He Gets the Job Done

Ken, getting down to business

We make a good team. Ken and I started serving together when we were 30 something... the TV show "30 Something" was still on the air. Our kids were young and the work at Central Community was just getting started. We worked hard through our 40's - the entire decade -now, entering the middle years of our 50's, Ken's got a birthday coming up... but I'll still be older... we're still pushing. Our work in Kenya barely began until we were 50. Our kid's aren't "kids" anymore- they're all grown up. Ken and his wife Trish, (who's got a birthday also), are grandparents. Not many pastor's... not many people... are blessed as richly in their careers as we've been. God's been too good to us- we still enjoy working together and I think Ken would agree, we make a good team.

A leader in his own right- I've never... and I mean never -seen Ken get bent out of shape because he didn't get the attention he deserved, the raise or the pat on the back... and Ken's deserved more attention, raises and pats on the back then he's received. He's not only preached when I've planned to be away- but stepped up when I've not been able to preach: whether it was the Palm Sunday I'd spent a week in the hospital or the Sunday after mom died... and everything in between... Ken's always stepped up to the plate. He's counseled, married, buried, visited more people than I could count, writing his ministry across countless lives in our work together. He's been there for my family in our times of crises... and we've had them... and when the big and little decisions of our work together have been made it's almost always been after a closed door meeting with Ken- seeking his advice and perspective. He tells "the truth in love" and after so many years has learned to anticipate our steps as well as spur us on to greater work.

He gets the job done.

Together... I don't think God wants us to build His church any other way. I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to share so much of our lives and ministry together with Ken and his family. If you've never taken the time to get to know Ken- you should -you won't be disappointed, I promise. Don't know what the next 16 years has in store- but I'm sure thankful for the last 16 working side by side with Ken.

Great leaders build great leaders. The group of people Ken's worked with in Mexico alone... building 17 homes, 14,000 sq ft in and around Siempre and the church at Siempre, rebuilding a burned out church while ministering to the pastor who'd lost his family- horribly burned to death in the church... hundreds have sweat and labored by his side- in total humility asking for nothing more than the opportunity to serve... just like Ken.

I'm not preaching this weekend- Ken is -you'll grow by sitting right up front and listening in, giving your whole heart. Ken knows what he's talking about. He's lived it. More importantly, He knows Jesus. I'm just proud to know him.

Have a great month Ken. Happy Birthday Trish and Ken! Thanks for everything.

blessings,

Eric


Pastor Ken... looking up on life