Hello Covenant Family!

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It has been said that we should “give people their flowers while they are alive.” I think that is very important because while some of us just want to fulfill our calling regardless of the credit received, it feels great when people notice. Accordingly, I was so blessed by the congregation during my recent 7th Pastoral Anniversary celebration. It’s been an interesting journey over the years. Many challenges came our way as we worked in partnership with God to fulfill His Will. It was not easy but with God’s help we did it. We have even been blessed by the many frequent visitors and friends of Covenant who have been drawn to the place. It did my heart good to receive the love from the anniversary nods, from the special Gospel Choir to the radiant smiles and warm hugs. I appreciate you. I felt the love. It was a pleasant surprise. God is moving among us, and I am truly blessed to be your Pastor.

The prophet Elisha received a double portion from his friend, mentor, and spiritual father Elijah to take over the ministry. Elisha was very powerful because God rewarded his faithfulness. One day, in 2 Kings 4:8-17, the Elisha went to Shunem to continue his work. A barren Shunammite woman was so blessed that her husband and she blessed the man of God with a meal.  That first dinner became a regular fellowship. The woman built a guestroom for Elisha to stay whenever he came to town. That was an unexpected, pleasant surprise. That blessing allowed Elisha to solely focus on his ministry. Like Elisha, the woman didn’t do it to influence or manipulate a blessing. She was just responding to the Glory of God on Elisha’s life.  Elisha offered a blessing anyway. The woman was very wealthy and thought she had no needs. Elisha’s assistant, Gehazi, informed him she was without children. So, Elisha asked God to provide her with one. And God did. Of course, this blessing was tailored for them both.  In those times, those two groups did not mingle but God transcends all differences. They both gave each other their flowers then. They didn’t do it because either deserved it but because God blessed their partnership and created life as a result. 

Again, thank you for responding to God’s invitation to bless me with your love as I have tried to do the same.  Let’s keep surprising each other with random acts of kindness and God’s love for many years to come.