Today, my beloved church family and I celebrated our Pastors’ 20th year of ministry at our humble church, in our small town of Warsaw. Pastors Chris and Kayren Lonneville have sacrificially and faithfully cared for many lost souls and broken hearts over the years, mine included. It was our privilege to take some time during our morning service to offer up words of gratitude and testimony regarding how God has used these two very special people in our lives. One of the themes I heard several times throughout this time of sharing was that of feeling “safe” under the leadership and care of Pastor Chris and Kayren. I’ve often thought that a sense of safety is one of our basic human needs. For some, perhaps safety doesn’t seem like a big issue, but for those of us who have ever been rattled by the insecurity of uncontrolled circumstances, the betrayal of those we’ve held most dear, or the trauma of abuse, safety becomes the most important possession for life and peace. Even when our circumstances settle down, our soul may still quiver and quake for weeks, months, even years as we grope for something solid – truth – assurance that we can begin to trust that life won’t implode in upon us in the next minute.
Twenty years ago, I found myself in despair and without direction – daily rattled to the core with a sense of profound vulnerability and fragility. In God’s mercy and love, He held me in a healing embrace and gave me the gifts that would help me find my sanctuary – my safe place in God; those gifts are named Chris and Kayren. Through their loyal, faithful and fierce devotion to my family and me, gradually I found that the grace holding me up was solid, strong and sure. Even if I faltered or failed, this grace sustained me, and my pastors continued to gently care for me in my weakness. I think that’s what made me feel safest: the unconditional love, care and support through those hardest times. I could rest while I healed. My church became like an ICU, and my pastors oversaw my healing, while they prayed that the Great Healer would go deep into my heart, putting the pieces back together. And He did. And He does.
Good pastors help foster a safe place for those who feel unsafe, and yet they also encourage those hiding in comfort zones to come out and trust God with the mysteries and uncertainties of life. Pastor Chris and Kayren taught me that my safety isn’t about what goes on around me, but Who reigns in me. I know that I can fully trust Jesus, the King of my heart. I believe that Chris and Kayren are great pastors and great pastors sit by your bed in the ICU until you find strength to walk. They walk beside you until you find the power to run. And they coach, challenge and cheer you on to run with all your might, until you get off the ground – and fly.
I sincerely love and appreciate these two gifts from God, my pastors, Chris & Kayren.
