"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

This last Saturday I had the joy of attending the 125 birthday of my home church, Devine First United Methodist. Not only was I there, but so were 4 other pastors who serve in the Southwest Texas Annual Conference. My pastor during my Jr. High & High School days was also present.

The organizers, had displays of old photos of church folks and activities going back many many years. I found myself in many of them. I was a skinny, freckled faced kid with long hair. I saw pictures of my Mom and Dad who have gone on to be with Jesus. I also got to visit with about 15 former members of our UMYF group and our 2 youth group leaders.

It was amazing to relive old memories, and to renew friendships and to get in touch with many of the roots of my faith and my call to ministry. When you look into the eyes of the persons who lead you to Christ, and taught you how to pray and worship, and open scripture to you in the 4th grade in Sunday School, it is a powerful movement of God's Holy Spirit. The great cloud of witnesses surround us all the time. I was visiting with my former youth leader, who is in her 70's. She told me that she and her husband, my pastor growing up and my mentor as a minister of the gospel pray for me and my family and our ministry 2 times each day. I was humbled, encouraged, awed, blown away, and empowered all at the same time!

I guess in many ways you can go home again, so that we can run the race that is set before us!

I am praising God for my saints!

Rev. Rick