Senior Pastor Leaves

Neither Sharon nor I had a clue about what God was doing when we stopped to see a house and some property in Arkansas on our way home from the Billy Graham School of Evangelism last September. It was the longest time away from work that I had ever taken since I was fourteen years old! We had spent time in the Smokey Mountains, and I enjoyed the time away from a hectic pace of ministry at New Hope and Universal City United Methodist Churches. I had left behind the care of the parishes for almost three weeks!
We know a couple in Clarksville, Arkansas, and we had decided to spend our last day of vacation with them. At about 5 p.m. of that last evening with them, they took us by a couple of places for sale. (They always do this when we’re there.) This time they took us by a home that took my breath away and put a smile on my face. From the front porch, I looked across a very large spring-fed pond (on the property) and could see the mountains of the Ozark National Forest “smoking” like the ones in the Great Smokey Mountains. The house was big and from my point of view beautiful.
The realtor met us the next morning, and we went through the house; the interior left much to be desired, so I kept walking back outside to see the setting. The price was (compared to prices in Texas) low.
On the way back to Universal City, Sharon and I prayed and spoke constantly of the house for

the 10 hour drive. We thought it would be a great place to live when we decided to retire. (We did not have a place to go when retirement came.)  We placed a bid on the house. Before I knew what happened, we had an accepted bid. When we started the process of getting a loan, we discovered something that brought us up short! In order to purchase the home and either rent it (which is not practical in that location especially with the economy in recession) or leave it vacant waiting for “retirement,” the increase in mortgage and insurance over the life of the loan would be more than I make in a year!
Ambushed by finances!!
We had prayed for God’s plan in all this; God seemed to respond to our request through bankers and insurance agents. So, I am retiring at the end of May - a few years early in my book!
Many have asked me how they can help Sharon and me. Two ways: First, pray that Sharon and I will finish well at UCUMC, remain in God’s will as we depart, and find God’s purpose for us in Clarksville, AR. Second, we will be packing ourselves and need boxes. Liquor boxes are great with lids. Places like Specs give them away. We need very many.
Also, pray for the Bishop to send God’s best pastor to UC and New Hope UMC.

Peace,

Rev Myron