I wish to inform the association that I will be planning to retire as DOM at the end of this calendar year, 2022. I started in the role of DOM at age 67, on January 15th of 2018, and so my retirement will take place just two weeks short of my fifth year in this position. I had intended to continue a few more years as DOM, however several factors have led me to make this decision. First and foremost, the physical health my wife, Dianne, is deteriorating and increasingly she is needing my help. I look forward to spending more time with her, our grandchildren and our brand new, great-grandson. I am also looking forward to serving the Lord regularly once again in my home church on a volunteer basis, as well as in the community, specifically as a member and as chaplain of the New Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.
As I look over the last five years, I can joyfully look back over past accomplishments, and at the same time sadly recognize that in some ways our association is weaker than it was when I first began. COVID has had a draining effect on the association as well as it has on many of our churches. I pray that God will refresh our vision for the importance of associational ministry, and that our churches, pastors, and lay persons will have a renewed sense of partnership in ministry to the glory of God. It is all about HIM and HIS work!
I am thankful for the wonderful privilege of serving the MMBA and working with so many caring and dedicated pastors and laypersons. You all have been a great blessing to me, as I hope I have been a blessing to you.
Please pray for our On Mission Council as we seek God’ direction for the association and for the next DOM. The OMC includes Ken Cavey (Moderator, and pastor of Bethel BC), Brian Corrick (Vice Moderator and pastor of Burntwoods Church), Jim Edmondson (Pastor of Elders BC), Woogki (James) Lee (Pastor of Korean Hope Church), and Josh Voght (Pastor of Mt. Airy BC.) I know they to will appreciate your prayers.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Steen, DOM