MY HUSBAND, JERRY, AND I will retire at the June 2022 General Conference Session. These past 12 years have changed my life. Meeting many pastoral spouses and families in the 13 Adventist divisions around the world has been a highlight. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, love, and courage.I know you will give the new director of Pastoral Spouses and Families the support and love you have given me.
I have been inspired by your love for God and your church members, as well as your tireless dedication to love your children to Jesus and reach people with Jesus’ love. Remember that if you are married to a pastor, God has called you first to be a parent if you have children and then to be involved with your spouse in ministry.
I have now been called to the ministry of being a grandma! Zac and Leah, my youngest son and his wife, were blessed with twin girls who are 3 years old. Another blessing arrived February 18, a baby boy. Zac and Leah are very active in ministry with the church they pastor in Templeton, California. Their church has a large community garden that is blessing their community. God opened the doors for Jerry and me to move there, providing an affordable, nice house just one street over from them. So whenever they need help, I can usually walk over to help right away.
Some people say to me, “How can you quit the Lord’s ministry to go help with children?” The most important ministry is our children, and I could back that up with a lot of Ellen White quotes! I am also enjoying being involved at our new church, Templeton Hills. It has been many years since we’ve been able to get involved on a local church level. What a blessing!
I would like to leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses that I pray you will always remember: “The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NKJV).
I will continue to pray for you, your families, and your ministry for Jesus. I sign off with this prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, I pray You will protect and bless each ministerial spouse and their family. Help them to always make You first in their lives. Prepare them to receive more and more of Your Holy Spirit! Show them each day how much You love them and that You have a plan and purpose for their lives that is amazing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Janet Page