Thank you for the gifts we received on Pastor Appreciation Day. ln addition to several cards, the gift bags we were given on Sunday morning contained a hand-made quilt for Sue (and Sue loves her quilts, she accuses me of keeping the thermostat set on 'igloo'), and a pocket watch for me. Nobody really knows that I have a small collection of pocket watches, my first one was my wedding present from Sue. My collection is in the single digits so you can tell that each one is very special to me. The one I received on Sunday will be displayed with the others to invoke precious memories. I was called into ministry at the age of 18, a few months after my high school graduation. lt began a long journey, five years for my bachelor's degree and four years for my master's degree (l am an over-achiever). I turned 27 years old a month after I graduated from Seminary. I had been a full-time student since I was five. I worked multiple jobs in about every conceivable field, from a summer pipe-lining adventure to four years at Burger Chef. Then in Ft. Worth it was copper wire manufacturing, wooden cabinet door manufacturing, and loading semi-trailers of Mrs. Baird's Bread--lots of trailers. After completing Seminary, it was almost a year of selling Pepsi before I was called to a church. Then in 1985 I was called to Belview. The years of education and years of secular employment was worth every moment and every ounce of energy invested to see my vision come true (l should say 'our vision' because Sue was at my side, working, preparing, praying, and waiting for the day.) The Belview family is an integral part of the Branch family, we could not be who we are anywhere else. I thank God that He has allowed us to serve Him here and blessed us with such amazing brothers and sisters in Christ. lt is surely the Branch's that say thank you to each and every one of you. May God Bless, Favor, and Fill your lives with the same joy that you have filled ours with, we are..... Bro. Tom, Sue, & Family Blessings Prayers and Love, Bro Tom & Miss Sue |