I am very thankful for the wonderful annual meeting we had last Sunday evening at First Baptist Church of Platte City. It was a time of warm fellowship as we shared a meal together and followed by Christ honoring worship and a time to be encouraged by seeing all the amazing things God is doing in our association of churches. Pastor Rusty Savage and his team did an outstanding job hosting us and allowing us to use their brand-new beautiful facilities. I am also grateful for the unanimous support of our vision and adoption of the budget to see it accomplished. With your generosity, prayers, and engagement we can truly work synergistically and do more together and leverage the strength of partnering together for the gospel to reach the northland and the nations. It is a delight to serve as your Director of Mission. I am honored to work with tremendous leaders and faithful pastors who love and shepherd their congregation well and lead them to love their communities and proclaim the gospel of Jesus. My heart is full and I can relate to Paul’s words to the church at Philippi, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” You are my joy. – Dr. Gary Mathes