Message From Linda

Dear Friends in Christ,

As I sit at my desk one last day my thoughts are filled with gratitude for you and the churches that make up the Gateway Regional District. Serving as your District Superintendent these last 8 ½ years has been a great joy. I have been richly blessed by your faithfulness to Christ, and your willingness to serve his church in your communities. Certainly, there have been some trials and tribulations, but these are vastly outweighed by the privilege of witnessing the missional focus and work of your churches, the discipling of God’s people, and the new people who have found their way into relationship with Christ because you invited and welcomed them.

Thank you also for the many cards, emails, well wishes, and gifts to the Mozambique Initiative as I prepare to enter retirement tomorrow. Your thoughts and prayers have meant a lot as I make this transition.

I also want to give a word of thanks appreciation to Becky Hoener who has done such a great job serving you these past 8 years. Like you, I have relied on her in so many ways. For those of you in the new Northeast District she will continue to be your District Administrator.

Finally, I want to acknowledge that I am not perfect so ask for your grace and forgiveness in the places in these last 8 ½ years that I have dropped the ball or failed you. 

As the conference transitions from 9 to 5 districts your new District Superintendents will be Rev. Robin Bell (if you are moving into the Northeast District) and Rev. Bruce Baxter (if you are moving into the Southeast District). Beginning tomorrow, July 1, please contact them if you have any issues of concern or need their assistance. Becky can help you with contact information if you do not already have that. After today, the current email you use to reach me ([email protected]) will no longer be active. My new email address will be [email protected].

Again, thank you for your faithful service to Jesus Christ. It has been a blessing to work alongside of you in ministry. Know that I will continue to pray for you.

In Christ,
Linda