After 23 years of full-time employment in my church, the Grace Communion International in the Philippines, I will be facing retirement beginning this February 15, 2009. Life is so full of twists and turns and I have mixed emotions at this time. It’s I guess, bittersweet? I don’t know. So, this is how it feels when one is told that he is soon-to-be retired and out of employment after a few decades. Lord, please help me deal with this situation!
Facing Retirement
Just a few days ago I heard the news on TV and I really felt sad that after 35 years of operation in the Philippines, Intel had to close shop and its 1,800 employees had to go. That’s a lot of people who are going to go jobless in the Philippines. And I thought to myself, “Wow, it looks like I’ll be joining them soon!” What a coincidence. I will now join the ‘company of the unemployed’ in just a few weeks.
Still Somewhat Employed
Yes, I will be “retired” somewhat. But I will still continue to serve as the senior pastor of my denomination’s Pampanga local congregation. I am affiliated with the Grace Communion International by the way, an evangelical denomination. In a few days, I will become a bi-vocational pastor just like the Apostle Paul who also worked part-time as a tent maker to earn a living. I feel sad but also at the same time, I have mixed feelings. A new beginning and a new challenge in life!
New Chapter in Life
So, I’m now re-tired—I hope with new tires—ready for a new beginning. Ready for a new chapter in my life. I plan to go blogging as I continue my life’s journey with the Lord.
The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away. Thanks be to the Lord!
hi pstr len. so sad to hear the news.. but still, ders a feeling of joy that u are still willing to serve..(i knew it, ^__^).. so bfore feb 15… i wana grit u A HAPPY
va L-E-N tines
DAY!.. hehehehehe
Hope to see you… Bisita2x sad sa mindanao sir len… and i know you will be missed here in iligan… so glad nagkita pata sa combine service sa delux hotel cdo with pstr guzon. Godbless you and ur family!
everything will be fine….im out of work too and i’m not on retirement…but i’m taking my time… so just go with the flow pas… 😉
Pastor Len,
In view of God’s movement of you to take the noble step to rely on His faith for the future, the Butuan City brethren wish you would take this token of encouragement in the way He moves, much as did Abram, to go where He leads us, not knowing the outcome but going in the grace of God nevertheless.
Here’s wishing you Godspeed and best wishes!
sir, well said, a new ballgame, new challenge, new beginning. di pwedeng mag retire kung c Lord ang “boss” . more blessings to come, more of Him in ur life. Godbless !!!
Sir good afternoon, I am so shock of the news but I know God has prepare a place for you and He will never forsake you nor leave you but He will provide everthing that you need. thnaks for 35 faithful years in the service for the Lord.
Sir, just enquiring if you will bwe coming with mr Guzon this coming Saturday Feb. 07, 2009 in his visit here in Mindanao? Thnks and God bless.
Hi, Sano Len!
So sad to know of your retirement but I know your can go through all of these challenges. I hate to say it, but just the same, “Welcome to the Club!” It may be hard at first but our God has a way of settling things far beyond our comprehension. I’m just sorry for our wives because they are the ones most affected. I think you know how women are… they worry! But with our support and encouragement, they will be able to see things in a different and positive light. With you, we can always say with confidence, “…The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
– Sano Romy
Hi Len. I was sorry to hear about your retirement. I know that this means a big transition in your life and that of your family – but you have served the people of the Philippines, especially those in the church, and touched the lives of many people over the years in a way that has enhanced their knowledge of and walk with Jesus Christ. That continues but simply in a slightly different way. In some respects, I think that modelling servant leadership can be done more powerfully when someone is not employed by the church.
Our best wishes for God’s blessings to you and your family,
Rod Matthews
God is great, He has a lot of plans for you, we know you are glorifying Him in your service.
with our prayers,
vk
Hello and greetings.Welcome to the club.Have retired from work in the Commission on Audit last 2005 yet, but just like you have not retired from labouring and working for Jesus Christ which is the main purpose of our life here on earth, which Jesus Christ only will have the decision and authority to retire us, since He is the one who calls us to a Divine calling. Keep up your labour of Love which you have done for Him, for He will guide you and this time carry you for He loves you very much. Take care and God bless.
Len,
Thank you for sharing the news. Life is the journey and it sounds like yours is about to get more exciting. God will guide and superintend in all ways.
Best Regards,
Randal
Dear Sir,
We want to thank you for the many ways you have helped us participate in Jesus Christ’s ministry (teaching us about expository preaching, guiding us about pastoral teams, inspiring us through the WCG Philippines weekly updates, even reminding us of Pastor Joseph Tkachs video message and other inputs from WCG Headquarters, etc.)
God bless you. He is the One continually protecting you and guiding you.
Sincerely yours,
Reggie and Cathy
Hi Len,
May the good Lord guide and preserve you every step of the way. Will be praying for you and your family.
May you be encouraged by what the Lord said to Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land in Joshua 1:8-9, at this time in your spiritual journey.
Do keep in touch…….
K. Rey
Sir Len,
It’s always good to know you’re around.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I’ll say good night till it be morrow”
Looking at the picture of your little one at an artesian well gave me goosebumps. Godspeed and keep blogging and will surely visit your blog now and then.
