For The Record

[justsam]

For the record-

I have developed several serious health problems, including high-blood pressure. In order to get treatment, I went back to work at UPS (which has excellent group-health insurance). The stress of working two jobs isn't helping my high-blood pressure or other health problems, and I can't get the treatment I need without health insurance. Got the picture? After much prayer and seeking the Lord's will, we have decided it is time to resign as pastor at the New Albany Church. If I felt the Lord wanted me to stay as the pastor, I would stay, however, we feel led in another direction.

Gerald, I hope this explanation meets with your approval, I really don't know how I will live with myself otherwise. If not, perhaps you could pay for my health insurance and make sure I get paid enough to support my family.

We are not going to attend the New Albany church so that whoever replaces us can establish their leadership without us getting in the way. We have decided to attend First Assembly in New Albany. What future involvement we may have in the Church of God of Prophecy is unknown at this point. I appreciate the kind words and support we have received and hope that you will continue to pray for us.

God Bless You- Sam Smith

[Pastor Bill]

praying for you brother, started to reply on the other thread, but it looks like it was locked. God knows what he's doing, and if he's leading you away that's not always a problem or bad thing, (although too often that's what is assumed). Glad to hear you are still part of the CoGoP (you haven't turned in your license or anything from what you said) and even if you're working in another organization, it's all for the same God, but it's good to have you (even if we don't always agree!).

[Paully_44]

and even if you're working in another organization, it's all for the same God, but it's good to have you (even if we don't always agree!).

Amen to that. Hope you get the healing you need.

[Gerald Creasy]

Gerald, I hope this explanation meets with your approval, I really don't know how I will live with myself otherwise. If not, perhaps you could pay for my health insurance and make sure I get paid enough to support my family.

I have said before and WILL say again: I feel the work you have done at New Albany was down right heroic.

The situation you walked into I do not think ANY Pastor here would have wanted.

I know New Albany has struggled and has been on life support for some time. I had hoped with the great things accomplished though you that that had changed.

As a person who has seen their congregation dwindle from 250 on sunday morning pressing 300 to 25 pressing 30 after pastors "moving on", I just may be a little jaded towards anyone who chooses to resign in the midst of marked improvement and hope your choice was not motivated by vindictiveness.

With knowing I do not say anything I do not believe, If you so choose you can ignore the good things I have said.

That is your choice.


PS
Maybe Pastor Bob will show you where both Rodney Howard Brown AND Todd Bentley sat!!!

[Jennifer Smith]

We love everybody in Cogop a whole lot and are very proud of the positive changes that have been made and the positive direction that is being given and received. I didn't attend the assembly this time because of school, and finances etc., but I heard a lot of very good things.

[INLOVE]

Praying for you Pastor Sam.

[stevenson]

It's sad to hear of us loosing another good man of God in the COGOP. But I know that both you and your wife will be a blessing no matter where you go.

[RamboPreacher]

prayers continue for you and your family.

[pitts47150]

I to, was going to post on the other post and couldn't find it. I think I deserve a chance to put my two cents in. First of all I would like to say, I've always heard that if you can't say something good about someone you shouldn't say anything at all. That way you don't offend. I feel i can voice my opinion in this because I'm right in the middle of it. Our church is NOT hurt with PastorSam. We are sad that they are leaving. They are our Family and we Love and Appreicate them so much. They have truely been a Blessing to our church. We know what issuses are involved and we understand what is going on. God works in mysteries ways sometimes and it is not for us to question God. God knows what and who we need and He knows what and where PastorSam and family need to go. Our church prays and supports their decision in this matter. Remember in the Bible, there is a verse that talks about One plants, another waters and God gives the increase. PastorSam and Jennifer have planted alot of seeds here. We have people that come sometimes in this neighborhood that i haven't never seen come. I know the work they have done has not went unseen by God. He now takes them to a higher level that they deserve. They have been mighty warriors for God. I know New Albany hasn't been the best place to Pastor, but just you wait and see. God has a plan and just maybe, one of these day he will call PastorSam and Jennifer back to us. You just want and see. I trust in God and I know he will make a way for our church.

PastorSam and Jennifer, Our church Loves you and we open our arms up wide to welcome you back anytime you all want. Just because your going to another church, that don't give you a break from us. We are still Family. We are all The Family Of God.

Mitchell, Katie, Patrick and Abbie, We Love you too. You have been a Blessing to us.

