"Nine Years and Counting"

First Sunday at PHBC, Nov. 2009

November 2018

On Sunday, November 4th, I became the longest tenure Pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church’s 169-year history. The church’s average stay for a pastor was two and a half years. As you can imagine, this left the church in some pretty difficult situations. Anytime a church has an influx of pastors who rarely stay more than a couple of years it normally leads to an unhealthy church.

Therefore, when my family and I were called to PHBC, I resolved to stay until the Lord moved me. Not difficult situations or mean-spirited members, but the Lord would have to move me if I was to leave. During one of my meetings with the pulpit committee in the summer of 2009, one of the members said, “We need a Pastor who will lead us.” There was no doubt in my mind that by God’s grace I could do exactly that, although it would not be easy. These past nine years have not come without their bumps, bruises, and tears.

Therefore, I’d like to share 9 realities I’ve learned while pastoring the same church for the last 9 years:

1. Not everyone who is for you, in the beginning, will remain for you. As a Pastor, there were those who loved (at least act) me and my family upon arrival. They were the ones who would go out of their way to bring us food, desserts, and vegetables when we first arrived. But when I crossed their traditions and ideas how church should be done I was written off. They were some of the first ones who wanted my head on the chopping block. I’m thankful there are those who loved us when we arrived and still love us today.

2. Not everyone who says, “I believe the Bible” really believes the Bible.
This was a shocker to me. I thought everyone wanted the Bible preached and taught. There were those who wanted the Bible taught, but according to the way, they’ve always been taught the Bible. Yet, when the Bible is faithfully preached in its immediate context, rather than what one wants it to say, all of the sudden things change. I found out people liked emotionalism and sentimentalism more than they did God's truth.

3. People will let you preach whatever you want; just don’t expect them to apply it. I have learned preaching doctrine is one thing, but it is another thing when you expect people to adhere to the Bible. For example, people will listen to a sermon on church discipline and even "Amen" you, but when you begin to practice what you preach then you’ve crossed the line. You can teach on evangelism but don't expect people to actually do evangelism. By the way, isn't that what we pay the preacher to do.

4. There are valleys and mountain tops in the life of the local church. All churches, like families, go through seasons. There are good seasons. And there are difficult seasons. There are times of plenty. There are times when it is lean. However, this does not determine what God defines as success. I have witnessed both plenty and little at PHBC. God determines success based on faithfulness (1 Cor.4:7), not nickels and noses.

5. When you honor God by preaching the truth of Scriptures you will not be popular. Jesus was popular as long as he gave the people what they wanted, but the moment he began to preach truth there was a falling away. People want to be coddled and told what they want to hear. Most people today have a god that they handle, which is nothing but an idol. When you preach the God of the Bible, you will not be popular among the crowds. Matter of fact, people will hate you, persecute and say all kinds of evil against you. Jesus said, "Rejoice! When you are persecuted for his namesake." That’s alright because I was not called to be popular. I was called to be faithful.

6. Seminary doesn’t teach you how to shepherd a church through every situation. Seminary trains you for a lot of different things as it relates to doctrine and theology. Seminary teaches you how to study. However, it did not train me for when half the people did not like my leadership and decided to leave. It didn’t prepare me how to stand before my congregation and tell them their deacon had taking his own life that Sunday morning. There was no class or book that could prepare me on how to shepherd the church through those difficult times. That is where I rely on God the Holy Spirit to guide and speak through me. He is our greatest Teacher.

7. You may have to work a secular job while you pastor. When we lost half of our congregation, we lost close to half of our finances too. The church was gracious enough to support me for two years on the same salary. I saw the writing on the wall and knew we could not keep going in the same direction. So, I encouraged the church to cut my benefits and salary. This allowed me to take on other work to help support my family. This has been a blessing in many ways to the church and me.

8. Leading a church to biblical health is hard work but Christ is worthy. In some ways, the past 9 years have been extremely difficult, yet extremely rewarding. We have seen the Lord truly regenerate and add souls to the church.  PHBC has installed two new elders, rewrote new by-laws and constitution.  PHBC has written  a more biblical and thorough church Covenant, established a new members class and handbook. The church has helped establish a Bible school and 2 new church plants in the Philippines. PHBC is active in local evangelism and outreach in our own community each May, October, and monthly door-to-door outreaches. It has not been easy and we still have a ways to go, but God's is worth it all.

