The Future is Bright

Dear Lawndale Family,

My heart is truly blessed as I reflect on the past 21½ years. God has allowed us to see his mighty hand at work in the lives of countless people. We’ve shared an incredible journey together. Your support, prayers, dedication, attitude, service and sacrifice are gifts that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I can’t thank you enough for demonstrating what it means to be a true Christian family. Years and distance will not diminish the precious memories that I take with me along the next step of my journey. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your pastor. My heart will always remain at Lawndale.

As we enter into the future, I am excited about what God is going to do through you over the next coming years. From the very first day that I sat in my office, I prayed for the person who would one day occupy my chair. I prayed that, above all, he would love God with all of his heart and have a deep appreciation and genuine love for the precious people that he will serve. I KNOW that God will graciously answer my prayer! For that reason and many others, I know that the future of Lawndale is bright and filled with the promise of expansive ministry opportunities. I look forward to returning from time to time to witness the great things that God will continue to do through you.

As you go forward, always remember what Jesus said was the most significant trait of his followers, as found in John 13:34, 35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” You have modeled this well!

With Sincere Love and Appreciation,

Dr. Joe