Today, with sadness in out hearts, we honor and send out...

 ...Pastor Bob and Jo Ann Yothers to do the work God has called them to do. Acts 13:2-4 (NLT2) “One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit.” According to the Scriptures the people who are called by God really don’t have a choice except to be obedient. Such is the case with Pastor Bob and Jo Ann.

1. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Irrevocable – binding, irreversible, final, unalterable, unchangeable, permanent, and irretrievable. I trust and believe that Pastor Bob can hear from God and has heard from God so he is answering that call. I definitely admire people who can step out into the unknown and trust God even though they cannot see exactly what lies before them. We definitely want God’s blessings.  

2. Pastor Choco – Obedience comes first and understanding comes later. I am sure that Paul (Saul) and Barnabas had no idea what was ahead of them when Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” Literally when Pastor Bob came to my office he quoted Pastor Choco, “Obedience comes first and understanding comes later.” Obedience should always be the first step. John 15:10 (NLT2) “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” 

3. We welcome Pastor Bob and Jo Ann to follow God’s calling. When someone I trust tells me God is calling them elsewhere, I only have one response. That is to believe they have heard from God and bless them in the process. Today we are blessing them with an offering and with a severance package to help them fulfill what God has lead them to do. In situations like this God always gives us a choice: Deut. 30:19-20 (NLT2) “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” We choose life, blessings, and obedience for Pastor Bob and Jo Ann. As with Paul and Barnabas they laid hands on them, prayed for them, and sent them out with Holy Spirit. We do the same.