My dear son,
I realize you will be serving Christ in a world far different than the one where I was trained and first released into ministry. Your methods, your dress, your vocabulary, the technologies you use and even the problems you face may have little in common with the world I knew, or even the world in which we both minister today. You will be a faithful servant of Christ not because you mimic my words or imitate my ministry style, but because you live out the timeless values we share – values that come to us from the Word of God and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
So while I still have the opportunity, I want to take a few minutes to summarize in writing the values and life lessons I have attempted to live out before you and most want to pass on to you.
Joey it has been awesome growing alongside you, I hope I never seemed to busy with my own life to invest in yours. I hope that I have shown you integrity in my walk with Christ. I pray that I have showed humility when I have been wrong ( which has. been often) . I hope I have modeled for you what being a faithful husband is in my relationship so that one day you too will be a great husband.
I know that sometime soon you will be called away to ministry. It is sooner than I would like but I know you are ready. I’m confident in your relationship with The Lord you truly are abiding in him and your are pushing yourself to be uncomfortable in your faith, constantly wanting more of Him. Continue to be a faithful servant to the ministry he has called you too. Be critical of what you do know that God wants our best, so give him your first fruits.
I know I have not been perfect, but I have tried to advise you the best I could looking to God and to scripture not just my feelings when you have come to me for advice. I want only the greatest things for you and those things will only come from our father in heaven. Being new to ministry is extremely tough it won’t be easy on you and your relationships, but pursue him fervently and he will provide. Remember don’t manufacture energy, be excited about what The Lord is doing and that should give you more than enough excitement.
Lastly I want to remind you to keep the cross as your focus, keep you eyes and your message, on the grace of God and what he has done for us on that cross. Keep the main thing the main thing. Remember to share your story of how Christ has changed you. I love you man keep doing what your doing and don’t ever grow discouraged.
Your brother in Christ
Brian Colligan
