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