9. PHBC is a very gracious church in allowing me to make mistakes and learn as their pastor. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve made my shares of mistakes over the last 9 years. The church has allowed me to make mistakes while learning from them. I am a sinner saved by God’s grace and don’t profess to be perfect by any stretch of the imagination. God’s people have been patient, loving and supportive of their Pastor and elders as we try to lead the church to glorify God in all things. I love the flock at PHBC. I love the fact they love the Christ of the Bible and long to honor and glorify Him. I look forward to what the Lord has these next 9 years. There is no plan B.

In conclusion, we have not arrived and there is so much to do. We have not obtained the goal prize yet. By God's grace, we are still pressing toward the prize that lies before us. As I consider the last 9 years, it has been difficult in some ways. Yet, I have seen spiritual growth and fruit I would have never witnessed had I left the first two or three years. Not to mention, I have grown in my own personal walk with Christ through the adversities I have faced. There is no way I would have made it these 9 years without the support and love of my faithful wife, Samantha. She has seen me in some of my worst and darkest moments. She has been a constant source of encouragement and grace in me pressing forward.

 I will close with a quote I heard from a sermon recently on suffering. "Suffering is the prelude to glory" Phil Johnson. And I long for glory; therefore, I endure all things for the sake of His elect. SDG.

"A New Season of Ministry"

"For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God" (1 Thess. 2:9).

     This morning (Monday) I embark on a new journey as your pastor. I will begin working a full-time job at North American Stamping Group while serving as your pastor. This is referred to as bi-vocational ministry. According to LifeWay research, "there are 35,000 out of 46,000 are either small church (less than 100 in attendance) or bi-vocational churches" There is a need for this type of ministry in our time and day with a growing number of small churches in need of pastors. These churches are unable to support a pastor with a full-time salary and benefits but desire to have a gospel presence in their community.

We see this type of ministry in the life of the Apostle Paul in Acts 18:1-3, where he stayed and worked with Aquilla and Priscilla in Corinth "making tents." In 1 Thessalonians 2:9, Paul reminded the church that he labored among them "night and day" so that he would not be a burden to the church, while he ministered the gospel. There is the responsibility where the church is to support the man who preaches and teaches God's Word (1 Tim.5:17). Scripture is clear that "those who preach the gospel are to get their living from the gospel" (1 Cor.9:14). However, there is also the reality when a church is smaller it is often more of a burden than a blessing to support a pastor with a full-time living wage. 

With that said, I was faced with two options as your pastor; I could put out a resume and find a larger church that could provide for me a full-time salary or I could find a job to help offset the cut in pay I will incur and stay at PHBC. I decided the latter, namely because I love my flock and God has not told me to go anywhere. Thus, I decided to seek full-time employment after a time of prayer, seeking the counsel from other pastors, and my wife. This will be a huge adjustment for me, my family, and PHBC. There will be some burdens that will come with being bi-vocational, but there will also be a number of blessings as well. So, I want to outline "the burdens and blessings of bi-vocational ministry" as I perceive it.

The Burdens of Bi-Vocational Ministry

Time is the biggest struggle for bi-vocational pastors. I will have to be more disciplined now than ever with my time. I will have to be very deliberate with what I can and cannot do. I will have to determine what is urgent versus what is important. 

1. Sermon Preparation
A large amount of my time outside of working will be giving myself to the next text I will preach on the Lord's Day. This is my urgent, along with prayer. I normally give 12-14 hours towards my Sunday sermon prep and normally 3-4 hours for Wednesday evening meetings. As your pastor, this is the most urgent thing I must do. Anyone can visit. Anyone can evangelize. Anyone can do a number of other things, but God has called me to shepherd PHBC by being prepared to preach on Sunday, as well as pray for the flock.

2. Counseling and Visitation
I love being a shepherd/pastor. I love being involved in the life of the sheep. I thrive on ministering and counseling with our people in some of their most desperate times. I do this by counseling and visitation ministry. I have at least 1 to 3 counseling sessions a week whether in person or phone (this will have to be cut back). Between sermon prep, prayer, and counseling sessions this will leave me with very little to no time for visitation. This is where you will come into play. More on this later.

