I LOVE YOU and am praying for you! As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m thanking God for you. My heart is filled with love for you, and it’s coming out as a prayer from the Apostle Paul.
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for you with joy. And I’m confident that God, who began a good work in you, will be faithful to finish what He started. It’s right that I should feel as I do about you, for you have a special place in my heart! God knows how much I love you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:3-8
Did you notice how many times the Apostle Paul said the word “you” in that prayer? Six times! The people that filled the church in Philippi were at the front of Paul’s mind. I want you to know that you are on the front of my mind and close to my heart. I hurt when you hurt, and I jump for joy when you celebrate. The purpose of my letter to you this month is simply to say—I love you!
Thank You!
Recently on a Sunday morning, I prayed with a precious mom who, through tears, asked me to pray for her son to come off life support. We dropped to our knees and prayed right there. Seconds later, a young man told me of his desire to get engaged that morning. He asked if I would help orchestrate the moment where he would make the big ask. I called them over, and as she came near, he dropped to his knees and proposed. People around could see him holding out the ring, and they started clapping and celebrating the moment.
Experiencing the weeping and celebrating just seconds, and feet, apart reminded me of the variety of circumstances our church family faces every day. There is such beauty in the privilege of bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6) and sharing in eachother’s joys. Thank you for intentionally engaging with your church family every week! Thank you for simply taking time to walk through the hallways looking for opportunities to pray with and encourage somebody; for talking to somebody you usually don’t talk to; for stopping by the Connect Center and intentionally connecting.
The best way for the family of God to be there for each other is undoubtedly through close relationships. If you are not part of a small group, would you prayerfully consider joining one? You might think you don’t need to be in a small group, and I get it. But here’s the thing, somebody needs you! Together we can ensure that Mount Hope Church is the best protected, best fed, and best cared-for flock in the world. Thank you.
What a privilege it is to be your pastor. I feel the weight and joy of watching over your souls and being accountable to God for how I treat His children, the children He died and rose again for.
Thank you for allowing me the honor of being able to pray, love, and serve you.
Your Friend and Pastor,
Kevin Berry
