Sabbatical Update

“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is an old Yiddish adage meaning, “Man Plans, and God Laughs.” I’ve been reminded of that as I’m wrapping up the last few days of the sabbatical graciously granted by our Crossroads District Board of Administration.

Things did not go exactly as had planned. The two-week study tour in Israel with Dr. Jim Garlow was canceled at the last moment for obvious reasons. We continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and stand with Israel in this time of tragedy and conflict.
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With that unexpected cancellation, we scrambled and found last-minute tickets on a transatlantic cruise from London to New York City. One delightful surprise was to discover that Rev. David and Suzanne Cox, Laketon Wesleyan Church, were on the same cruise. Ask Pastor Dave about our bumper car experience.

Our cruise was intended to include a stop in Bermuda, but once again plans were changed. Hurricane Tammy decided to visit Bermuda at the very same time we were scheduled to dock there. Our captain wisely rerouted the ship, and we made an unexpected stop in Halifax Canada before landing in New York.
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We arrived home just in time for me to begin the second chapter of the sabbatical plan. I flew to Zambia to participate in a two-week training course called Leadership Matters. I had a wonderful first weekend with Bishop Juden Siachetema and his team. Unfortunately, my body reacted poorly to the malaria medicine or to some of the local delicacies. Wisdom dictated returning home one week earlier than planned.

I’d only been home a few days when I received the unanticipated news that my stepmother, Mrs. Merle Gorveatte, had passed away at her home in New Brunswick Canada. My father and Merle were married in their 80s and enjoyed five years together until Dad passed away last fall. I was able to make arrangements to travel there to connect with our extended family and to bring remarks at her funeral service. Obviously, I would have been unable to do so if I had remained for the second week of class in Zambia.
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The good news is that I’m returning from my sabbatical both refreshed and inspired. I was able to see God work in unexpected ways and unforeseen circumstances. In all these twists and turns, God once again proved himself to be more than faithful and always good.

I worshiped with Anglicans in a cathedral in England (Winchester Cathedral was dedicated in 1093), with a Catholic priest in the music room of a cruise ship, with a vibrant Wesleyan congregation overflowing a concrete block building in Africa, and with thriving Wesleyan churches here in Indiana. God is on the move!

Sherry and I enjoyed relaxing walks in England, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. We enjoyed unplugged days and leisurely conversations during our two weeks at sea. I was able to catch up with relatives and friends for visits that were long overdue. My reading list ranged from Michael Hyatt’s life planning resources to Jim Cymbala’s recent book, Fan the Flame.

The last days of my sabbatical coincided with our family Thanksgiving gathering. It was a blessing to have all four of our children and their families in our home for this celebration. We were able to celebrate the 80th birthday of Sherry’s father, Rev. Bob Wilkerson and to receive the exciting news of another grandchild arriving next summer.

I thought my sabbatical plan was good but I’m glad that God’s plan was much better!

Special thanks to Dr. Chris Williams, Assistant DS, for his point leadership at the district office during my sabbatical. Thank you also to Michael Wood, District Administrator, Rev. Kalina Carlson, Executive Ministry Partner, Dr. Craig Thurmon, District Secretary, and Rev. Matthew Trexler, District Treasurer, for the important roles they continued to play in my absence. Thank you to Rev. Carla Working, DBMD Chair, and our Circuit Riders, Rev. Mark Atkinson, Dr. Jim Lo, and Dr. David Smith for their guest articles in our weekly team update. I’m grateful that we’re blessed with such a great district team!

Sherry and I can’t wait to see so many of our pastors and their spouses at one of our four Christmas gatherings coming up over the next two weeks of December!

​Please join us in prayer for Follow ‘23 coming up in four weeks. May this rising generation of our Wesleyan churches encounter our mighty God in a fresh and powerful way at this event!

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

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent