Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 34:8

The Lord has been very good to our family. As we look back on the changes that have taken place in the last year, we are more and more convinced that God does all things well. A year ago this month, I resigned as assistant pastor of our church. That was a difficult experience. However, as I look back on the whole situation, I am thankful for the the way God has used the experience to bring about changes in us individually and as a family.

During the last year, I have been privileged to work as a school bus driver at the local Head Start pre-school. That experience has opened my eyes much more to the needs around me and has provided opportunities for ministering to my co-workers. While not true of all pastors, it was easy for me in the church office to forget what it was like in the “real” world. Now I see more clearly the need to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without him, my neighbors, co-workers, and students are lost.

Sharon and I have also had the privilege to continue working with the teens at our church. Along with another couple, we are working on developing organization, teen leadership, and discipleship. Our church teens come from various backgrounds: Christian school, public school, and home school. That is a challenge but one that we hope to meet with the love and wisdom of Christ. Our goal is to help each student grow spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially as did our Lord (Luke 2:52). We also hope to develop leaders who will forsake themselves and seek to disciples others (Matt. 28:18-20).

The nursing home ministry continues at Salida Woods and Lake Med. The people especially enjoy seeing the teens and our own children. (I sometimes wonder if they are paying attention to me when my red heads are in the room!) Some of those who attend, I believe, know the Lord. However, there are several who are still blinded to the truth. As you think of our family and this ministry, please pray that God will open their eyes to their personal need for repentance and faith in Christ.

As we look back on God’s work in the last year, we also look forward to his plan for the future. Some of you have been too.

“Will you be taking another pastorate?”
“Have you considered a Christian ministry to children?”
“Would you consider becoming an elementary teacher?”
“How about becoming a military chaplain?”
“Are you going to work for the local SAAB dealership?”

Believe you me, I am as interested to know what the next step is as well. At this point God has not pointed us to anything different than what we are currently doing. But as soon as we know, we will be sure to follow him, wherever that may be. We appreciate your love and prayerful concern for our family. But until we know something different, we are content to remain here in the Painesville/Mentor area serving our Lord.

Your brother in Christ,

Andy Rupert