will walk through the open door and see what God has in store for us on the other side, and then embrace that with all our heart.
Excited about the future
This time of transition is made easier by the choice of the board in electing the Rev. Dick McClain as the next president of The Mission Society. I am excited about Dick being president and CEO for several reasons. First and foremost, Dick is totally committed to Christ and the mission entrusted to the Church to be the vehicle to bring God’s message of salvation and eternal life to the world.
Second, Dick brings his love for The Mission Society as evidenced by more than 20 years of service. He joined the staff in 1986 as director of missionary personnel, which meant he was in charge of recruiting and processing all missionary candidates. During his tenure, the number of missionaries serving under The Mission Society grew from 14 to more than 125. In 1995, Dick became vice president for mission ministries, overseeing The Mission Society’s international ministries. He was named vice president for church ministry in 2000, and in this role he developed a unique approach to mobilizing local churches, both in the United States and abroad, for strategic global outreach. Third, Dick brings a wealth of cross-cultural experience as a missionary kid. He is the son and grandson of missionaries, was born in China and grew up in India and Hong Kong. He served as the youth minister of Crossroads Bible Church, an interdenominational congregation in the Panama Canal Zone. I am excited about the future of The Mission Society with Dick at the helm!
As I leave, I will not say goodbye to you, for I know we shall meet again. If not in this world, we will meet around the throne of our King. Until then, grace and peace.
