Sunday morning, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Mike Colaw and the team at Trinity Church in Indianapolis. Earlier this week, Mike had shared the vision that God had planted in his heart. This Sunday, after the third worship service, the ministry directors and small group leaders of the church gathered for a luncheon and powerful vision-casting conversation with Pastor Mike. They are building out a mobilization strategy to unleash hundreds of lay pastors in the marketplace. Pray that God will bless this missional initiative. I am personally grateful for Mike’s partnership as Assistant DS.
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Later on Sunday afternoon, I connected with Pastor Aldean and Jesse Pablo in Fort Wayne. The launch team for SEND Church was hosting a community connection event with their local YMCA. Pastor Aldean has been approved as one of the volunteer chaplains for this YMCA and they will also have the opportunity to host launch team meetings here. Pastor Aldean is working toward launching their first micro-church by Easter weekend. Please keep this team in your prayers.
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Tuesday, February 18, our district staff met in the morning for planning and prayer. Pastor Steve DeNeff and I met over lunch for our annual coaching conversation. I met with Assistant DS Mike Colaw in the afternoon to review the annual DS evaluation that our district pastors completed. Thank you to each pastor who took time to provide this helpful feedback to our District Board of Administration.

Wednesday morning, I met with Pastor Brad LeRoy (Harvest Church) for our annual coaching conversation. Pastor Michael Hewitt (Rising Hope Church) and I met in Muncie for our annual coaching conversation in the afternoon. Assistant DS Matthew Trexler and I met with a prospective church planter over supper in Marion. Pray that God will send workers into His Harvest!

Our District Board of Administration met at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount on Thursday. Special thanks to Pastor Jeff Luedtke and his team for their hospitality to our board. Kathy Drury brought our devotional and Rev. Emily Hines led our prayer time. I am grateful for the diverse perspectives and collective wisdom of this board. After a productive meeting, we shared a supper meal with members and their spouses who were able to join us. Our next meeting is set for April 30.
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Assistant DS Chris Williams and I met on Friday for follow-up work from the DBA meeting. Later that morning, I met with one of the leading UMC pastors in our area and appreciated his insights on the transitions taking place within their movement. Friday evening, I was in Fort Wayne to connect with Rev. Lane Sander and the fearless leaders of our Crossroads District All-Nighter. More than 500 students and their leaders/chaperones shared an action-packed event that included sermons from Rev. Aldean Pablo and worship led by Olivia Eckart. Thank you to every pastor, parent, and volunteer who helps to make this annual event a huge success!

Saturday morning, I joined Assistant DS Chris Williams and a great group of Region 3 pastors for their spring meeting at the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Monon. It was great to hear the stories of God at work in our ministries. Pastor Chris shared a preview of the church revitalization seminars we’ll be rolling out this fall and encouraged the pastors in keeping our churches focused on multiplying disciple-makers.
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We are always thrilled to praise God with our local churches as they celebrate baptisms. Trinity Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis passed along word of five more baptisms on February 16. Here’s a picture of some of those new believers:
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Pastor Rick Fletcher and Associate Pastor Andy Jellison were excited to pass along this photo of the 19th, 20th, and 21st baptisms of the year that they celebrated on February 23 at Lifeway Wesleyan Church in Fort Wayne.
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Pastor Mark Atkinson and the team at Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church are praising God for more lives being changed by the Gospel through their ministry. They celebrated the baptism of three more new believers on Sunday, February 23.
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Tipton Trinity Wesleyan Church shared the news of this young man who prayed to receive Christ with his mother and with Aleah, the children’s pastor. Eli’s testimony was “I want to be baptized because I believe in Jesus… I want to show others that I’ve made that decision. I cannot wait to grow in my relationship with Jesus.”  Praise God and pray for Eli to continue to flourish in his faith!
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Congratulations to Jeff Clark, ViceChair of the LBA at Marion College Wesleyan Church, on the regular season championship for the men’s basketball team at Indiana Wesleyan University. Jeff, the Associate Head Coach, and Greg Tonagel, Head Coach, are both graduates of Wesley Seminary and recognized nationally for their excellence in coaching with their philosophy of “I Am 3rd.”
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Our sympathy and prayers are extended to Mrs. Esther Osborne, wife and ministry partner at Warsaw Pathway Wesleyan Church with her husband Rev. Jarod Osborne. Esther’s father, José Antonio Nuñez, passed away earlier this month and was buried in Uganda where he had effectively served as a missionary for 16 years.

​Thank you for all that each one of you are doing to advance the Kingdom of God in your corner of His Harvest!

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, February 16, I was in New Castle to worship with Pastor Eric George and the congregation of Memorial Wesleyan Church. The technical team was scrambling after an equipment failure but they were able to patch something together in time for the service (thank you, Mark!). I appreciated the warm reception and the privilege of preaching to this responsive congregation. After the service, I had a brief meeting with the LBA before heading on to Carmel.
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Sunday afternoon, I met with Pastor Neftali Lopez and the leadership team at Carmel Amistad Cristiana Iglesia Wesleyana for a ministry planning session. I was able to arrive in time to bring greetings in the service and then to enjoy a cup of coffee in their spacious new welcome center. This is a wonderful multi-generational congregation and I appreciate the leadership that Pastor Neftali brings both to his church and to our Crossroads District Hispanic ministries.
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Last Monday, I represented our Crossroads District team at the funeral service for Rev. Dr. John Dunn, retired CEO of Wesleyan Investment Foundation, former district superintendent and church planter. Dr. Kevin Myers officiated the memorial service, General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt brought remarks on behalf of The Wesleyan Church, and Dr. Craig Dunn shared cherished memories from the family. Dr. Dunn left an amazing legacy of faithful leadership in the The Wesleyan Church. His family carries that legacy well. Please remember the Dunn family in your prayers.
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Monday afternoon, I met with Pastor Theo Griffin (Greenfield Brown’s Chapel) for our annual coaching conversation. We are delighted to have Theo and Randy as the newest members of our Crossroads District team.

