Help Along the Way

     I got an acceptance letter from Brite Divinity School a couple of weeks ago, so it is official.  I will be attending Brite in the fall and beginning the process of becoming a full fledged pastor in the United Methodist Church.  I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity to grow.  I have been in ministry in one way or another since I was in high school and will continue to be in ministry as long as humanly possible.  Going to Brite and becoming a pastor is the next step in my process in ministry.  I am continuing to grow spiritually and will continue to do so as the time goes on.
     I am grateful to my family and those in ministry who I have worked with who have helped me along the way, a special thank you to the Andersons, the Knox Clan, Keith Wiseman, Dixie Robertson, Rod Bishop, Boyd Goodloe, Terry Lopez, Shawna Brinkley, Joseph Nader, Margret Fields, and Chris Mesa.  I have had conversations with each of you at some point about the ministry you have been involved in and that has helped shape me and realize that I am called to full time ministry.  I could not ask for better friends and mentors in ministry than you.  So thank you.  I would ask love to send you all a gift card but Rod Bishop has already requested a $200 Sonic Gift Card for helping me with mission trip van rentals, so I'll have to work on that first :)
     To my family: Kathy, thank you for going on that mission trip in 2005 as a youth director (and bringing your parents with you) so we could meet.  And thank you for the gentle nudges and constant support.  This truly is a family calling.  Jason, thank you for not so subtly telling me to take that intern job in Houston because and I quote: "you know that's what you want to do forever."  And just to let everyone know, Jason was the most excited when I told him I was going to begin studying to become a pastor.  Stephanie, I'm glad I got to go on countless youth ski trips, mission trips, etc with you growing up.  And no, I haven't grown up yet so you'll have to go on more I guess.  Mom, thank you for always supporting me no matter what I did or what I choose to do.  Dad, thank you for allowing me to choose my own path and for being proud of me.  It means the world to me.  Rick, I'm glad you have a higher opinion of me than when we first met.  It's great to know that there is someone out there who was just like me growing up, I hope twenty years from now I can be just like you are today.  Doris, thank you for supporting me while Kathy and I were dating, engaged, and now married (and for always making queso at family get togethers cuz everything is better with queso)  Andy and Misty, thank you for your wit and telling it how it is.  I am very proud of you for what you are doing right now.
     To my friends, although you all know you are family to me.  Keith, thank you for having that conversation with me on a youth ski trip long ago about ministry.  You were the best interim youth director ever.  Dixie, thank you for showing me how to be compassionate and respectful to others even when it was hard.  Rod, thank you for showing me how to be "cool" as a youth director and yet still have a passion for youth and for Christ.  I don't know how you put up with me for so long, and I guess you still are.  Boyd (and Julie), thank you for the opportunity to serve as a small group leader in Lubbock and as an intern in Houston.  Without your push I don't know if I would have gone down this path so.....let's say quickly.  Terry, thank you for being.....well you. (and for your wit and sarcasm)  Shawna, thank you for being the first person I worked with who decided to go into ministry as a career and for taking on a new challenge at a new church.  I truly am proud of you.  Joseph, thank you for showing me how to be a pastor who could be a friend, mentor, and still devoted to his calling.  Margret, thank you for being a friend in missions and youth who never wavered in your confidence of my abilities even when I did.  And for helping me to see that something great can come out of something unforeseen.  Rocking out and head banging at Skillet and TobyMac concerts is just an added bonus.  Chris, thank you for being a mentor and a coach.  I really enjoy being coached.  I can't thank all the youth, volunteers, and others who have worked with just know that I am grateful to all of you.  To all of you: thank you for being there when I needed you at the right time in my life and always being a friend.
     I am ready for the next step in the process and ready for the challenge with the knowledge that I will succeed thanks to those "church workers"who have helped me in church ministry along the way.  I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you with the knowledge that I am who I am in church work because of your help and guidance.  I am truly blessed.

Grace & Peace
Kevin