JC
Dear Senior Pastor & one of my best Friend,
I really am very sad and that’s not a good news for me and also other members. As a good pastor and teacher your tire is not just like a good rich tire and or a good year tire but for me yours is GOOD NEWS TIRE, to the fact that you are not tired of going one place to another preaching the to Word of God wherever you go. You are also a good servant of our Lord.
Friend, I will always pray for you and your good family and God be always with you. May I invite you one day here in Caloocan GILF congregation to preach and teach us.
God Bless you friend,
Ptr. Mar S. Abary & Cinia
Hi Ptr Len
I rejoice with you in your new tires. There are so many roads to travel to and new tires will never be shortchanged of opportunities to witness and experience God’s never-ending andalways fresh grace.
Tessie
Dear Sir Len:
Good Day!
Greetings from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. My family and I would like to extend our best regards to you and your family and we pray for guidance and wisdom as you assume the responsibility as the full time Sr. Pastor of Pampanga Church.
Truly, we will be missing you here in Mindanao. Hopefully you can still have time someday to visit us.
Please extend also our best regards to our brethren there.
God bless you always,
Geoffreym,Sarah and Kids ( Sarina, Sheen & Gerson)
abinatividad wrote today at 8:24 AM
Yey! God bless you Ptr. Len. ^^, Congrats po!
Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nagawa, at patuloy niyo pang gagawin para sa God at sa mga anak niYah. ^^,
-aBi
wow ayus sir Re-TIRED 🙂 God bless you sir in your renewed journey 🙂
Hi Sir Len, Maam Joji, Veejay, and Jingie,
We are sorry to hear the news that you will be retiring from fulltime employment in the church this February. At first we felt sad and worried about you and family especially that times are getting tough nowadays. But on second though, there is no need for us to be alarmed for God is with you. He is very much in control and He understand how your family feel as you go through another phase of your life. Just hang in there for God has a better plan for you.
We will try to arrange in whatever little ways we could be of help here in CDO while you are on transition. We love you very much and you are a true friends. The fun memories with your family will always stay in our hearts. We thank God for you. Take care.
Jeng, gemma, aya, ian
good day sir len . . . .
good for you to be retiring while still able . . .
retiring does not mean not working . . . it is being free of your time . . . .
and yes being re-tired is much better since you are still doing it for the Lord . . . . GOD BLESS . . .
i miss your old updates . . . . especially the SPoL . . . we use it as part of the announcement during our Worship Services . . . . how can we be able to have them again?
TY
jun
Hi Len,
I don’t know what to say. Either “welcome to the club” or not. Kasi mukhang hindi ka naman totally retired. Senior pastor ka pa rin. Anyway I hope for the best for you. I am happy you remain the senior pastor of the Pampanga church.
Keep up the good work. GBU.
Med Maninang
Len,
Congratulation,a new chapter of life begin.
Dear Len,
So sorry to hear of your retirement but happy to see your spirited attitude of re-tirement… Best wishes as I know you will find your a fulfilling way forward that continues to serve those in need.
I read you blog for the first time via the link you provided in your e-mail. It was interesting. You are a very good writer. Of course words and actions have been your profession until now. I hope you will find a way to continue.
As encouragement, I wonder if it will be helpful to revive our conversation in Cambodia regarding the exploration of resource mobilization strategies for our respective organizatoins. In your blog, you have one article about the needs of inmates for supportive spirititual, legal and administrative assistance. Well, we know the saying that “crime doesn’t pay”, but it is my experience that resources are available for providing for the rights and needs of the poor and oppressed (“Uphold the rights of the poor and oppressed.” Psalm 82)
Your compeling writing style could easily be adopted to strategic planning and proposal writing for resources from religious and secular sources. You also have many contacts and moral supporters, so maybe they can help connect you with possible funders.
Well, I have never started an NGO, only worked for one, and I am not sure I have the guts to try, (although I have contemplated a ayugan based community development NGO in my own “re-tirement”), but maybe you do and maybe it could help you continue to do what you have been doing. Just an idea. 🙂
All the best,
David
Len,
What a journey, that journey will never end for the service of God. Yes, you are only re-tired to continue your journey, you have just made a sojourn but the trail will go on and on again. Until, again, you will start the journey to the next dimension. Until we reached the road less traveled. With all the guidance (after we fall) and comfort (after we are hurts) coming from Him, your journey will be the journey to paradise.
Take care lang pirmi Len sa imong health and give my regards to Jojie…
haha..retired but instead re-tired..cool! Happy to know sir u will still be around(^-^)
With new tires, you will do great by His grace!
You are very much appreciated Pastor Len!
Godspeed on the new journey.
Dear Len,
It is indeed a blessing to be re-tired. Congratulations and may you have more success in your new endeavors with the Lord’s blessings.
God moves in exciting ways… He won’t keep us bored! Ahahaha!
Hi Len…I did not recall that you worked at Intel. Tammy and I both worked at Intel too! Tammy worked there for five years and I did for two years. I much appreciate your good work. You will remain in my prayers, Every blessing, joseph
Hello Pastor Len,
I am so very very sad po. I heard the news po last night from one of our members here in northern Luzon.
I read po your blog note on it. Thank you po for setting an example on how to take this kind of situations in our lives.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Arlan