Monday evening, I was with Pastor George and the LBA at New Castle Memorial as they prepared for the upcoming pastoral vote. I was reminded once again of how deeply The Wesleyan Church is indebted to faithful lay leaders who serve alongside pastors to provide direction and protection to the ministry of our congregations.
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Tuesday morning, I met with our district office staff for planning and prayer. Seth Bye reported that more than 300 have registered for the first Heartland Gathering next month in Pigeon Forge. Pastor Dan VanCise (Marion West 8th Street) and I met over lunch for our annual coaching conversation.
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Pastor Aldean Pablo and I met for our coaching conversation and an exciting update on doors that God is opening for our SEND Church planting project in Fort Wayne. Please remember Aldean and Jesse in your prayers as they lead this disciple-making mission.

Tuesday evening, I joined the LBA at North Anderson Wesleyan Church as they prepared for the upcoming pastor vote. The board enthusiastically affirmed the ministry that Pastor David Shafer and Rev. James Stamper are bringing to the congregation. Both of these effective leaders serve their church bi-vocationally.
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Wednesday morning, Pastor Steve Colter (Marion Chapel Pike Wesleyan) and I met for our annual coaching conversation in Marion. The next coaching conversation was with Rev. Paul Walden, supply pastor at the Muncie 8th Street Wesleyan Church. While in Muncie, Rev. Mike Hewitt and I connected with a prospective church planter who is prayerfully considering a project in the Yorktown community. Join us in praying that God will send workers into His harvest!

Thursday morning, after teaching at IWU, I met with Dr. Colleen Derr, our president of Wesley Seminary. I am grateful for the leadership she is bringing to this vital ministry that is training so many of our present and future leaders for The Wesleyan Church.

Co-pastors Carla and Zach Working met with me over lunch in Marion to update me on the ministry of Hope Rising in Huntington and the possibility of expanding the impact of their congregation in neighboring communities.

My final meeting of the day was with the leadership team at Wabash New Journey Community Church. They are celebrating significant progress in updating their facility and their technical capacity. Pastor Brian Scramlin has done a terrific job following in the footsteps of the church planter, Tom Cochran.

Friday morning, Assistant DS Chris Williams and I met in Marion. I was in Fishers for a lunch meeting with Rev. Scott Rhyno, General Manager of Leadership League. Nancy Schoonmaker, District Treasurer, and I met via Zoom in the afternoon to prepare for this week’s DBA meeting and to begin budget preparations for the coming conference year.

Nancy Schoonmaker has done an incredible job serving as Crossroads District Treasurer since our district was created in 2016. In addition to her many other responsibilities at IWU, with national boards, and in her local church, Nancy has just started a doctoral program. In light of that, we’re reluctantly accepting her resignation at the rise of the conference with our deep gratitude and prayers for every success in her new endeavor.
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Dr. Richard Schenck, Rev. Emily Hines, and Rev. David Hines were in Bangladesh representing our Crossroads District partnership and serving alongside Rev. Joshe Bose, National Director, for the annual conference and leadership training. The Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh began with 11 churches in 2002 and today has grown to 56 congregations with 2,185 members. Four new churches were launched in the past 12 months with 140 new believers. Up to 95% of the members of these churches are new believers reached through the Jesus film and evangelistic efforts of church planters.

Here in Indiana, our own mission field, we are celebrating with churches reporting baptisms this past week. Pastor Jeremy Armiger and Assistant Pastor Dr. Jim Lo had the privilege of baptizing a new sister in Christ at Chesterfield Parkview Wesleyan Church on Sunday morning. Carol’s story is unique in that she was delivered from involvement in Wicca. Praise God for setting captives free!
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Pastor Jim Weinmann and the Indianapolis Evanston Avenue Wesleyan Church are also rejoicing this week. Pastor Jim has the privilege of baptizing a new believer on Sunday morning. Due to physical limitations from a stroke, Pastor Jim was glad to accommodate her with a pouring baptism. We join the team at Evanston Avenue Wesleyan Church in celebrating another life made new by the grace of God!
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​Thank you for all that you are doing to advance the Kingdom in your corner of His Harvest!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, February 9, I joined Pastor Dan and Shannon Heylmann for worship at Grant City Wesleyan Church. Dan is another of our faithful bi-vocational pastors who has been commuting from Indianapolis. Last month, Pastor Dan had announced his resignation (to take effect this summer) with plans coming together to continue his studies onsite at Dallas Theological Seminary in the fall. After the morning service, I had an opportunity to connect with members of the leadership team as they begin the search process for their next pastor.
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Sunday afternoon, I joined Pastor Paul VanCise and the Local Board of Administration (LBA) at Bryant Wesleyan Church. Pastor Paul has been serving at Bryant since 2003. The LBA was very encouraging in their pre-vote review and I was glad to join them in affirming the wonderful progress made under Pastor Paul’s leadership.

