by Russell Burrill

The month of October is designated as “Pastor Appreciation Month.”  At Pioneer we are grateful for all the pastors that serve this congregation magnificently. We are very blessed. During this time we want to let them know how much we have benefited from their ministry. The powerful sermons of Dwight Nelson have lifted us higher in our walk with Jesus. The evangelistic emphasis of meeting the needs of our community, inspired by Pastor Rodlie Ortiz, has reinvigorated the mission of PMC. The excellent ministry of Grow Groups that have caused so many of us at Pioneer to grow in our relationship with Jesus has happened because of the loving ministry of Pastor Sabine Vatel. Her smile is contagious.

Keeping our church on a sound financial platform is the awesome responsibility of Sharon Terrell. Her ministry is not just creating financial statements, but lovingly caring for people in the process of handling the finances of our stewardship. And what would we do without the caring ministry of Don Dronen, visiting us in the hospital and caring for us in our times of deepest need? Our youth depend on the spiritual guidance of Pastor Ben Martin. What a marvelous counselor he has been to so many of them as they make major life decisions. Our lively student chaplain, Pastor Jose' Bourget, continues to help us as a church relate to our young college students, who are such a vital part of Pioneer life. All of us are uplifted Sabbath after Sabbath by the awe inspiring music of Ken Logan. Pioneer would not be Pioneer without his special gift from God. Pioneer's reach extends further than our walls, with Pastor Taurus Montgomery leading the Harbor of Hope church in Benton Harbor. This church serves a vital part in our neighboring town. Pioneer's church service even reaches people worldwide due to the media ministry lead by Richard Parke.

So during this special month of recognition, we want to take the time to thank each of them for their ministry among us. The elders of the church plan to do this formally, but we are asking each one of our members to choose one of the pastors who has been especially meaningful to you in some way this past year and either send them a note or offer them a word of encouragement, so they know that their ministry has been appreciated by all of us.