Changes

Today (Sunday, the 14th) was a day of changes for two good men who have something in common.

We announced that our Associate Pastor, Vic Neufeld, will move to Canada in a few months to become the senior pastor of his home church in Winnipeg. In less than three years, Vic has moved from telecom to senior pastor. His seminary training was vital, but his success in the corporate world was part of his preparation, too. We will miss him.

And Bumper Hidalgo preached. He has moved from software to self-employment and youth ministry. Of course he had done youth ministry before, but he comes now with more mature enthusiasm. Life in the corporate world, coupled with a growing family, has made him uniquely understand the needs of youth and their families.

Both of these men have made significant contributions to our church family because they know and love the church, but also because they have functioned well in the world. The hard knocks and difficult lessons of living in the marketplace have increased their value to others.

Sometimes the average Christian believes that since he or she lives and works in the world they may have nothing to contribute. But ironically, the life lived well in the marketplace and the community can be our greatest contribution to others.

We sometimes forget that we follow a Savior who learned a trade before he proclaimed His gospel.