Resignation from the elder board

You all have been praying for me and asking about my ministry and all, so I thought I'd drop a note to let you know that I gave the official  word tonight that I'm resigning from the elder board as of Sept. 15, 2008.

You could have heard a pin drop - even on the carpet. They were shocked. Here's what I told them:

I read the following Scripture passages: Eph. 4:11-16, 1Tim. 5:17, 18;  Acts 20:28 and 1Pet. 5:1,2

Then, I explained that just as the Lord led me to become a part of the elder board 5 or 6 years ago and that I had come on board with dreams, desires and plans, that now He was leading me off of the elder board.

I shared some of the goals I believe we have achieved and how I have  been debating this decision for some time.

Then I told them that I am expressing & feeling thanks, delight, joy  and sadness. I thanked them for their patience, trust, cooperation,  brotherhood, support, love and their relationships with the Lord Jesus.

I told them how they have delighted me with their desire to be used of the Lord and consistent desire in serving Him.

I expressed the joy that they have often brought to me and that God  has things in plan (some of those plans are already in motion) for the  church and that it will be a joy to see those things come to fruition.

And finally, I shared with them my sadness in that I won't be working  side-by-side with them as the Lord works through them, in them and  around them in our local church.

As I stated, they were all shocked. It was unbelievably quiet for  quite some time. Eventually, they began to share their shock,  disbelief and concern. We talked more and they began to understand  that I'm staying in the church, will preach occasionally, and serve as opportunities arise and time allows, but that my focus is going to a  broader sphere - Slovakia and beyond (said in the tone of Buzz  Lightyear!).

Anyway, please continue to pray for them and me. There is a sudden desire to add at least one if not 2 or 3 new members to the board and that means interviews, etc. They're feeling like they need to do this  by September 15th - which, of course, they don't - so that they have a  "full" board.

Would you mind praying especially for Milos, please? He was silent almost exclusively after my announcement and I think -- no, I KNOW --  he is taking it the hardest. I'm hoping that he is not losing hope in this, but that he is seeing that the Lord has His ways of moving His church along. Pray that he will see with the Lord's eyes and not mine  or his own.

I'm scheduled to make this announcement at the church business meeting  this coming Sunday, so if you know someone from our church, I would  ask that you please not say anything to them until next week. Thanks.