Good-bye, Linn County

By SHANE KASTLER

The First Christian Church of Pleasanton

For the past five years, I've had the honor of serving as pastor of the First Christian Church of Pleasanton and during that time, I've not only served the church, but also had the opportunity to minister to Linn County through the Seeking Higher Ground column of this newspaper. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, but the Lord has called me to move on. This Sunday (November 15) will be my last Sunday at the church.

Not only have I enjoyed serving the church, I have also loved getting to know so many people in Linn County. We have made many friends here that we hope will last a lifetime...and you all will be sorely missed. But the Lord has placed a burden upon my heart to share the gospel of Jesus Christ beyond Linn County. We will be moving back to our homeland of Oklahoma from where I hope to devote my time to evangelistic preaching and to writing. I have a handful of revivals scheduled for 2010 and hope for more opportunities if the Lord desires to give them to me. I have also recently completed a book that is scheduled to be published sometime in the coming year. I'm not sure what the Lord has planned for our life...but I'm excited about the future and rest in the knowledge that He is in control.

I'm happy to say that I will still have the opportunity to minister to Linn County by continuing to write this column. I pray that the Lord uses it to help some folks in the area. I've tried to devote my life to proclaiming the gospel of "repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21) For the last five years, I've done that as a resident of Linn County, Kan. I will continue to proclaim that message as a resident of Oklahoma. But my real home is Heaven. And no matter where I go on this earthly pilgrimage, I pray that God always reminds me of where my true home is.

God bless you Linn County. You will be missed. Over the years, many have contacted me with questions or comments concerning my articles. Please continue to do that. My new address is: P.O. Box 1507, Sand Springs, Okla., 74063.

In closing, I would like to say thank you to everyone who made our time in Linn County so special. I pray that God blesses you, as you have blessed us. And if I don't have the opportunity to personally say good-bye before I leave, then I'll look forward to saying hello to many of you....fellow followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.....when we gather in eternity around the glorious throne of the only One who is truly worthy of our praise. God bless you and good-bye.