3. Family Priorities
Someone once told me, "Your church can always get another pastor, but you can never get another wife or family." My family comes before the church. This is how God ordained it to be. Therefore, my first and foremost responsibility is caring, shepherding and pastoring my own soul and then my family. As many of you know, our family is in a season of transition. My two oldest boys don't need or rely on me as much as they use to (except to eat:). However, I still have Dylan who needs me more now than ever. I still have my helpmate, Samantha, who needs her husband to minister, love, and care for her soul. This will be a struggle considering the time restraints, but God will give grace.

4. Sabbath Rest
Bi-vocational pastors are notorious in "burning the candle at both ends." I have heard pastors say before, "Bless God, I'd rather burn out than rust out." This is one of the most foolish things I have ever heard. Pastors will pride themselves by never taking a day off or vacation. This is not smart. God has not created us to work 24/7. We need time off. I will need a day off a week. I will need a Sunday off a quarter. I will need a week or two off a year to rest. I have been trying to use my Sunday's as my Sabbath, even though its a work day for me. I try not to do anything but worship and rest on the Lord's Day. My goal is to live and serve the Lord as long as I can and it will take intentionality on my part to find Sabbath rest. 

5. Exercise
Someone has said, "Most preacher's bellies hit the pulpit before their Bibles do." In order to stay healthy both physically and mentally, I cannot quit exercising. This can be a burden in being bi-vocational. Again, I will have to be very diligent and disciplined with my time. I enjoy running, as I normally run every day and ride my bike 1-2 times a week. Exercise is cheaper than therapy:) So, I must keep exercising.

These are just a few burdens that I perceive as I begin this new season of ministry.




The Blessings of Bi-Vocational Ministry

1. Finances Stabilized
The main reason I am going bi-vocational is to help stabilize the church's finances. As I said two weeks ago, the church is not is financial ruins, but it cannot continue to support me as it has been doing. By me going to work, I can afford to take a pay cut to offset the cut and allow the church finances to become stable once again. This does not mean that the church is to relax in its giving, if anything else it should look for ways to increase its giving. We want to raise our support for our missionary work in the Philippines, church plants, and community outreaches for the sake of the gospel. 

2. New Relationships Pursued
Samantha has always said, "I don't meet a stranger." I love people. I love engaging people and meeting them right where they are at. This is exactly what Jesus did. As I begin to work full-time, I will be able to meet new people and initiate new relationships for the sake of the gospel. I have already been praying for those I will meet and become involved in their lives. I am seeing this as gospel ministry opportunity, not just a job.

3. The Gospel Remains Central
By me working, I can be less concerned with whether or not we are making budget. I will be free to focus on what matters the most and that is preaching the gospel. For the last two years, I have struggled knowing our finances have not been up to par. It bothered me to lose half our congregation while knowing it would affect us financially. With me working full-time, I can now help support my family and not feel as though I am a burden upon the church. Most of all, I can keep the main thing, the main thing, and the main thing is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. This will happen on Sundays but also throughout the week at work.

4. Every Member Ministry
There is an unspoken expectation among churches that the pastor is to do all the ministry. Of course, not at PHBC:) With me working now, there is no way that I will be able to keep up with everything going on in the people's lives. This is where each member is expected to serve as a minister. This is what it means to be the priesthood of the believer. Every member at PHBC is a minister. What a privilege you have to pray,  call, write cards, and visit with others. Each member will be responsible to minister and serve one another. This is your privilege to do the work of the ministry. The elders will have to be called upon when needed. The deacons will need to be actively serving and each member of PHBC will seek to minister as needed. This is a wonderful blessing for the church. The church will grow and mature when its members are doing the work of the ministry (Eph.4:11-13).

I want you, the members at PHBC to know this is not a bad thing, rather it is an excellent opportunity for God to grow His church spiritually. It is an opportunity for us to relysolelyy upon God, trusting Him to do only what He can do. Bi-vocational ministry is notsecond-classs ministry, but a minsitry that is much needed today. Bi-vocational pastors are not the JV team of ministry. Bi-vocational ministry is as much glorifying to God, as a full-time ministry. I pray you would pray for me, my family, and one another as we make this transition for the glory of God.

