As Thanksgiving approaches this week, I wanted to take this time to give a special thanks to my church home, Tomoka Christian Church. This church, and all the people I have met there have blessed me so much over the last two and a half years since I have been a member. They continue to give me love and support even as I am getting ready to leave to embark on my year long mission trip. I am going to miss all the people who have made such a positive impact in my life, but I know we will always keep in touch.
To Pastor Joe: I met you after my first service there. Since that time, you have treated me like family. You always respectfully addressed me as Doctor Lindsay and I want you to know how much I respect you as a phenomenal preacher and church leader. In addition to attending church services at Tomoka, I listen to your repeat sermons every morning I drive to work on the WAPN radio station. I love to laugh at your funny jokes and I never get tired of hearing you talk about baseball which you are so passionate about. I am constantly in awe at all the ways Tomoka reaches out to the local community and all across the world to impact the Kingdom of God. You are doing such a great work there and I am so honored to be a part of it.
To Pastor Joe’s wife, Luanne: I loved getting to work with you at the church café to raise support for my first mission trip through the church to Ethiopia. Serving meals to the church community and raising support for missions at the same time is such a great idea and opportunity. I will always remember my time working in the cafe.
To Pastor Ben, his wife Gretchen, and Pastor Joe’s adopted children from Africa, Hana and Jacob: I loved getting to know each of you more and doing life with you on the mission field in Ethiopia in July/August 2016, as well as continuing to build on these valuable friendships after the mission trip.
To Pastor Joe’s other children Luke and Leah: We lived in the same apartment complex and I helped you move a few times. We would like to eat at Chipotle and talk about serving in youth ministry and music ministry which you are both a part of. I got to work alongside Leah at a few church youth events and I enjoyed becoming more active in the church in that way.
To Cindy, the coordinator of the FREED Performing Arts Program at Tomoka: Dance/ballet has been something I have always been interested in but never had the chance to pursue as I was always heavily involved in schooling for my career. As a beginner dancer two years ago interested in ballet, you were so warm and welcoming towards me, encouraging me to join the ballet classes at FREED. Although, I am an adult you allowed me to dance with the younger girls and included me in the FREED program show performances. Because of you, I got to perform and dance on stage three times for shows and once for a solo dance performance. This has truly been a childhood dream of mine come true and for that I am so happy and grateful.
To Lisa, my FREED Performing Arts Dance teacher: You have taught me everything I know about dance and ballet. I loved getting to know you and developing a friendship with you as well. We have shared so many laughs and happy tears together. You took out so much of your own time to work with me one-on-one as a dancer and you were always encouraging to me. You also supported me so much and helped me with the choreography for my solo dance performance. Thank you.
To Pastor Ben, my spiritual mentor in preparation for my upcoming mission trip over the past year: You are like family to me and have always been there for me through all of my ups and downs in this season of preparation. I have had the opportunity to meet with you every Thursday to discuss various topics. You have helped me grow in my confidence as a Child of God and allowed me the opportunity to do my first solo dance performance at your service on October 16th. I absolutely loved having this opportunity to share my gift and talent for God’s glory. You have imparted so much wisdom into me, and constantly speak life over me. I am so grateful for you.
To all the people of the church who support me as a missionary: I had the opportunity to be introduced on stage to the church congregation at three services on October 27th and October 28th as a missionary to 11 countries. I had a table out in the lobby with my card and information for people to come by and give donations after each service. I am overwhelmed with the generosity, love, and support the people of this church provided for me and I would like to personally thank each and every one of you who has offered prayers or money support for my trip. I am so blessed and honored to announce that over $3,000 was raised. Praise God. I would like to give a special thanks to the lady who wrote me a check for $1,100. I don’t know your name, but you are an angel from heaven and may God bless you richly.
Again, this church means so much to me and I am so grateful to feel so loved and supported. Thank you all for the continued prayers, love, and support. I pray that we meet again someday. God Bless you all~
Love,
Lindsay
