Final Column — Bittersweet — Pastor Troy Answers Call To Move

Faith is not just believing that God can—it is knowing that He will!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Wow. What a wonderful time it has been. Four years ago, when I started to write for the newspaper, I had no idea what a blessing it would be for me. I must admit, I had reservations. The prospect of writing a column every week was kind of daunting. It takes a lot of time and a huge commitment. Once a month, maybe. But each week? How in the world could I ever come up with enough stuff?

But, by the grace of God, I did. I’ve talked about my three boys. I’ve told you how patient and loving my wife is. I’ve talked at length about my innate ability to hurt myself in the silliest ways.

We’ve talked theology and world views.

We’ve talked about science and history and philosophy.

We’ve talked about Peter and Paul and John and Noah and Moses.

And, it’s my hope that in each word you’ve been able to see the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ve had calls from Florida and California and everywhere in between. And even a letter from Australia.

I’ve talked to people in the store and at the restaurants about things I wrote.

And, at least three times, complete strangers asked if I would pray for them.

It’s hard to believe how a few written words can mean so much to me. But, they have. There has not been a week go by that someone, somewhere, has talked to me about this column. It’s become a part of me.

And, it’s going to be one of the things I miss the most.

In the Methodist Church, pastors are appointed by our Bishop. We go where God is leading our Bishop to send us. The Bishop looks at the gifts and graces a pastor has and matches those with the needs of a local church. Sometimes, we stay for a year. Sometimes two or three. Some, like me, are blessed to stay five years in a place and some even more than that. But an underlying part of our covenant as pastor is that we go where we’re needed.

And, God is calling me to go again.

My family and I are going to miss Farmington and Northwest Arkansas more than we can say. Your love and kindness to us has been amazing.

We ask for your continued prayers for us as we begin a new adventure in Central Arkansas. And even though you may not see my smiling mug when you open the newspaper each week, please know that you are still in my heart and I pray for all the readers of the newspaper each morning at 8:45. And I will continue to do so.

Thank you for all your love and kindness. It has been a pleasure growing together in God’s grace with you. Let’s pray. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you.