I love you all.
Your Pastor.
Chad

"A Weekend of Grace, Glory, and Gratitude"

Lovely decorations and taco bar

This past weekend Pleasant Hill Baptist Church hosted a "Women of Grace" luncheon. The guest speaker was Stacey Melton of Pryor, OK. She is the wife of Derek Melton who serves as Senior Pastor of Grace Life Pryor, OK. There were around 30 total women who attended the luncheon. Stacey spoke on women "Finding Their Identity in Christ." There was a taco bar lunch served after the meeting. The ladies enjoyed a meal as well as each others fellowship. Sister Jean Wilks ate her very first taco ever!

Ms. Jean enjoys her first taco.

Sister Stacey teaching

 

On the Lord's Day, Bro. Derek taught Matthew 16:13-18 on, "Where Do We Go From Here" during our Bible Study hour. This was a much-needed exhortation to the church from God's Word. 


A few take away from this past Lord’s Day (9/23/18) with Pastor Derek Melton from our Bible Study hour:

1. The church is Christ’s.
2. The church is not mine, yours, or anyone else's.
3. The church is built by Christ.
4. When people slander, attack, or harm you; they are slandering, attacking, and harming Christ.
5. Christ’s Church is built by the preaching of His Word (divine revelation). That does not mean there will be a lot of people necessarily. 
6. Jesus would have been a failure according to church growth strategist.
7. Jesus builds his church by divine revelation, prayer, and resting in him.
8. The church is preserved by Christ.
9. Christ is worthy of my suffering even coming to church Wednesday night when you are tired or have the sniffles.
10. Christ is worthy of my obedience in all things.
11. Christ will return for His church.

A few takeaways from the preaching hour from Revelation 4:1-11:

Preaching hour from Revelation 4:
1. The worship of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the delight of every true blood bought believer.
2. In order to worship God rightly, you must have a right view of God’s sovereignty.
3. The natural man is allergic to God’s sovereignty.
4. God is sovereign over whom He gives Divine revelation.
5. God is sovereign over the wills of men.
6. God is sovereign over church splits.
7. To worship God rightly one must have the correct view of God’s holiness.
8. God’s holiness will bring about trauma in a believers life.
9. God’s holiness will bring about a sense of fear, awe, and wonder of God.
10. If you do not love the local church here on earth, you will hate heaven. 
12. Heaven will not be a place of disinterested sleepers, but for red-hot passionate worshipers of God for all eternity. 



It was an absolute joy sitting under God’s Word being faithfully preached and taught. I am very grateful to the church at PHBC for supporting Bro. Derek and Stacey this weekend. May the Lord use it to continue to grow His church, for His glory!
**You may go to  Pleasant Hill Baptist Church's (Orlinda) FaceBook page to watch the full video sermon from Revelation 4.


By His Grace and For His Glory,
Pastor Chad Beck

"Rejoice"

”Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

For most Christians including pastors, there is a sense of joy when the Lord uses us. We rejoice to see sinners saved and saints sanctified through our discipleship efforts. We long to see broken relationships restored through our biblical counseling and backslidden saints reconciled by our prayers. It's not us doing it but God doing it through us (Gal.2:20). I don't know any true converted Christian who does not want to be used by God in some way.

However, Jesus reminds his disciples they should not rejoice in how God worked through them, rather they should ”rejoice their names were written in heaven.” This statement brings things into perspective. It reminds us that our primary concern should not be rejoicing in what we’ve done for God, but what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We should rejoice in the fact that our names are written in the ”Lamb’s Book of Life” and that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

I believe if Christians would meditate on what God has done for us in Christ, there would be more joy in the believer’s life. It's when we focus on ourselves or what we are doing that there seems to be a loss of joy. Namely, because we are imperfect and fail at times. GOD is perfect and never fails. So, take time today to meditate and think about the gospel and what God has done has done for you in Christ Jesus. And know if you are His than YOUR name is written in heaven.

Have a blessed week! SDG.

By His Grace and For His Glory,
Pastor Chad Beck

"Safe with Jesus"

“And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep.”- Matthew 8:24

Jesus had been ministering on the Sabbath. He had been preaching and teaching in the synagogue, casting out demons, healing Peter’s mother-in-Law and others. He had been confronted by two “would be disciples” who found out following Jesus would not be convenient for them. In order to find rest, and solace, Jesus gets into a boat to get away from the crowds and some disciples tag along with him.

However, these disciples did not fully understand what getting into the boat with Jesus would mean for them. It was while they were crossing the Sea of Galilee that these men encountered a violent storm. This storm was like no other. Matthew called it a “megas seismos” in the Greek meaning a “great storm..” The word seismos is where we get our English word “seismic” in measuring earthquakes. This was no ordinary storm these men were in. I refer to it as a hurricane mixed with a tornado and an earthquake all at once.

The storm was so severe that the boat was “swamped” with water. In other words, the boat was overcome and sinking due to the water it was taking on. All the while, Jesus was “sound asleep.” Remember, Jesus was fully human and fully God. So, Jesus in his humanity was tired and sleeping while these men were scurrying for their lives.

There’s a few things we can learn from this boat ride with Jesus:

1. Following Jesus may turn out to be more than you bargain for. I imagine these disciples thought they were in the boat safe and secure with Jesus, while all the crowds were left looking on from the shore. These men probably never thought they would be in such a storm, especially with Jesus.
2. We are helpless and hopeless without Jesus. These men were experienced seamen, yet they find themselves in a desperate situation. These men had no control over their situation. Regardless of how much we think we are in control of our situations, we will all find ourselves one day helpless and hopeless if we don’t have Christ.
3. Some storms in our lives are worse than others. One man has said, “you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or headed for a storm.” It doesn’t take long of being in the boat with Jesus to realize the storms come. Some are stronger. Some are more severe, nonetheless they are painful and sometimes unbearable. But, there is good news....
4. Jesus makes the storms in life bearable. Jesus gives us the grace to persevere in the storms of life. Jesus was sound asleep. He was not afraid. He was not nervous. He was not fretting over the disciples situation. He was resting and trusting in the Father knowing that no harm will befall the disciple who is resting in Him.

So, I ask us all; what storm or storms in life are you? Remember, if you are in Christ, you need not worry, fret, or lose sleep over your situation (Matthew 6:25-34). Rather, we should rest and trust in Christ. For He is in control over the storm!

Have a blessed week. SDG!

"The Time Is Now"

      You may or may not know it, but myself and Pleasant Hill Baptist church have been ministry partners of EIM (Expositors International Ministries) and BES (Bible Expositors Seminary) based in Cagayan De Oro, Philippines for the last several years. The ministry exists to give pastors a Bible-based, Christ-saturated, and God-Glorifying theological education. I have had the privilege of going and teaching some of the pastors, as well as preaching in their churches on 3 different occasions. For some time now, I have tried to suppress the burden of being more involved in the ministry, as it continues to grow. I am now acting upon this desire by making this known to my church, my elders, and now to each of you.

     Recently, I preached in a Bible conference where one of the lay elders of the church preached a simple message from Matthew 5:19-24. This brother never attended a Bible college or seminary. He is a logger by trade. It was then that God’s Word convicted me, as I was faced with the reality of living for myself, my comforts, and my desires rather than "letting good and kindreds go." With that said, there is an open door of opportunity for me to be more active in the teaching and training of the pastors there. And now, I sense the Lord's will for me is to walk through that door.

      Hence, I will continue to make disciples here in Orlinda, TN by shepherding the flock at PHBC. At the same time, I will help serve EIM in a part-time capacity. I will do this by helping administrate and facilitate for EIM here in the U.S. I will also be investing in the lives of the pastors by making at least one or two trips a year to teach, while organizing trips for U.S. pastors and laymen who desire to help train pastors. My next scheduled trip is January 2019 for 12-14 days.

     In conclusion, I ask for two things: First, will you pray for me? Pray God will first and foremost be glorified in this endeavor and I will be obedient to Him. Second, would you prayerfully consider becoming a financial ministry partner? I am trusting the Lord to provide $2,000 a month in order to step away from my part-time employment and focus on the work for EIM. If you have any godly counsel, wisdom, questions or would like for me to share with your church concerning this ministry, please feel free to message me or e-mail me at csbeck52275@gmail.com.

You may also submit your one-time or monthly donation to:Pleasant Hill Baptist Church3049 Pleasant Hill Church RoadOrlnda, TN 37141

You may log on and visit EIM's ministry website here:

https://www.expositim.org/

"A Graduation Letter from Dad"

“A Graduation Letter from Dad”

Dear Chance,

            I am at a loss for words today. I know that is hard to believe, but it is the truth. As I have sat back and reflected on the past 18 years of your life, I can’t believe how fast they have come and gone. I remember growing up how fast I wanted to be an adult and being told, “don’t wish your days away.” Well, the last 18 years of my life has flown by me and they will begin to get faster for you, as well.

Brothers

            I have learned so much as your father. I have learned that I am not perfect. I have learned that there are things I deal with in my own life that I often fail to give to God, which causes me a great deal of frustration. I have learned that in many ways I see myself in you, except you are a much better kid than I was. God has used you to teach me so much about myself these last 18 years. I have learned I am still in need of constantly battling against my sinful flesh and stand in need of God’s free grace.

First and last season of football

            I know the past 12 years of school have come and gone quickly. You have learned a lot in life when it comes to an academic education. However, you are entering a new phase of life where if you do not constant learner you will be left behind. I promise I do not say that to scare you, but to encourage you. Never quit learning. The moment you quit learning, you quit growing, and the moment you quit growing, you begin dying. Life is difficult, yet very rewarding and the one who is willing to learn will be successful. Don’t’ merely “get through” life. Learn. Grow. Succeed.

            I guess that is what I want for all three of you boys. I want you to be successful in the Lord. I want you to dream, set goals, and go after it with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. God has gifted you in many ways, use them for His glory and your good. If you want to play college baseball do whatever it takes to get there. Don’t sit around and wonder what if I would have done this or that ten years from now. Do what you are passionate about, it doesn’t matter if you make $30,000 a year of $1,000,000 a year if you are not excited about your work you will live a miserable life.

Last Senior Football Game 2016

 

            Chance, the reality is this; Mom and Dad will always be your biggest supporters. However, you have to begin to make your own decisions and choices in life that you will have live with for the rest of your life and those choices begin now. They stem from where will you go to college? Where will you work? What degree will I pursue? Who will I date and marry one day? And it goes back to your giftedness and desires. Mom and dad can say you ought to go to school and be a coach and teacher. You have to make your own decision about how you will spend the rest of your life. Mom and dad can help guide you but you will have to ultimately make that decision.

Graduation May 2017

            There is so much more I could say. Yet, I will close with these few thoughts:

1.    Son, I love you. Since January 5, 1999, you have brought a constant source of pleasure and joy into my life. I know there have been times you have wondered if that is true or not. However, I have and will always love you and desire God’s best for you.

2.    Son, you make me proud. There is nothing I have done in my life that makes me prouder than you. You have been a blessing in being your dad. You have caused me so little heartache, except when you call meJ I always think something is wrong every since you wrecked your car.

3.    Son, you can do it. I believe if God places a desire in your heart you should seek after it. The psalmist says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). You can do anything when you delight yourself in the Lord. He is for you, not against you. What is it you want to do in life? What desire and passion has God given you? Go after it with all your might.

4.    Son, you must be disciplined. To succeed in life, you must be disciplined. You must be disciplined to wake up and go about your day with passion. You must be discipline to use your time wisely. You must be discipline to go to work. You must be disciplined to work harder than anyone else. You must be disciplined to do the things no one else is doing and especially when no one else is watching.  Remember this, “Only one life ‘twill soon be past; Only what is done for Christ will last.” C.T. Studd.

5.    Son, you must love God. Remember, nothing else matters in life if you do not know and love God. You were created to worship and enjoy God forever. He longs for you to know, love, and worship. He has revealed Himself to us by His Word and Spirit. You can be successful in life and die and spend eternity in hell. The end of life is not having a large bank account, a nice car, or house, but did you know and live your life for the glory of God. So, you must love God through His Son Jesus Christ or nothing in life will truly satisfy you and you will live a life without meaning.

In closing, I am very excited for you and your future. I look forward to helping you succeed in life, as much as I can. I want you to know that I am always here for you and love you, son very much. May the riches blessings of the Lord be upon you for now and throughout all eternity.

I love you more….

DAD

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