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In December of 1972, I was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and I have lived in the greater Springfield area, also known as Pioneer Valley, my whole life. Earlier this year, the Spirit of the Lord showed us that it was time to move from here to central Oklahoma. In obedience to the Lord's guidance, we will be in Oklahoma before the end of December.
I am so very thankful to the great God of heaven and earth for the time I have had living here in New England. I have made so many good friends and acquaintances, and have enjoyed the rich history and wonderful climate. It was here that I met my wife (although she had to come here all the way from the former Soviet Union), and it was here that, from my very youth, I came to know and love my Lord and Savior. I vowed to serve Him all the days of my life, and to do so wherever He desired.
Of course, this is not the end, only a change. Lord willing, The Bible Guys, this great labor of love that comes to you monthly, will continue to do so. I enjoy sharing the things that God puts on my heart, and the profound truth of the Scriptures. One thing I know to be true is that a life established on God's word is a life of peace and hope.
I expect that not everyone who reads this periodical agrees with all that is written in it. I do hope, however, that it provokes all who read it to desire to better acquaint themselves with the Scriptures, and a closer relationship with God. Know this, we cannot write anything other than that which God has shown and inspired us with. Although we sometimes may see through a glass darkly, as Paul said, the Word of God grows ever clearer, and we approach daily unto His throne.
But not only do I hope that this small piece of literature provokes others to a closer walk with the Savior, I hope that my life - not any particular action on my part, but my life as a whole - would be a tool of the Lord to shed forth His light. I hope that has been the case here, where I grew up, played, went to school, went to work, preached, worshiped, camped, and did all the other things that life requires. In all aspects of my life, I hope that I have been used by God is some way to affect the lives of those with whom I have come in contact. Where I have failed Him, I repent, and pledge to continue to seek His will in my life, here or there, at home or abroad.
While I hope that those friends, co-workers, and others that we are leaving here in New England remember me and my family fondly, it is the name of Jesus that will preserve all who trust Him, and provides for all a hope of eternal life. Think of me what you will. Befriend me or forsake me; either way may be of little eternal significance. But Jesus, friends, is the only answer for the ills of mankind. There is no other name, no other man, whereby you can be saved. Trust Him; love Him; follow Him all the days of your life, and the Lord shall be your God, and you shall be His people.
Keep us in your prayers as we faithfully follow the leading of our Master. I trust that there will be opportunities to see my northern friends again face to face. Meanwhile, though I will be absent from the northeast in body, I will remain present in spirit, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Amen.