Uplook - May 20, 2023
Good evening Seattle Saints,
Lori and I have just returned from a week (Monday-Saturday) in Medford, Oregon visiting our son’s family. It is always a bit nostalgic when we return there as it is where I was born and raised and where she moved when only two years old. It was there we met in high school and I was invited to church and was soon saved. We dated, got engaged, and married there. I preached my first sermon there and our first two children were born there. It was from there we were sent out to pastor nearly 35 years ago (it isn’t quite forever Bro. Alex😊) and to there we returned over 15 years ago to pastor for nearly 7 years. Who would have guessed that one of our kids would be raising three of our grandchildren within a couple of blocks of the cemetery where both my grandparents and parents are buried.
So…with all that nostalgia…I must admit that while what has happened along with those memories is indeed important and hopefully can be learned from, what lies ahead is infinitely more exciting and important. You see…as you may have heard on Wednesday night …God’s truth goes to every generation and so as grandparents we rejoice in seeing that next generation hear, respond to, and grow in the grace of God. I feel very much like the Apostle John when he said:
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 4
It is also true when it comes to being a pastor. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of calling many places home and serving with joy those under our care. As we approach camp meeting time I always anticipate seeing those from our past posts of service who are continuing faithfully in the truth, sometimes enduring hardness but holding on. I also rejoice when I see them training the next generation with the same wonderful Gospel news which I heard.
It was 50 years ago this week that I attended my first Apostolic Faith Church meeting. I liked what I heard and kept coming back and within a few months I finally understood what I needed to do and surrendered my heart and will to the Lord. I have “never looked back”! Well actually, I guess I just did “look back” but only in the sense of appreciating all God has done for me and many others including those of you who are under our care. Our eyes are fixed forward on the goal and just like the Apostle Paul we are pressing forward to receive our eternal reward. He said:
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:13
May we all keep our eyes focused on the wonderful future God has in store for all who love and serve Him. Also…remember to pray for the Wilson’s who are in Woodlake, CA this weekend where Bro. Alex is the guest speaker. God bless you all.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Lori and I have just returned from a week (Monday-Saturday) in Medford, Oregon visiting our son’s family. It is always a bit nostalgic when we return there as it is where I was born and raised and where she moved when only two years old. It was there we met in high school and I was invited to church and was soon saved. We dated, got engaged, and married there. I preached my first sermon there and our first two children were born there. It was from there we were sent out to pastor nearly 35 years ago (it isn’t quite forever Bro. Alex😊) and to there we returned over 15 years ago to pastor for nearly 7 years. Who would have guessed that one of our kids would be raising three of our grandchildren within a couple of blocks of the cemetery where both my grandparents and parents are buried.
So…with all that nostalgia…I must admit that while what has happened along with those memories is indeed important and hopefully can be learned from, what lies ahead is infinitely more exciting and important. You see…as you may have heard on Wednesday night …God’s truth goes to every generation and so as grandparents we rejoice in seeing that next generation hear, respond to, and grow in the grace of God. I feel very much like the Apostle John when he said:
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 4
It is also true when it comes to being a pastor. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of calling many places home and serving with joy those under our care. As we approach camp meeting time I always anticipate seeing those from our past posts of service who are continuing faithfully in the truth, sometimes enduring hardness but holding on. I also rejoice when I see them training the next generation with the same wonderful Gospel news which I heard.
It was 50 years ago this week that I attended my first Apostolic Faith Church meeting. I liked what I heard and kept coming back and within a few months I finally understood what I needed to do and surrendered my heart and will to the Lord. I have “never looked back”! Well actually, I guess I just did “look back” but only in the sense of appreciating all God has done for me and many others including those of you who are under our care. Our eyes are fixed forward on the goal and just like the Apostle Paul we are pressing forward to receive our eternal reward. He said:
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:13
May we all keep our eyes focused on the wonderful future God has in store for all who love and serve Him. Also…remember to pray for the Wilson’s who are in Woodlake, CA this weekend where Bro. Alex is the guest speaker. God bless you all.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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