Thank you, Alleluia!

Dear People of Alleluia!,

For once I don't have the words to fully express what I'm feeling. Becky Jacobson asked me a few weeks ago if I was going to cry when I left my position as Youth Pastor at Alleluia! I told her no because I'm too macho for that! No, seriously, I don't feel sad at all about leaving my position, because I feel it is the right thing to do now. I will miss watching first hand all the kids continue to grow in faith, but I think it is time for someone else to take over -- and I have seen God quickly provide Amelia Shrum. I know she is just what we need right now.

When I reflect on where the faith of the youth of Alleluia! is now, I am quite content and happy. Our teenagers are becoming gracious leaders who have fun together but who have also proven their faith in times of trouble and disappointment. Our middle schoolers are right behind them and our littlest ones continue to amaze me with their understanding of spiritual things. I am not saying that we have perfect kids, but I am confident that each one can go through their own struggles by faith with our help. I will continue to pray for each one to remain strong in God's power and love.

Although I won't be front and center in youth ministry, I still will care deeply for our kids. As I work on other things in my career, I will keep looking for opportunities to serve, encourage and teach young people. Please pray for God's plan for my next steps to become clear to me and keep praying for our young people, too.

Finally, thanks for all the encouragement each of you has been to my family and me. The "Roast" you all put together a few weeks ago made Ryo, Stephen, Andrew, Faith and me feel well loved and much appreciated. Each of you deserves the same, because without the congregation's prayers, love and support I couldn't have done a thing.

With Christ's love, Don, Ryo, Stephen, Andrew and Faith Pearson