As I sit down to write this little blurb for the month of November there is simply one word that comes to mind…Thankful. As I am reflecting though I find that I am filled with gratitude for more reasons than just the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I am thankful for all the families and members that make up Oak Grove. I am thankful for the progress towards a new normal that has been made in coming back after the pandemic. I am thankful for the legacy that Oak Grove has in bringing in new, first-time pastors and investing and growing them in ministries and faith. I am thankful that God has allowed me to be a part of that legacy, serving at Oak Grove in two different capacities over the past ten years. I am thankful that Oak Grove has been my home and family for the vast majority of my ministry career. Most of all I am thankful that God is faithful in working all things out for his glory and our good. Many of you will know by now that our time at Oak Grove is drawing to a close. I was contacted about another ministry opportunity back in June. The past five months has been an excruciating process of seeking the Lord’s will for Kristy and me. Our prayer through that time was that the Lord would keep us from sin and from doing something stupid. After much prayer and consideration, I have accepted a position with the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention as Director of the Pu’u Kahea Conference Center in Waianae, Hawaii. The purpose of this facility is to conduct training for pastors and missionaries. It is always hard to say goodbye, especially when those you say goodbye to are family. I want to assure you that this was not a snap decision but comes after much prayer and angst. We affirm that God is faithful and just as he has called us to this new ministry, he will call the next man to serve you all. Please know that we are praying for you all and look forward to rejoicing with you when God brings the one he as prepared for you. We also echo Paul in our prayers, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph.3:16-19). Oak Grove will always hold a special place in our hearts. You are and always will be more than just a church…you are family. Though the distance between us will be greater the statement I have always ended this blurb remains true…If there is anything I can ever do for any of you, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Pastor Corey
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