The First Baptist Church of Redlands
TA PE S T RY Woven Together In Love: Colossians 2:2 JANUARY 2015
ISSUE No. 1
A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR RICHARD
God smiled at my plans for 2014 W ith another new year dawning in a few days, many of us are wondering what the New Year will bring. Some are excited and some are fearful. In 2014, I was one of the ones who had made plans and was excited about them. Someone once said “God smiles when he sees our appointment book.” I think He did that with mine. Nine months ago I had it all planned, at least I thought I did. I had just announced to the congregation at the Huntington Baptist Church on Long Island, New York, that I would be stepping down as interim pastor in July of 2014. I had planned to visit family and friends here in the States and then head off to Europe to do some traveling or, hopefully, visit the one mission field I always wanted to visit: Myanmar, formerly Burma in Southeast Asia where the Judsons went as missionaries 200 years ago. I was excited about my plans, that is, until the telephone call came. The call was from here, the First Baptist Church of Redlands, California, asking if I might be interested in coming as interim pastor. My good friend, the Rev. Dr. Everett Goodwin had recommended me. Two days later the director of Transitional Ministries for American Baptist Churches, USA called, not knowing about the first phone call
and also asked if I might be interested. That got my attention. As I thought about it, I realized the timing was right. I had given notice at Huntington. The only problem was “this was not what I had planned.” Traveling in the U.S., Europe and maybe even Burma was my plan. “Help, Lord!” Many years ago at a Bible Conference a three-fold process was impressed upon me when making decisions. The three-fold plan includes prayer, counsel from wise, godly people and assurance from the Lord to follow what was being impressed upon me. My schedule was clear for me to come. The next thing to do was pray. After several days of praying, the answer seemed to say “yes.” I also sought advice from some American Baptist leaders. Their advice was always positive about coming. A visit to come to Redlands was arranged. After two days of meeting various church leaders and learning about the church, I knew that this is where the Lord would have me serve next. The Lord used that visit to give me the assurance that I needed. Coming to any decision can be daunting but the three step process that I learned long ago is a good way
to help make the right decision. I had my plans but God had other plans. I am so thankful I followed His plan. As we face the dawning of another year, may this process that has helped me, help you also. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts. Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 Have a blessed new year, Pastor Richard
A Three-Fold Process For Decision-Making 1. pray 2. seek counsel from wise, godly people 3. seek assurance from the Lord