Well, words are inadequate to express our surprise and deepest gratitude for the amazing retirement party this past Saturday. Joye and I were overwhelmed to put it mildly. We couldn’t believe all the trouble everyone went to in order to pull this off. I think it’s fair to say that we have never felt more loved and appreciated! So thank you a million times over for the blessing of this night – for this amazing outpouring of love. This night has been etched indelibly on our hearts so that we will never forget it. This was an event, the likes of which very few pastors ever get to experience. I’m so grateful that Joye and I got to.
And there are a couple more things I want to thank you for. First let me thank you for the generous monetary gift that you gave us. Your generosity was mind-boggling. The fact is that you just kept blowing us away the whole night – one thing after another. Thank you dear, dear friends for blessing us and causing our hearts to overflow with love and joy.
And lastly, thank you for all the cards and kind words you shared with us. Joye and I read each one yesterday, and we were so encouraged and blessed by each one.
Well, our time in Seneca is coming to an end and we have such mixed emotions about this move. We are really looking forward to being with our children and grandchildren – eager to be able to invest in our grandchildren while we have the opportunity. But to leave this amazing body of believers behind is painful. How we love you all and how we will miss you. But you can be sure that we will continue praying for you and are confident that God will continue to grow this body under David’s leadership and use you in some wonderful ways to grow the kingdom of God both locally and around the world.
As most of you probably know, we are starting to build a house on Lookout Mt., and when it is finished, we would love for you to come and visit. Nothing would make us happier than to have our Crossgate family visit us in our new home.
With our deepest love and affection!
Tom and Joye