This Sunday, October 6, we have the joy of reaching a milestone for our family and ministry of serving at Pinecrest Baptist for eleven years! God has been so good, and we are rejoicing in all He has done! Reflecting on this journey, my heart is filled with gratitude for the countless blessings God has bestowed upon me, my family, and our growing church family. It’s an incredible privilege to lead and shepherd a community so committed to Christ and one another. In the spirit of celebration, here are eleven things I am incredibly thankful for as we reach this milestone.

1. God's Faithfulness
From the beginning, God has been faithful to guide, provide, and protect. His promises are true, and His grace is sufficient for every challenge and every blessing. As the Psalmist declares, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want”(Psalm 23:1). Truly, His faithfulness has carried us through every season. On the first day in the office following our first Sunday, I remember seeing the pile of calls, bills and needs that our church had, and I felt overwhelmed. In that moment and many other moments since then, I sensed the presence of our loving Shepherd, who seemed to whisper, “I’ve got this.” God certainly has been faithful!
2. The Power of Prayer
I am thankful for the many prayers offered by our church family. We have seen God move in mighty ways through the fervent prayers of His people. James 5:16 reminds us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” I am deeply grateful for the prayer warriors in our midst who continually lift this pastor and ministry before the Lord.

3. Our Dedicated Leadership Team
God has blessed our church with an exceptional team of leaders who serve with humility, wisdom, and love. Our staff, deacons, leaders, and high-level volunteers have been a continual source of encouragement and joy! Their commitment to this church's vision and passion for the Gospel inspires me daily. As Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” I thank God for their partnership in ministry.
4. A Growing Church Family
Over these eleven years, our congregation has grown in number and depth of faith. I am grateful for each member, from the youngest child to the most senior among us. Together, we are a body, each part fulfilling its role as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” It’s a joy to witness the spiritual growth in our family.
5. A Heart for the Lost

One of the greatest joys has been witnessing our church’s passion for reaching the lost. One of my greatest fears about leaving the mission field was that my children could grow up in a church that would not witness the power of the gospel in changed lives as they did on the mission field. God has graciously answered this fear by allowing us to see incredible conversions over the past eleven years. We have seen lives transformed by the Gospel, and I am thankful for the many people who boldly share their faith. As Jesus reminds us in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” It is an honor to lead a church that reflects this heart of Christ locally and globally.

6. The Beauty of Worship
Each Sunday, I am moved by the beauty of our collective worship. The music, the singing, and the heartfelt expressions of praise are moments where heaven seems to touch the earth. I echo the words of Psalm 100:2, “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Worship is a cornerstone of our community, and I am thankful for all who sing passionately with us in the presence of God.
7. The Generosity of the Saints
I am continually amazed by the generosity of our church family. Whether it’s giving to missions, supporting local outreach, or providing for the needs within our congregation, this church has demonstrated the spirit of Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Your faithful giving enables us to make a difference in our community and worldwide. Without fail, the generosity at Pinecrest has produced a “joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.”

8. Opportunities for Discipleship
I am thankful for the opportunities we have to disciple one another. Whether through small groups, Bible studies, or mentoring relationships, our church has a culture of growing together in Christ. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:28, “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” It’s a blessing to see lives transformed through discipleship.
9. A Spirit of Unity
I am thankful for our church's unified spirit in a divided world. Though we come from different backgrounds and walks of life, we are united in our love for Christ and our desire to serve Him. Ephesians 4:3 encourages us to be “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This unity has been a powerful witness to our community and a source of strength within the church.
10. The Blessing of Families

Our church is richly blessed with families raising the next generation in the knowledge of the Lord. I am thankful for the children’s ministries, youth programs, and the many parents and grandparents who invest in the spiritual lives of their children. As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Watching families grow in Christ is one of my greatest joys. Thank you for letting me be a husband and father. Many congregations place unrealistic expectations on their pastor, preventing him from having a family life. Not Pinecrest! You have encouraged our marriage and family and allowed me to serve my family and the church family simultaneously.
11. The Privilege of Serving

Finally, I am deeply thankful for the privilege of serving as your pastor. It is a calling I do not take lightly, and I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me. From starting new ministries, building buildings, launching mission projects, and risking things for the gospel's sake, you have faithfully and joyfully followed. I am reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 1:12, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” These past eleven years have been a gift from God, and I look forward to what He has in store for us in the coming years.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your love, support, and partnership in the Gospel. Let us continue to serve the Lord with gladness, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). May God bless us as we move forward together in faith, hope, and love.
Every Blessing,
Pastor John
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