Tuesday, I was in Marion for the IWU class and our office staff meeting before connecting with Rev. Darrel Herring, supply pastor at Indianapolis Central Wesleyan, in Westfield for our annual coaching conversation. My final meeting of the day was with Rev. Don Glenn and the LBA at Marion Nelson Street Wesleyan on Tuesday evening.
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Wednesday morning, I was at the IWU chapel service as Dr. Jim and Roxene Lo renewed their wedding vows. Dr. Lo preached a powerful message on keeping Christ at the center of your marriage. Dr. David Vardaman and I led the renewal of vows for Dr. & Mrs. Lo.

I met with Pastor Don Glenn to review the LBA meeting of the previous evening at Nelson Street. My last meeting of the day was with Dr. Judy Crossman. It was encouraging to hear Pastor Judy’s testimony of God’s calling and leading in her life.

Thursday, I met with Pastor Ben Parker (Fairmount Back Creek Wesleyan) for our annual coaching conversation. Pastor Ben made a commitment to use FaceBook to provide a live devotional for his congregation every morning and is receiving positive feedback. I was able to take in the Exponential webinar Thursday afternoon before heading to Fort Wayne to meet with Pastor Heath Croft and the leadership team at Level 13 Church.

I participated in a General Conference memorial subcommittee chaired by Carl Shepherd at HQ on Friday. This team is doing the spadework on a series of recommendations that will be brought back to the General Board meeting in March.
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Friday evening, Region 2 Assistant DS Mike and Leslie Colaw joined Sherry and me to host the Region 2 East Zone pastors and spouses fellowship. An icy driveway resulted in us relocating to the BBQ restaurant in Daleville. These are always great times together.

Pastor Steve Binn reached out with terrific “before and after” pictures from their foyer renovation project. Like many of our church buildings, Lone Oak Wesleyan had a very narrow hall foyer and hallway leading to their sanctuary. There was no space to welcome guests or for congregation members to connect before and after worship. The construction crew did a great job completing this project in just one week. Congratulations to the Lone Oak team on this exciting step to “get ready for company!”
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Pastor John Hannan, planting the CrossRoads Church in Union City, checked in Sunday evening with news that they had four new families as guests for their launch team meeting and celebrated another baptism. Here’s a picture of Pastor John with the three folks who’ve been baptized in the last two weeks. Thank you for keeping this church planting project in your prayers.
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Just a reminder that today, February 10, is the last date to register for the Heartland Gathering. Please join us in praying that God anoints our time together in Pigeon Forge. Click here to register.

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, February 2, I had the joy of worshiping with Pastor Steve and Rosie Binns at Lone Oak Wesleyan Church in Anderson. Pastor Steve left his previous career and answered the call to lead this congregation in 2018. Now, in his second year of leading Lone Oak, they are taking new steps to reach out to their neighborhood and the nearby elementary school. The LBA just voted for Pastor Steve to begin a Sunday evening home Bible study for younger adults and folks on the margins, and the mature members of the congregation will take responsibility for the Sunday evening gathering at the church. I was also glad to connect with the LBA for a brief meeting after the service. Pray that God will continue to bless their efforts to move the church into mission.
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Last Monday evening, I met with the Local Board of Administration at Lancaster Wesleyan Church. Rev. Doug Sharrard has faithfully served the Lancaster congregation for more than two decades but felt that the time was right for his transition. Doug and Cheryl purchased a home in Marion and will make that the base for their next season of ministry. I enjoyed working with the LBA as we mapped out next steps. They committed to leading the congregation in a 30-day prayer focus as we begin the pastoral search.
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After teaching at IWU and meeting with our office staff on Tuesday, I flew to Tampa for a series of meetings. My first schedule stop was in Brooksville. I was recently elected to serve as denominational representative on the Wesleyan Village Board of Director. (I think this officially confirms that I’m past being middle-aged.) Dr. Don Maness is doing a great job as Executive Director. More than 800 lively seniors enjoy this active Christian community during the winter season, including my father. After our meeting, we shared lunch in the dining hall and I ran into some Crossroads District friends (Rev. Dennis & Barbara Hilton and Dr. Joe Harmon) who were enjoying their time at Wesleyan Village.
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Wednesday evening supper began the Wesleyan Superintendents’ Institute back in Tampa with Dr. Wayne Schmidt and my colleagues from across North America. We enjoyed our meal together that evening and discussions continued through lunch on Thursday. Dr. Schmidt shared an update on the “ReThink Small” Church Conference recently held in North Carolina and Dr. Dennis Jackson cast vision for a strategic prayer initiative that will lead us into General Conference. There is warm collegiality among these district leaders and a growing sense of anticipation as we approach GenCon 2020.
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Thursday afternoon and all day Friday, I was part of the Exponential Multipliers Learning Cohort that met at the Tampa Underground. Crossroads District leaders joining us in this year’s Exponential cohorts include Zach Szmara (Logansport – The Bridge), Terry Vaughn (South Bend – The Bridge Urban Church), Ollie Dongell (Plymouth Wesleyan), Steve Bray (Richmond LifeSpring), Tony Bye (Marion Brookhaven) and Matthew Trexler (Marion River Church). Brian Sanders and Larry Walkemeyer led our main sessions and stretched our thinking about what we might envision in the church of tomorrow. Larry’s church in California was involved in launching 19 new congregations. Brian and his team at the Underground now form the resource hub for more than 200 micro-churches scattered across Tampa. I love learning about the creative ways that God is moving to mobilize the church for disciple-making in this generation.

