Browcroft Family,
I want to express my deep thanks to you for my sabbatical. Your generosity has given me the space and opportunity to rest, reflect on my calling, and draw closer to God. It has also helped me gain a broader perspective of how God is working through His Church in our day.
Over the last couple months, I’ve benefited from some wise counsel, meaningful conversations, and fresh perspectives on Gospel ministry today. I’ve enjoyed time with good friends, mentors, and respected colleagues near and far. Overall, the extended time with God, in His Word and in prayer, has worked to renew my mind and heart and inspired me for the challenges of ministry ahead.
One of the highlights so far has been the three days and nights I spent with our Kosovo partners in a resort on the Albanian coast. Amid the early walks on the beach and the late-night conversations, we took time each day to reflect on the important priorities for spiritual leadership in the Church: A commitment to personal worship, a commitment to knowing and teaching the Truth of God’s Word, a commitment to love others like Jesus did, and a commitment to fruitfulness in ministry.
These times of personal reflection, confession, and prayer are being used by God for lasting impact in my life.
In these months I’ve grown ever more grateful to be associated with a church that serves our community and beyond with the Gospel.
Just the other day I was asked by a local pastor friend of mine what I’ve learned or most enjoyed about my time so far. I told him it’s been seeing the ministry of Browncroft from the outside. In these months I’ve grown ever more grateful to be associated with a church–exemplified in the giftedness of many staff and members of the congregation–that serves our community and beyond with the Gospel.
At a recent visit to a local church for Sunday worship, I introduced myself to the person sitting next to me. When I mentioned I was the pastor of Browncroft they said some very encouraging things about the ministry of our church. It was a great blessing to hear these words.
My sabbatical has also afforded me sustained time to pray for Browncroft—our staff, our elder board, and our congregation. I have also spent concentrated time listening for God’s guidance on our future.
One of my commitments has been to write a daily reflection on what I’ve been learning from God’s Word or from a book and to conclude with a written prayer. I’ve now written close to 75 prayers; here are just a few that may give you sense of my time:
May 23
God, help me to be a real Christian even when I fail. Holy Spirit, make me more like Jesus in how I think, feel, love, and treat others. And help me to love those who are not easy to love or who don’t always care for me.
June 20
Father, I thank you for your daily grace without which I could not live. Thanks for saving me from more trouble and sorrow than I could ever imagine and for giving me hope and a purpose to live. Satisfy my desires with good things and renew my strength for a new season of love, service, and fruitfulness in you.
July 3
Lord, help me to live my life in light of your gaze and reality as it is this side of heaven. Give me courage and conviction to be a man of integrity and resilience in my calling today.
Thank you again for your generosity and continued prayers for me in the final weeks of my time away. I look forward to being back with you all very soon.
Pastor Rob
