On August 23rd, we celebrated the completion of 7 years at First Baptist Church, Galena, KS. This anniversary was special in many ways. First off, it's the longest we have been at one ministry. For Jeff, it's the longest he has lived in the same house. Even as a child, his parents moved a couple of times, so he never lived in one place more than 6-1/2 years. We did live in Conway, AR 8 years, but that was two different ministries and two different homes. So this is definitely a sweet milestone for us.
Seven years ago, I wrote a posting concerning our new ministry. You can read it here.
We were overwhelmed when the church honored us this past Sunday with a wonderful surprise for this anniversary! Not only were many kind things said and sweet cards given, they also gave us two weeks additional vacation and $3,000+ in love offerings to use for a vacation (more was given after this certificate was typed). WOW! We were blown away!! Thank you, First Baptist, thank you!! We love you so very much and count it all joy to serve with you in this place!!
Thanks to Janet Gant for videotaping it for us! The file was too large for her to email to me though to include in this posting. It is posted on my Facebook wall if you are interested.
A few pictures to remember the day :-)
Jenae Polok wrote this poem, framed it and then read to us. It is great!!
Words are printed below the picture:
Bro Jeff ~ Preacher, Pastor and Friend
Seven years…Whoa ~ that is a long time to stay in one place.
Especially when dealing with the ministry rat race.
But let us be very clear, the seven year itch is not an option.
You have become a family member, it is a permanent adoption!
Now the Bible teaches that seven is the number of completion,
Let us stop that talk right there… as it is causing tear duct secretion.
Yes, we always want you to follow God’s call – that is a must!
But our love for you says “Keep him til he’s an old pile of dust."
You possess some of the most important Preacher traits.
So we rank you up there with some of the greatest greats.
When you stand behind the pulpit you have an Educator’s flair-
Biblical knowledge and historical wisdom beyond compare;
Eloquent in speech and yet packed full of tender compassion;
Balanced with the new ways but the boldness some think old-fashion.
We know it is not old-fashion; it is based on the truth of His Word.
From the pulpit you swing it so boldly cutting like a two-edged sword.
You are a Pastor that knows how to shepherd his flock;
Investing your heart, not worrying about a ticking clock.
We certainly celebrate these last seven years,
The way you have walked with us through heartaches and cheers.
You have touched our hearts profoundly, deeper than we could ever explain.
Thank You Lord for a Preacher, Pastor, and Friend we Blessedly Exclaim!
~Jenae Polok
August 17, 2016
We didn't get a picture of Jeff and I at church, so Mom took one of us after we got home.
Sunday night, the church hosted a fellowship for us as well as for Paul and Mary honoring their 10th anniversary and Aaron and Jenae honoring their 1st anniversary:
We were so sad that Paul and Mary weren't able to come for any of the recognition's on Sunday. Paul had fallen and broken his arm a few days earlier and was home in great pain, waiting to go see the doctor on Monday for some answers. We are very thankful for the staff at First Baptist, including our wonderful administrative assistant Leigh Ryan and her husband Dave. We are so blessed!!
THANK YOU, FIRST BAPTIST FAMILY!!
We love you and look forward to serving with you for years to come!!
P.S. Jeff did book a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise this week -- for later in September. We greatly look forward to relaxing and enjoying this time away that you have graciously blessed us with! Thank you!!
You are blessed. :)
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