Lifeway Church in Fort Wayne recently knocked out walls for expanded capacity (up to 400), remodeled their auditorium, and replaced their pews with comfortable chairs. Yesterday, they had 215 present for their first service in this welcoming space and reports are that everyone loved the renovation. Associate Pastor Andy Jellison preached and encouraged the congregation to keep on sharing Christ with their personal mission field of 8-15. Pastor Rick Fletcher and Pastor Andy are doing a great job leading together through this season of intentional succession. Congratulations, Lifeway Church!
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Last evening, I was blessed to connect with Pastor John Hannan by phone for an exciting update from CrossRoads Church, our newest church in Union City. Instead of football party, they gathered for a baptism celebration. While they have not yet begun to hold regular Sunday morning worship services, they are staying focused on meeting needs and making disciples. Yesterday, they baptized two new believers and celebrated together with a new high of 40 people in their launch team gathering. Pray for Pastor John and Beth Hannan as they lead in planting this new congregation.
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Dr. Rich Schenck, lead pastor of the Circle of Hope Network, passed along the encouraging report that their Beech Grove campus had 1 baptism last week and that Pastor Nicolas and Adriana Zarate, celebrated 4 baptisms yesterday at the Rey de Gloria (King of Glory) campus in Noblesville with 44 in attendance.
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Pastor Jeremy Armiger and Dr. Jim Lo continue leading the Chesterfield Parkway Wesleyan Church in reaching their community with the Gospel. They celebrated another baptism yesterday of an adult who was far from God this time last year. God is moving!
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Thank you for all you are doing to advance the Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads DS

P.S. - There is only one week remaining to register for The Heartland Gathering! Don't miss out on this opportunity!
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Rising Hope Church in Muncie was my destination on Sunday morning, January 26. It was a joy to worship with this young congregation. The last time I was with them for a Sunday service was when they first launched in the middle school. Pastor Mike Hewitt was out of town with an evangelism team but Kim Hewitt and the team did a wonderful job hosting the service and leading us in worship.
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I enjoyed meeting an energetic group of Ball State University students who sit up front. At the rate they are growing, they will soon need to launch a second worship service. It was also good to reconnect with several of the senior citizens who caught the vision for planting this new church. Rising Hope is a terrific example of what can happen when our Crossroads District churches partner together to launch new congregations to help reach the 3 million people without Christ in Indiana. Thank you for each one of you who continues to pray for and support church planting here in our mission field.
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Sunday afternoon, I was privileged to bring greetings, read Scripture and pray at the 34th Anniversary of Calvary Family Church in Indianapolis. Rev. Barry & Joyce Dixon provide loving and faithful leadership to this urban congregation. Pastor Barry is another of our committed bi-vocational pastors and also serves on the District Board of Administration. There was a great turnout and beautiful spirit of worship. Pray for the Dixons and Calvary Family Church as they reach out to their community.
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Last Monday, I represented the district team at the funeral of Rev. Glenn Weller and then joined in the monthly Zoom call for the Heartland Region District Superintendents. We’re counting the days until the Heartland Gathering in Pigeon Forge, March 10-12.

Tuesday morning, I joined Assistant DS Mike Colaw and the Region 2 pastors at Trinity Wesleyan Church for a conversation about “The State of the Church.” I am optimistic about the future of The Wesleyan Church because of the leaders around these tables.
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Tuesday evening, I met with Pastor Neftali and Grace Lopez in Fishers. Rev. Lopez leaders our Carmel Amistad congregation and works with Dr. Norman Wilson and Rev. Eliorgy Guerrero to provide leadership to our Hispanic ministries.

Wednesday was an office day before heading to New Castle for a coaching conversation with Rev. Eric George, pastor of New Castle Memorial Wesleyan Church. I’m looking forward to worshiping with their congregation on February 16.

Thursday morning, I met with Pastor Don Glenn (Nelson Street Wesleyan) before heading to Fishers to meet with Pastor John Freed (Waterline Church). I was encouraged to hear about the progress that Waterline is making at their Pendleton campus. Multi-site ministry can be a challenge for any size church and the Waterline team has responded well to the learning curve in this new venture.
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Thursday evening, I stopped by Eastview Wesleyan Church to see their monthly community meal outreach. Pastor Mark Atkinson has a committed team of volunteers who host this event each month. It was good to see the conversations and connections that this ministry provides with their neighbors.

Friday evening, I caught up with Assistant DS Chris Williams, Rev. Don Bayne, and Rev. Paul James who were serving as the Maximizing Impact team with Pastor Duane Seitz and the Silver Lake Wesleyan Church. Pastor Duane and JoEllen Seitz have served sacrificially for the past few years and seen spiritual victories. The church does have challenges as they face the future and this weekend was an opportunity for the congregation to take a look at the best path forward. Pray as they seek God’s direction for their next steps. We are deeply indebted to Rev. Paul James who has served as a Maximizing Impact consultant to over 30 Crossroads District churches since 2015.
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Saturday morning, I was able to drop in on the Spiritual Warfare Seminar that Dr. Jim Lo was presenting at Ash Street Wesleyan Church in Tipton. Pastor Logan Westrick was very encouraged by the positive impact of this weekend. I am grateful for Dr. Lo’s willingness to bring this ministry to our churches. If you’ve not yet scheduled this workshop for your team, Dr. Lo still has a few dates available. You can reach him at ​jim.lo@indwes.edu.
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I met with Lay Supply Pastor Kay Dickerson and Bill, her husband and co-laborer, for lunch in Frankfort. They are continuing to see progress in their ministry at Kirklin Wesleyan Church with 3 recent baptisms and 96 attending their New Year’s Eve communion service. They are having a big impact in a small community.

