With certainty and confidence I write this before our revival services begin and say that we have had a wonderful experience of heartfelt revival.  I can say that with confidence because God is faithful to His promises and He is faithful to His people.  For weeks we have felt a fresh wind of God’s Spirit blowing in our church and we have sensed a real desire for revival.  Our people have been praying faithfully and by now we are seeing the answers to our prayers. Thank you for your efforts in prayer, in inviting others, and in your faithful participation in worship.  A special thanks to Rev. Sam Craven for preaching God’s word, and to all those who shared their faith through music and testimony.

Please allow me a personal word to thank God and to thank you for allowing me to be your pastor for the past 25 years. That is a significant milestone in any occupation but most especially in the ministry. You are a very loving and caring people. You have been understanding, forgiving, encouraging, and supportive to me and my family through all these years.  I believe in long pastorates; I believe it gives stability and consistency to the work. But the key to a healthy church is not in the hands of the pastor or staff; it is in the hands of the members.  If the members of the local church are faithful to God and to His word, if they use the spiritual gifts they have been given to God’s glory, the church will be healthy, strong, and it will grow in spirit and in numbers.  We are laborers together with God; some plant, others water, but God gives the increase. (I Cor. 3)  Let me thank you for your prayers and your participation, and let me encourage you to give your best to the Master at all times.

One more thing, like most churches we are dealing with a deficit in our budget offerings. The economy is affecting all parts of life, even the church.  I challenge you as I challenge myself to be faithful in our stewardship.  If we manage well all that God has entrusted to us we will have plenty to meet our budget.  God Bless Yadkin Baptist Church!!

                                  Your Pastor, Robert