LETTER FROM BILL
As I shared Sunday, I will be meeting this week with the Northern Baptist Seminary community. This historic institution is located outside of Chicago. The main campus is in Lombard, and an extension campus is located Lawndale. Northern has been training ministers to serve the local church for over 100 years. The seminary is supported by the American Baptists Churches USA, the National Baptists Convention Inc., and evangelicals across the country.
I am so grateful to our staff, deacons, committees, and church members for their incredible support in these days. Kelly and I have had mixed emotions as we’ve prayed and struggled with this decision. We were not seeking to go anywhere else. We love our church and the leadership here. We love Tallahassee and the opportunities our community has given our boys through swimming. We certainly love being close to our family.
God’s call on our lives, however, takes priority over all of these blessings. I am so grateful to my wife Kelly. She shares in the adventure of this journey and has been equally involved in this decision process. At every step of the way, we simply want to be obedient to Him.
Our church is in good hands. Chairman of Deacons, Dave Westberry, and Personnel Chair, Joan Cassels, have been wonderful counselors and supporters. As you know, our staff are called by God and love our church. We could not ask for a better group of staff and lay leaders to guide us through these days. Please keep all of us in your prayers, as I will continue to do for you.
This Sunday, we welcome a new Minister to Children in view of a call. I can’t wait for you to meet her and get to know her. I know she will experience the same kind of support and love that my family and I have received from you throughout our time in Tallahassee. I am grateful for you!