Saturday afternoon, I accepted an invitation from David Kelly to drop in at the new regional office for WellSpring Ministry in downtown Marion. It was good to see Pastor Joe Kelly and so many other friends and supporters of this vital ministry.

It is always exciting to receive baptism reports from Crossroads District churches. This week I received photos and a report from Dr. Steve Bray and LifeSpring Church in Richmond. Pastor Steve wrote: “I wanted to report 9 baptisms from this past weekend at LifeSpring Church! So far this year we have seen 40 baptisms (compared to 35 last year). PTL! Our faith commitment at Conference was for 50 baptisms. While we are grateful for all He has done, we have one more baptism scheduled in April, and we are asking God for 10 more!”
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Pastor Logan Patriquin and the team at The Branch Wesleyan Church in Lafayette celebrated four more baptisms yesterday as God continues to work through them to see lives changed by the Gospel. Our faith goal as the Crossroads District this year was to pray and work toward baptizing 1000 new believers. If you haven’t yet scheduled a baptism day and offered baptism preparation classes, there’s still time to plan for baptisms in conjunction with Palm Sunday and Easter.
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Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

​Your servant in Christ,
Mark Gorveatte

Sunday morning, January 19, I was blessed to worship with Rev. Dr. Oliver Dongell and the team at Plymouth Wesleyan Church. Pastor Dongell has served PWC since 2003. Last year, Plymouth Wesleyan averaged 620 in worship with 35 baptisms. They also have an active partnership with El Salvador that has resulted in 18 churches being planted.
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I enjoyed meeting with the LBA between the two morning services. After the second service, I enjoyed hosting Pastor and Mrs. Dongell for lunch. Several of our retired ministers are part of the Plymouth congregation including Rev. Charles Peacock, Rev. Steve and Wanda Cunnington, and Rev. Les & Kathy Kephart, my friends from our time serving together in Michigan. Wanda Cunnington has a serious health concern and welcomes our prayers as they continue tests.

Last week began with a Monday morning Region 1 Leadership Cohort meeting led by Assistant DS Matthew Trexler. I’m grateful for the leadership development opportunities that are underway in each of our regions. Monday evening, I was glad to meet with Pastor David Dignal and the LBA at Edgerton Wesleyan Church to lead the review of the extended call. Pastor Dignal’s ministry and extended call were enthusiastically affirmed.
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Tuesday morning, I joined the team at the River Church for their 6 a.m. prayer meeting, part of their 21 Days of Prayer to launch into the new year. Our district office staff meets on Tuesday mornings for planning and prayer. I am blessed to serve with Rev. Chris Williams, Mrs. Roxene Lo, and Rev. Seth Bye. Tuesday afternoon, I connected with Rev. Mike Cloud (via Zoom) in preparation for his upcoming pastoral vote. Tuesday evening, I met with Pastor Steve Binns and the LBA at Anderson Lone Oak. The LBA affirmed Steve’s leadership and voted to take some positive changes for the new year.

Wednesday morning, I was on the road to meet with Pastor Harold Henson at Colfax Wesleyan Church (just southeast of Lafayette). Pastor Henson is another of our faithful bi-vocational pastors and doing a wonderful job leading here in his home church. Pastor Scott McDermid and I met at his office at Six Points Church (Sheridan) in preparation for his upcoming vote and then shared lunch together. These are exciting days at Six Point and Scott has transitioned well from his long-term staff role at Carmel UMC to becoming a senior pastor of a growing church.

Wednesday afternoon, I dropped in on the staff meeting at Daybreak Church in Lapel. Pastor Andy Cole is bringing inspiring, visionary leadership to the team and they’re exploring ways to accommodate the recent growth. Wednesday evening, I was blessed to hear Rev. Matthew LeRoy preaching the closing service at Summit, the spiritual emphasis week that begins each new semester at IWU. Dr. John and Patty Bray shared how God was powerfully working in these services. Please keep IWU and President Wright in your prayers.
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After teaching the morning class at IWU, Thursday was a quiet day working in my office.

Friday morning, Chris Williams and I connected for our weekly update meeting, and then I met long-time friend Erick Mowery for lunch in Fishers, Erick (and Julie, his wife) are leaders in the Back2Back missions organization. They recently returned from their assignment in Mexico and now attend Trinity Wesleyan Church when not traveling globally for their leadership training ministry. Friday night, Sherry and I were able to attend the inspiring MLK Memorial Community Concert at IWU. This year’s concert featured the Chicago Mass Choir for an incredible evening of gospel praise.
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Saturday, I was privileged to represent our Crossroads District family at the triumphant homegoing celebration for Rev. Ruth Anderson, mother of our Rev. Dave Anderson, held at LifeSpring Church (formerly Fountain City Wesleyan). Rev. Ruth Anderson (ordained at Fairmount Camp in 1961), along with her husband Bob, co-pastored Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City and Eastlawn Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis. They enjoyed long-term effective ministries in both of these congregations. Rev. Anderson was a gifted educator, musician, and mentor. She was also recognized for her leadership contributions to the Wesleyan Women auxiliary ministry at the local, district and denominational level. Remember David, Rebecca, and the Anderson family in prayer.
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The district-wide DBMD met in Marion on Saturday morning under the leadership of Dr. David Smith. I was unable to attend due to the funeral but heard encouraging reports from these interviews with exceptional candidates. We are anticipating more than a dozen candidates will be ordained at this year’s June 26th celebration.

It is always a joy to hear the stories and see the pictures from baptism celebrations across our district. One of our newest churches is The Bridge Urban Church in South Bend led by Pastor Terry and Lennaire Vaughn. I know several of our churches have been involved in financial partnership and many more have joined in prayer for this vital ministry to the inner city. Pastor Terry shared that one of these new believers had been a Muslim for the past 30 years. Continue to pray for Pastor Terry, Lennaire, and their team as they take the Gospel to the streets of South Bend.
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​Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, January 12, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Ben Jones and Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church, just outside of North Liberty. I brought the message for the morning service. Then, after a brief meeting with the board of administration, Ben and I caught up over lunch. This is Ben’s first pastoral appointment and he’s enjoying the learning journey with a very supportive board and congregation.
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Pastor Ben and Kirsten are looking forward to their June wedding. He also shared the encouraging news that three new members have joined the church in the past few months. Ben is another of our faithful bi-vocational pastors and time management is one of his prayer requests.

Last week’s calendar included a Memorial Sub-Committee of the General Board meeting on Monday. There are a number of interesting proposals making their way from several districts through the General Board and on to General Conference. You can read more about the GenCon 2020 at this website: https://www.wesleyan.org/unleashed

After teaching at IWU on Tuesday morning, the district office staff met in Marion for planning and prayer. I am blessed to work alongside Rev. Chris Williams, Mrs. Roxene Lo, and Rev. Seth Bye in serving our district pastors and churches. Tuesday afternoon, I was in Fishers to meet with Dr. Wayne Schmidt, our General Superintendent.

Wednesday, I was in Anderson to meet with Pastor Steve Binns (Anderson Lone Oak) and then with Pastor David Shafer (Anderson North Wesleyan Church). The last meeting on Wednesday was at Silver Lake Wesleyan Church with Pastor Duane Seitz and the leadership team as they prepare for the Maximizing Impact consultation.

Thursday morning, I met with Pastor Paul VanCise (Bryant Wesleyan Church) before heading back to Marion for a planning meeting with our Assistant District Superintendents, Rev. Mike Colaw, Rev. Chris Williams, and Rev. Matthew Trexler. My final meeting on Wednesday was with Pastor Barry Dixon (Calvary Family Church) in Indianapolis.

Sherry and I hosted the Region 1, South Zone 2 pastors and spouses in our home for supper and fellowship on Friday evening. We sang, laughed, and prayed together with these wonderful couples. Special thanks to Pastor Jeff Luedtke who chairs this zone.
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Saturday morning, I joined with Dr. Jim Lo and the Region 1 DBMD (District Board of Ministerial Development) at College Wesleyan Church to interview licensed ministers. We are blessed with dedicated team in each of our zones and regions who volunteer for this important ministry.

Saturday afternoon, I represented our Crossroads District team at the funeral of one of our ministerial colleagues, Rev. Paul Gafford. Rev. Gafford would have been 90 years old next month. He was a gracious pastor and beloved father who served district churches in Lafayette, Thorntown, and Winchester. Rev. Doug Hinton, son-in-law to Rev. Gafford, officiated the funeral service. Rev. Jim and Caroline (Gafford) Staley, worship pastors at Brooksville Wesleyan Church, led the music.
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It’s always inspiring to hear the stories of life change and baptisms from our churches. This week’s baptism photo was shared by Pastor Mark Atkinson from Eastview Wesleyan Church. If you’ve not yet scheduled a baptism service for the spring, please consider Palm Sunday or the Sunday after Easter. We’re looking forward to a wonderful team celebration at District Conference for a record-breaking year of baptisms.
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This coming week will include meetings with LBAs and the district-wide DBMD. Next Sunday I’ll be with Pastor Dongell and the team at Plymouth Wesleyan Church. This week will also be Summit Week at Indiana Wesleyan University. Please pray for Rev. Matthew LeRoy who will be the keynote speaker for these spiritual renewal services.

Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent
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There’s still time to register for the Heartland Gathering. We’re going to have a great time and would love for you to join us! https://gathering.heartlandregion.org/

