Let’s just say that “Operation Surprise!”  was a complete success!  It was very clear that none of the Williamson family had any clue that there was anything unusual about this Sunday morning  until Roger read his letter and called them to the front of the congregation.   As you can see from the picture below, we achieved the Keizer church version of “Shock and Awe!”  How fun was that?!

More important than the surprise though is the encouragement.  Too often churches slide into a habit of not recognizing the diligent service that their full-time ministers provide.  Serving the church as a minister can at times be a discouraging work.  So much of what ministers do from day to day is not readily apparent to most members of the congregation.  Most of us don’t really think about the preparation that goes into Bible classes and sermons, or organizing the ministries of the church, or following up on visitors, encouraging brothers and sisters, visiting folks who are sick, or a hundred other things that ministers do.  We frequently assume all of that, and show up ready to receive.  We slip into taking our minister’s work for granted and just don’t remember to tell them that we appreciate their hard work and thoughtfulness.

I know Darren and Melody were encouraged and built up by our expression of love, appreciation and thankfulness.  Our gifts, especially the letters that we wrote, clearly communicated how grateful we are for them and for their faithful lives and service.  We strengthened our brother and sister!

Everyone needs encouragement and it builds all of us up when we “spur one another on to love and good deeds.”  It was very encouraging to me to see how many folks jumped in enthusiastically to help pull this together.  We had more than enough help with gifts, letters, food, preparing the picnic area, everything for a good surprise party.  So thanks again for everyone’s efforts and it’s been good to scheme with you all!   See you Sunday,  Howard