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One Word Will Not Do

**The following was a thank you note written to pastor Ken Westbrook to go in the Sunday Bulletin on the weekend of His retirement.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi he expressed his appreciation for them with these words. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:3) Literally, "on" or "upon" every remembrance. That is, every time that the church at Philippi crossed his mind it caused his heart to give thanks back to God for all the church had done for him.

Every once in a while God will send someone into your life who will do just this. A simply thank you will not do, but for the rest of your life you will be grateful to God for what that one person has meant. I think I understand what Paul was expressing in these words. It was one year ago that I first received a phone call from Ken Westbrook. He talked fast, thought fast, and did not seem to be too impressed with me. For some reason, that I may never know, he called me again.

Over the past year Ken has been willing to be my guide, my teacher, answer my endless questions, and supply me with the resources that I need to do ministry. So I must try in some way to express my appreciation. I thank you for what you have given me- from your time, from your vast knowledge and experience, from your library, and from the art of your craftsmanship. To say a simple thank you is not enough. But this I know for sure, that for the rest of my ministry I will hold tight to my remembrances of you. I will look at the box on my desk that you crafted to hold my ordination Bible, I will remember your prayers for me in your office during my early struggles, and I will remember the evening we made my bookshelves in your backyard. For these things and many more I will give thanks back to God when my mind recalls the riches that He has given me in you. This is what I can offer, because one word simply will not do.

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