Sunday, January 5, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Thomas Beck and the growing congregation of Larwill Wesleyan Church. Rev. Beck is another of our district’s bi-vocational pastors. He and Julie have faithfully served the Larwill church family since 2000. This is a loving congregation with a heart for their small rural community, located midway between Warsaw and Columbia City. This conference year has been an exciting season of ministry with eleven baptisms and a recent high attendance of 45.
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After the worship service in Larwill and lunch with the Beck’s, I headed north to Elkhart to worship with Pastor Eliorgy Guerrero and the growing congregation at Cielos Abiertos Iglesia Wesleyana in their 3 p.m. service. I am grateful for Rev. Guerrero who now serves on our Crossroads District Hispanic Ministry leadership team along with Dr. Norman Wilson and Rev. Neftali Lopez. It was a delight to hear the message from Jose Cardenas, a lay pastor who is also working alongside Rev. Jarod Osborne to develop Hispanic ministry at Pathway Church in Warsaw.
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Follow 2019 Youth Conference was incredible. Zach Coffin and this team, including several of our Crossroads District pastors (Aldean Pablo, Christian Kelley, Jennifer Ellison, and others) did a terrific job of designing and delivering an amazing spiritual encounter for approximately 5000 Wesleyan students. I appreciated their leadership and the sense of God’s presence in each of the services I attended. Special thanks to all the parents, pastors, and volunteers who made it possible for so many of our Crossroads District students to participate in this life-impacting event.
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Many of our congregations are focusing prayer on our service men and women stationed in conflict zones. One of our youth pastors is currently deployed as a chaplain in the Middle East and sent me an encouraging report from his first three weeks on the ground.  “11 Salvations and 3 baptisms so far overseas. God is on the move.” Pray that the Lord will continue to provide protection and blessing on the ministry of our chaplains.

Pastor Matthew Stewart and the congregation at Sweetser Wesleyan Church are entering into a season of shared ministry with Sweetser United Methodist Church through July 12. Both congregations voted affirmatively to take this exploratory step that may result in a more formal merger in the coming year. Worship will be hosted in the UMC sanctuary and will be led by the Wesleyan team. The pastors will alternate sharing the pulpit. Pray that God will grant wisdom and unity in this initiative to more effectively reach their rural community with the Gospel.
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On a personal note, Sherry and I enjoyed time with our extended family over the Christmas break. We worshiped with three of our children in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the Sunday before Christmas and then joined Pastor Mark Atkinson and the team at Eastview Wesleyan Church for their Christmas Eve service. We were also blessed to have Josiah Gorveatte, our son, move closer to home from Florida last month to join Pastor Brad LeRoy’s team at Harvest Church in McCordsville.
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​I’m looking forward to this new year of ministry. This week includes a new round of coaching conversations, hosting the Region 1 South Zone (Jeff & Amy Luedtke’s zone) on Friday evening, and my first experience teaching Wesleyan Church History and Discipline at IWU. Next Sunday morning, I’m looking forward to being with Pastor Ben Jones at Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church.

Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, December 15, I had the privilege of worshiping with the wonderful folks at Wabash North Wesleyan Church. Rodger Smith serves as the supply pastor for this committed core of believers. I enjoyed the Adult Sunday School class, played organ in the worship service, and brought the morning message. Following the service, the congregation shared a meal in the fellowship hall. I celebrate this small church that has a big heart for world missions and for prayer.
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Last Monday, I participated in my first meeting (via Zoom technology) as a member of the Wesleyan Village Board of Directors (Brooksville). Dr. Don Maness, Executive Director, is bringing exceptional leadership to this growing ministry that serves so many of our Crossroads District retirees.

After our office staff meeting in Marion on Tuesday morning, I met with Dr. Mark Rennaker (Kokomo Southdowns Wesleyan) for our annual coaching conversation. Dr. Rennaker is another of our faithful co-vocational pastors who provides academic leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University in addition to his pastoral responsibilities at Southdowns Wesleyan Church.

Pastor Joe Park (Evergreen Wesleyan Wesleyan Church) met in Lafayette for our annual coaching conversation on Wednesday. Pastor Park had some wonderful testimonies to share of how God is moving in their congregation.
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The Crossroads District Board of Administration met at Wesleyan Headquarters in Fishers on Thursday afternoon. In addition to handling our routine business items and reports, we were blessed to welcome Marcus DePeal and Andy Riermersma, two of our ministerial students and recent IWU grads. Together, they lead Awaken, a ministry to students on campus at Ball State University, University of Indianapolis, and Indiana Wesleyan University, in partnership with Trinity Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis. It was encouraging to hear how God is opening doors to additional state universities and raising up next generation leaders.

After the DBA meeting, board members’ spouses joined us for supper along with special guests Dr. Wayne and Jan Schmidt. We always enjoy hearing from our General Superintendent and are glad that Dr. Schmidt is part of our Crossroads District team.
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Friday evening, Sherry and I were delighted to welcome Pastor Mark & Ronda Atkinson and pastoral couples from Region 1 South Zone 2. This was the last gathering of the calendar year. We always look forward to these evenings of fellowship and encouragement. With several former choir members in this group, we enjoyed singing a cappella Christmas carols. We closed our time together sharing in prayer for our families and churches in this busy season of pastoral ministry.
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Saturday afternoon, I drove north to Chesterton to join Pastor Matthew Trexler, Chesterton Campus Pastor Andy Hammond, and their wonderful volunteer team for the “Big Give.” Between the Chesterton and Marion campuses, The River Church will bless more than 1000 families with Christmas meals and a special presentation of the Gospel. Please join me in praying that God will bless all of our churches who are reaching out in creative ways to share God’s love with their communities in this Advent season.
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​Our prayers and sympathies are extended to two more of our ministry families who have had loved ones promoted to glory in the last few days.

The family of Mrs. Alberta Metz gathered at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church on Monday, December 9, to honor her memory and celebrate her life. Mrs. Metz left a legacy of teaching, writing and faith that extends to three generations in The Wesleyan Church. She served in pastorates for 25 years with her late husband, Floyd Metz. She also served as editorial assistant for the Wesleyan Advocate for twenty years, edited Sunday school curriculum for 11 years for Wesley Press, wrote 12 books, and served as a volunteer missionary in Czech Republic for three years.

