Dearest Legacy Family,

I do not possess the eloquence necessary to convey today my deep love for each of you. As I write this, I’m typing through tears because of my strong affection for you and this church and also because I’m certain that what is in my heart will not be communicated well enough to you today.

Five years ago you placed a faith in me that I didn’t even have in myself. You welcomed my family and me with calls and emails, letters and cards, hugs and casseroles. You honored me by giving me your platform from which to speak to you a faithful word from our God. In time, you grew to love me. And you showed it so well.

I thank our God for my brothers and sisters at Legacy — for you! — who have supported my family and me while we have ministered in this place. You have loved us and encouraged us. You have treated my children as your own. You have challenged me and prayed with me. You have taught me and matured me. You have shown tremendous patience and understanding with me. You have forgiven me. We have grown together. A lot. And you have given and given and given to me more than I could ever possibly ask or imagine.

And we love you, too. Oh, my word. We love you all so much.

Thank you.

Your many expressions of kindness and generosity over the past two weeks have just blown us away. You’ve overwhelmed us again with calls and emails, letters and cards, hugs and casseroles. Thank you for loving us more than we could ever deserve.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”           ~Numbers 6:24-26

We will always consider you our dear family. Please always consider us your servants in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to the eternal praise and glory of our Father in heaven.

Peace,

Allan