Keith Kirk Pastoral Installation

Today, I travel to Bald Knob, Arkansas to preach the installation service for Brother Keith Kirk.  He was elected to serve that congregation about three months ago.  It was formerly pastored by Bro. Oakes, now retired.  His wife, Sis. Gwen Oakes, is our International Ladies Ministries President.

Keith grew up in Toledo.  He graduated from Apostolic Christian Academy and was part of our youth group and then served as our youth leader for a brief time after Travis Miller left for St. Louis.  Keith had a sterling record here and was a friend to everyone.  We missed him very much when he left to be youth pastor in Troy, IL, but the First Apostolic Church couldn’t be more proud of him today.

Men from this church pastor in various places around the country.  Dave Olsen, in Lincoln, RI, Charles Hurst, in Bangor, ME, Ed Nichols, in Rittman, OH, Max Manley, in Salinas, CA, A. J. Dummitt, Radcliff, KY, and the late Victor Bentley in Marietta, OH.  Missionaries David Ward, Paul Dennis and Roy Well also call this church their home.  Minister’s wives also hale from Toledo, including Michelle Curatti, Tiffin, OH, and Patty Arnold, Gainesville, FL.  We view all of these ministries as extensions of this church. 

A small note on my back...

I went in for my third cortizone shot Wednesday, July 25.  After interviewing me and manipulating my spine, the good doctor said I didn’t need the shot at this time, if ever.  He said to give the office a call in three or four months if I felt the pain flaring up again.  Otherwise, I was good to go.  I still experience twinges of pain from time to time, depending on my movement, but nothing  like the debilitating pain that I had at the beginning.  This is wonderful news.  I am a few phyisical therapy sessions and exercise repetitions away from my first swing of a Taylor made 360 cc driver since May 8, 2007.  Other than winter months, this is a record stretch of golf abstinence for me!  Pray, saints, pray.  If it weren’t for that grandbaby, I don’t think I would have made it.  I love you all.

Update on my back

I went to the neurosurgeon on June 14.  After examining me and looking at my MRI pictures, he concluded that I had a protruded disc between L4 and L5.  He said I could get better without surgery if I could stand some pain for the next few months, with some physical therapy and cortizone injections.  I’ve had one injection so far and the results were almost immediate.  I am now walking without a walker or cane, and I continue to improve each day.  I’ve cut my pain medication way back.  I have resumed my regular preaching and teaching duties, although I still sit on a high stool to get me through.  I am very grateful for the many prayers, cards, calls and words of encouragement. 

The upside of this experience is the education I’ve received through pain that I would not have gotten any other way.  Early on, a church elder told me that God was permitting this for a reason.  I thanked him for his insight, although it really didn’t register on me at the time.  I’m sure there’s more to learn, but I have already had my perspective dramatically changed in many ways.  Some changes involve sympathy, empathy, appreciation for people, time management, and more.  Also, this hiatus gave me time to start this blog, something I probably would have never done, at least as extensive as this. 

As I keep getting better, I’ll let you know.