by Henry Knapp
What a surprise, a blessing, a challenge, and a joy these last six weeks have been! Kelly and I have been worshipping and serving our Lord with you since the beginning of the new year. As many of you have found out—that’s too short a time for me to yet know all your names (if I call you “Bob,” I’m probably just guessing)! It is also too short a time for us to have yet discovered all the wonders of God’s Kingdom work here at Hebron, or all the struggles we are to face together. However, first impressions are always interesting, and I’d love to share with you some of mine.
First, it has been a true joy to worship with you. The act of worship is in many ways the pinnacle of being human—God created us to be in His image, and to be with Him, and when we worship Him we come close to being exactly as we were intended to be. What a joy it is, then, when both Kel and I found ourselves at home with the worship at Hebron—really, the worship at all three of our services. One of the perks of my job is that I get to be at all the worship services. And, while there are significant differences in the services, what is common—a body of believers, holding forth the Word of God in praise and worship—is present at them all. If you haven’t attended one of the “other services” at Hebron, I’d encourage you to do so. You may not like every part of it, but it sure is uplifting to see folks praise the Lord together.
Second, you should know what a terrific staff is at work here at Hebron. It truly is uplifting to work alongside men and women who are passionate about seeing the salvation of our Lord expressed to all. And, as God so frequently does, He has taken a mixed group, a group of individuals who have unique gifts and unique struggles, blessings and faults, and He works in and through us for His pleasure and glory. The staff are in many ways an extension of the ministries and the Ministry Teams serving Hebron, so that the quality of what happens around here is connected to the quality of the people serving both on staff and diligently through the ministries and support structure God has raised up here.
Third, the biblical and theological foundation here at Hebron is so, so comforting. To be surrounded by fellow believers who are committed to hearing the Word of God, and submitting to that Word, seeking God’s transformation in our lives, and serving His world by holding forth the Gospel, is a tremendous thing. To speak of the power of God working through the Scripture and to see a body of worshippers who embrace that idea deepens my own devotion to the Lord. Now, I realize that there is much yet to do in this area—ministry here that will further ground our godly service in His Word—but the years of God’s presence and work is evident.
While it should come as no surprise at all (why, then, does it always surprise me?), God has so wonderfully taken care of me and my family during this transition. Kel and I love being here at Hebron, are enjoying learning all about the Penn Hills area, have been blessed with a marvelous home, and are already developing meaningful, significant relationships. While our children, Sabrina and Jason, have not spent much time with us here yet, their excitement for us, their prayers and support, is another expression of God’s blessings. All we could have asked for, all we did ask for, and so, so much more our Lord has given us!
Finally, I have also come to see that there is work for me to do here at Hebron. For all the wonders of God’s work in this place at this time, it is also clear that there is much yet for Him to do—much that God desires for us that we have not yet experienced. Christ is not finished with us yet! And so, I am encouraged by both the spiritual depth that is present in our congregation, and encouraged by the realization that there is ministry yet to be done.
I want to thank you over and over again for your welcome for Kelly and me. We have experienced God’s blessings in so many ways already and look forward to more to come.
God bless, Henry (and Kelly)