Well that is my TWO CENTS

[paul]

Dear Pastor Sam and Jennifer,

I've been out of town for over a week and had no access to the internet. I just returned and was catching up.

First let me say that your health is certinally in our prayers, and I pray that the ups job and insurance will cover all the necessities.

Your decission to step down as Pastor of the local church, I know could not have been an easy one. Been there. But I do know from the threads and your input you and Jennifer will be a great access wherever you decide to be used of God.

My prayers are with you.
Paul

[Karen]

For the record-

I have developed several serious health problems, including high-blood pressure. In order to get treatment, I went back to work at UPS (which has excellent group-health insurance). The stress of working two jobs isn't helping my high-blood pressure or other health problems, and I can't get the treatment I need without health insurance. Got the picture? After much prayer and seeking the Lord's will, we have decided it is time to resign as pastor at the New Albany Church. If I felt the Lord wanted me to stay as the pastor, I would stay, however, we feel led in another direction.

Gerald, I hope this explanation meets with your approval, I really don't know how I will live with myself otherwise. If not, perhaps you could pay for my health insurance and make sure I get paid enough to support my family.

We are not going to attend the New Albany church so that whoever replaces us can establish their leadership without us getting in the way. We have decided to attend First Assembly in New Albany. What future involvement we may have in the Church of God of Prophecy is unknown at this point. I appreciate the kind words and support we have received and hope that you will continue to pray for us.

God Bless You- Sam Smith

Pastor Sam,
We haven't had any interaction/conversations as far as I know but I do want to add to the well wishes for your health and ministry situations.

It is a terrible shame that an organization as large as the COGOP apparently does not supply a basic necessity such as health care to it's ministers, and because of that, you have seemingly had no other choice but to find employment that does provide this need. In my opinion, by doing this, the COGOP does not follow God's plan for the care of his ministers and they will give an account to God for this one day. They are bringing shame to his name.

But be encouraged. When one door closes, God opens another one. God can use you in all types of ministry. You don't have to have the backing or approval of any denomination or person for God to use you for his intent and purposes. Just stay obedient to him and with great care, diligently seek him and his ways.

May he make his face to shine upon you,
Karen

[Pastor Gary]

It is a terrible shame that an organization as large as the COGOP apparently does not supply a basic necessity such as health care to it's ministers, and because of that, you have seemingly had no other choice but to find employment that does provide this need. In my opinion, by doing this, the COGOP does not follow God's plan for the care of his ministers and they will give an account to God for this one day. They are bringing shame to his name.

I'd really be interested in knowing if your organization provides medical insurance for all of its ministers. Retirement?

[RamboPreacher]

retirement and healthcare/insurance is available to the ministers of COGOP, it's just not free.

[pitts47150]

What is it, COGOP pick on week. First New Albany use to be so Big. With 200 or 300 people coming. I've went there all my life and have never seen 200 or 300 people. So what if we are small, so what if we don't have any youth, so what this or that. God Loves us just as much as he Loves a Big church. We have Love for the Father and we Love each other. Now we are going to be held accountable for not having health Insur. And Please someone help us we are on Life support and have been for a long time. Please help me i've fallin and i can't get up.
Come on people, where is your Faith in God. Where in the Bible does it say a church has to be 200 or 300 hundred or even thousand people. I don't care if no one else believes but i do. I don't care if no one else wants to come, I will. I did Wed night. I've went there other times and just worshiped by myself. Just Me and the Lord. Just put us on the island for misfits. No one wanted them either.

[PastorP]

I'd really be interested in knowing if your organization provides medical insurance for all of its ministers. Retirement?

I too would like to know. Things have not always been great in the COGOP, but I love where I am, I love where I pastor. I am not far from retirement age and like so many others, I have no retirement, except SS, no home to move too either. I was told at a young age that God would provide. Although my situation is mirrored many times over, I will not allow my soul's enemy to cause me to become bitter and vindictive.

If anyone wnat to criticize the COGOP when they are not a faithful supporting member, they should realize how hypocritical they are in so doing..

As far as PastorSam goes, I fully understand how you must be hurting. I am blessed to have Health Insurance, although a very high cost to me personally. I don't know if I will be able to keep it if the premiums continue to increase, as I am sure they will. Brother, I can't say that I would never make the same decision that you have made. God bless you and keep you. We have never met personally, but remember you are loved and this ole' man knows how you feel.