Alberta’s daughter, Lydia Hines, and her husband, Rev. Thomas Hines, have been career missionaries with Global Partners. Her son, Rev. Daniel Metz, is currently pastoring in Pennsylvania.  Her grandson, Rev. Matthew Hines, is assistant pastor at Indianapolis Trinity; her grandson, Rev. David Hines, and his wife Rev. Emily Hines, are assistant pastors at Marion Brookhaven; and her grandson, Nathan Metz, is a missionary with WGM. Mrs. Metz requested that any memorials be directed to missionary work through Wesleyan Global Partners.

Rev. Albert H. Fletcher, 94, of Fort Wayne, formerly of Brooksville, Fl, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at his home. He spent his formative years in Emily. After high school he served in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his service in the Navy he graduated from Miltonville Wesleyan College with a degree in ministry. He then received a secondary education degree from Marion College and a degree in elementary education from the University of South Florida.

Rev, Fletcher was married to Lucille Leisy in Gordon, NE, on August 25, 1949. The couple then lived in Nebraska and Iowa where he pastored several churches, before settling in Florida. He was a Wesleyan Minister for over 30 years. Albert is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lucille Fletcher; two sons, Rev. Rick (Debbie) Fletcher (Pastor of Lifeway Wesleyan Church in Fort Wayne) and Phil (Cindy) Fletcher; a daughter, Linda Halt, four sisters, Lola Hermann, Carol Baas, Esther Vermillion and Rebecca Engle; ten grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Rev. Steve Fletcher; a brother, Rolland Fletcher; a sister, Ruth Baty.

Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10 followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., will be held in Fort Wayne at Lifeway Wesleyan Church on Tuesday, December 17.

This will be the last Crossroads District Team Update until the new year. Sherry and I will be spending Christmas Sunday with three of our children in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After Christmas, we will be joining with several thousand Wesleyan students in Cincinnati, Ohio for the FOLLOW19 International Youth Convention.

From our hearts to yours, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, December 8, I was able to worship with Pastor Heath Croft and the team at Level 13 Church in Fort Wayne. Level 13 Church began as a dream with Pastor Rob and Melinda Tippey welcoming people in their home back in 2005 and continues to be a congregation committed to meeting needs in the community under the leadership of Pastor Croft. Before the worship service, I had the opportunity to briefly connect with members of their leadership team. Remember Pastor Heath, Hayley and their family as they lead this ministry.
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Last week’s schedule included annual coaching conversations with Pastor Ryan Budde (Jonesboro Westview), Pastor Dan Heylmann (Shirley Grant City), Pastor Jeff Luedtke (Fairmount Wesleyan), Pastor Shane Wilson (Columbia City New Hope), Pastor Doug Sharrard (Lancaster), and Co-Pastors Carla and Zach Working (Huntington Hope Rising).
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Our three Assistant District Superintendents hosted Christmas events for pastors and spouses in their respective zones this week. Rev. Chris and Marietta Williams hosted the Region 3 team on Friday evening at the Whistlestop in Monon. Rev. Matthew and Nicole Trexler hosted the Region 1 team on Tuesday evening at the Roseberg in Marion on Tuesday evening. Rev. Mike and Leslie Colaw hosted the Region 2 team at Trinity Wesleyan in Indianapolis on Friday evening.
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More than 250 pastors and their spouses joined us for these meaningful times of fellowship and encouragement. We enjoyed delicious meals and delightful entertainment. At each of the locations, there was a drawing for door prizes which included some free registrations to the Heartland Gathering in Pigeon Forge coming up in March 2020. Thank you to each one of you who prioritized your participation even though Christmas is such a very busy time of the year. Special thanks also to Chris, Matthew, Mike, and their teams for a terrific job in organizing and hosting these events!
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The highlight of this week’s calendar for me will be our District Board of Administration meeting on Thursday at Wesleyan HQ in Fishers. I am grateful for each of these lay leaders and ministers who generously invest their time in providing oversight and governance to our collaborative ministries. We welcome your prayers for this meeting.

The 2020 Crossroads District All-Nighter is fast approaching! The main rally for this event is returning to Pathway Community Church (11910 Shearwater Run., Fort Wayne) at 8pm on February 21st (Doors open at 6:30pm and Pre-Rally starts at 7:45pm).
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The night will kick-off with giveaways, worship, message, and pizza. At the conclusion of the rally we will be enjoying time at Skyzone, Ultrazone/Laser X, Crazy Pinz, and the YMCA. If you love laser tag, trampolines, bowling, putt-putt golf, swimming, pizza, open gym, and rock walls, this event is for you! We hope that you will join us, along with several hundred other students and adults from the 100+ churches that make up our Crossroads District. Here’s the link to register your team:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/district-all-nighter-2020-registration-85348304075

And there’s still time to register for the Heartland Gathering.  We’re going to have a great time and would love for you to join us! https://gathering.heartlandregion.org/

Several have asked how the recovery process is coming since my heart attack back in October. I’m feeling stronger each day and continue taking part in cardiac rehabilitation therapy three times each week. The district team has been great in helping me adjust my schedule and I’m back to about 80% workload with plans to return to full speed by January. God has been so wonderfully faithful through this experience. I also appreciate your thoughts, your notes, and your prayers!

Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom in this Advent season!

Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent