Today we said goodbye to our church family. SO HARD! We have grown up there. Literally. It was just like God to have this scripture as part of our worship today...Ephesians 4:11-16. Here it is:
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things GROW UP into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Praise the Lord that over the years, we have grown up. So many in our church family have poured into us and into the lives of of children. They have taught, encouraged, and guided us in so many ways. In our marriage, in our parenting, in our service, in our walk in Christ. But the thing that will stay with us the most is that our church family doesn't just talk about the Christian life, THEY LIVE IT. In the hard times, in the joys, among our church family, and out in the world. They have set for us an example of integrity, godliness and faithfulness that we will always strive for in our lives. They have raised us up, all of us. And now they send us out. Even though it is difficult to say goodbye to our daily life together with them, they will always be the family we go "home" to.
With tears of joy, hearts of thanksgiving, and excitement to follow HIM.....
The Hanstads
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