Saturday night reflections...

Returned home early this morning from Pittsburgh - the homegoing celebration for Bishop Garlington's mother was a terrific time, and for me, it was especially gratifying because of the genuine connections with the Reconciliation! Ministries folks. I don't mention it often, but when Chris and I walked away from our former faith family about 14 years ago, we literally left behind virtually every relationship we had ever built in over 20 years of ministry. It wasn't until this January that we joined another ministerial fellowship, and already I feel God has given us relationships that will bless our lives for years to come. Thanks Harold, John, Sanford, Vinnie, Donna, Yvonne, Joel, Mark, Martin, Lucell, and, of course, Bishop and Pastor Barbara, for making us feel like part of your family already!

That feeling was only further cemented tonight when Pastor Joel Brooks from Kalamazoo kicked-off our "Celebration of Pentecost" weekend. I can't recall ever laughing so hard and so long in church, as Joel had us rolling in the aisles with his unique humor - while delivering 'nuggets' of practical wisdom and insight at the same time!

Sharing a meal together afterwards was a real joy, getting to know him and his wife Yvonne even better. God is good, and this is a great season for us!