We were outliving our peers and because I have two associate ministers it would be awkward to select one above another - preference creates problems of partiality. He gladly agreed, and so after he finished his sermon on Sunday, I simply said, "and this is the man who will bury me when I die." It was an accolade of approval of the man; that's how much I honoured him.

Later that week I was kindly admonished by two women, who were concerned that in making that statement, it could cause people to believe that I was expecting to die, or that it was Death Wish 1 - but nothing could be further from the truth, I don't look for death, and hopefully as I have my mother's genes, I might, like her, reach 97. If the comment is so that the new 70 is actually 50 then I have many more years left, God willing of course. I look forward to heaven, but not just yet, there is too much to do on earth and for the kingdom. Every day is precious to study God's word and extend His influence worldwide. I still have quickness of mind, strength of body and fervour of soul. My vision for Christ is undimmed and my desire to pursue my calling is still undaunted.

If the church still grows, which it does, and youth especially still attend, which they do, and God's presence is still markedly manifest, which it is, and I can still connect with people of the congregation, which I can, then why retire and wish to move from time to eternity? Both Paul James and I rejoice in the ministry and count ourselves supremely blest beyond measure to be both called to the highest form of service for God, something we have not earned and certainly do not merit. Each day we rise from slumber we kneel and thank God for another day to serve him and the people. "To love the Lord our God is the heartbeat of our mission the spring from which our service overflows, across the street or around the world the mission's still the same; proclaim and live the truth in Jesus' name." [Steve Green]. Oh YES!

Michael

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