Appreciating Some Country Pastors

I grew up in an amazing country churches led my some pretty amazing men and women, who came to the end of the earth.  

The kind-hearted old Pastor whose gentle hand greeted us every Sunday morning.  I don't even remember but his name but I remember his voice when he sang, "Just as I am," each Sunday.  One of those times, I gave my heart to the Lord.  I remember coming in the back step to the baptismal on the day I was baptized and the line of neighbors who hugged me after. 

 Pastor Frank came to our little country church at a very difficult and important time in my pre-teen life.  He came with his really weird drawl, foreign culture and three peculiar and amazing kids.  Of all of his family, his Mother, reached my soul.  From Georgia to South Dakota they traipsed.  I loved the light and love of their home. "Folks" from their home church helped build a parsonage on to the trailer house beside the church as a mission outreach.

Pastor and Teacher Dan came with his quiet and beautiful wife.  They meant the world to my Mother, which meant the world to me.

Pastor Harold-my cowboy Pastor, introduced me to the Holy Spirit and to the reality and authenticity of God's call.  He worked with us during round up, branding and calving.  He would be covered with manure from wrestling calves when his voice rang out the blessing over lunch.  He married my husband and I.

Pastor Larry Reinhold-taught me memorization and how to teach as we walked or rode horses, just like Jesus did.  It was at a campfire at his camp where I made the decision to serve God in ministry.

These Pastors invested and sacrificed and poured their lives into my very soul.  How I do appreciate them now.  I cannot imagine the sacrifice, discouragement and financial struggle they faced...just to lead those I love.

My prayer for them today is for God's rich blessings and for peace and contentment.  And for them to know, I appreciate them.