In my lifetime I have had "Showers of Blessings." In 2003 while serving the Hocking Valley Parish near Athens, OH, I received the blessing of a 3 month Sabbatical. After 10 years of ministry to the same community, I was out of ideas and I was completly exhausted. These special people allowed me this opportunity for rest and renewal and I took it. I came back a different person. I returned with renewed energy, new insights, and a greater sense of calling. I served them for another 2 years.
Now almost 6 years into my new position as a Regional Associate Pastor for the Christian Church in Ohio I am once again looking at a 3 month sabbatical. I know from past experience that I will be blessed by this time of rest and renewal. I want this sabbatical to also be a blessing to the Christian Church in Ohio which I love and serve. After thinking and praying about this, I have found a way that my sabbatical might be a blessing to both me and the regional church. I am looking for people who will sponsor me per mile on my trip. I am hoping to walk between 500 and 600 miles (ok sing the song, "Lord I'm 1, Lord I'm 2, Lord I'm 3, Lord, I'm 4, Lord I'm 500 miles away from home . . .") along the Appalachian Trail and with enough pledges, I will raise $5000.00. This money will be split equally between five of my favorite ministries: The Hocking Valley Parish, the Youth Scholarship Fund, the Leadership Fund of the Christian Church in Ohio, the Reconcilation Fund, and the Week of Compassion. If I reach my goal, each of these ministries would receive $1000.00 to support their work. (Please NOTE: Absolutely none of this money will in any way be used toward my sabbatical but 100% will be donated to these five ministries.) If you would like to make a pledge please go to: Pledge Form.
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