Thank You Bethel

Thank you Bethel
 
Thursday October 12th at 9:00am, I sat on a stage at Trinity CRC and took part in my final of many denominational exams.  At the end of a healthy grilling from pastors and elders from churches around Northern Alberta, I was “declared qualified for and admitted to the sacred ministry of the Word in the Christian Reformed Church.” Driving home from this event I thought: “How on earth did I end up here?” Pastor Tom has asked me to reflect upon my upcoming ordination.
 
As I look back on a journey of 7 years of Master’s studies, intentional mentoring, and navigating ecclesiastical requirements - I am filled with gratitude for the faithfulness of God and His people.
 
When I think about the volunteer from the Gideon’s society who gave me my first New Testament at my elementary school, and the Sunday school volunteers who first took an interest in me at Evangel Assembly - I can see just how many things had to go right to get to this point.
 
Coming out of College, I was a Pentecostal kid who was extremely anxious and wondered whether my ministry dreams would work out. One well-intentioned professor told me I should probably find something else to do with my life. Despite many obvious flaws, Bethel’s calling team took a chance on me and I will always be thankful. These nearly ten years of serving Bethel have been extraordinary – filled with great challenges and joys along the way.
 
Much could be said about the role of my family and close friends, but this Pastor’s Corner is about you Bethel.
 
Thank you for giving me a chance to learn and grow here. Thank you for letting me fail and succeed. Thank you for trusting me with your kids – even when we took them on some really bizarre youth retreats. Thank you for sitting through some of my first awful sermons and still loving me along the way. Thank you for releasing me to take trips to Grand Rapids for seminary. Thank you for mourning my father with me and blessing my mother. You have shown me the love of God and there is no way I could possibly express how much I love you all.
 
When Pastor Tom and the council lay hands on me and ordain me on October 29th, please know that I am eternally grateful for this community of believers. Without your love, encouragement and prayer I would not be here today. I look forward to continuing to grow together and seeing the Kingdom come at Bethel!
 
 With a heart of gratitude for you,
 
Ryan
 

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