My church family at Lakeview displays the love and caring of Jesus every day to me and countless others. Our lives are so full of challenges, disappointments, and mistakes that it seems we are always recovering from one crisis or another.

On February 10, 2019 my wonderful mother, Marcella, passed away suddenly, and this church family rallied around me with words of encouragement, cards, and many tokens of concern. Most regular Lakeview UMC regulars also know that I went through a divorce from my wife of 25 years, Kim, which was final in May of 2019. This terrible event was preceded by years of trying to heal and repair our strained relationship through counseling, prayer, and several temporary separations.

Through all this agony and turmoil, close friends at Lakeview and my biological family were so totally supportive, loving, and non-judgmental toward me. There is no one side or the other to blame as many people think, but to remain married was damaging to both of us in several ways.

So, this message is to thank you all from the depths of my heart for your Christ centered love, encouragement, and prayers for myself and for Kim. I desire openness about my life that the effect of my ministry here at Lakeview involves no compromise of my character. Romans 8:28 says,

“All things work together for good for those who love God and are serving Him faithfully.”

Not all things are good, but God can bring good out of anything that we surrender to Him.

I love you as my church family so much, and I thank God for you everyday! Thank you for loving me through hard times!

Pastor Ross