On behalf of Sue and myself we want to express our gratitude and
blessings for the gift we received for Pastor's Appreciation Day. I love the OSU
picture Charley created, it took a lot of talent to make me look that good. Emily
claimed it on Sunday morning before we even left the sanctuary-but I still have to
die first, so here's praying she has to wait awhile. The check was also a great
blessing, thank you very much to each and all who added to it.
  But the greatest blessing is serving the Lord through Belview Baptist
Church. I remember a staff member at another church talking about the church
where he served and another church where he belonged-his 'home' church.
  Belview lS my family's home church, our only home church. The friendships and
relationships God has blessed us with in this place could never be duplicated
anywhere else. God, and Belview has invested in us, and allowed us to invest in
you, for over 40 years. The over-whelming majority of pastors will never have
the opportunity to experience the joys and blessings we have known, and are still
adding to.
  Together we have walked among the mountain tops, and together we have
passed through some very dark valleys. Together we have witnessed new
families formed in weddings, celebrated as they grew with the birth of children,
watched as the children grew, and witnessed the cycle repeat itself over and
over. And together we have watched loved and treasured friends reach the end
of their journey here and join our Lord in His Heaven and our eternal home.
What a day that will be, when our Jesus we shall see.
  Today is another day added to each person's Journal'. Another day that
we serve our Lord and seek to share Jesus with others and enlarge His kingdom.
  Another day to pray for redeemed souls and healthy bodies, not to add 'notches'
to the spine of our Bibles, but to bring honor and glory to our Lord. lt's called
laying up treasures in Heaven, as Jesus instructed us to do.
  So again, thank you for showering us with love, grace, trust, and friendship
that goes beyond friendship. We treasure the precious memories and we look
forward in faith to all our tomorrows, BLESSINGSS, PRAYERS & LOVE

                Prayers Blessings and Love,
                   Bro. Tom and Sister Sue