By Pastor Ross Helgeton
This is the 628th article that I have written for the Stettler Independent…and my last one. In this final article, I would first like to reflect on the past. It was big Bill at the Little House of Coffee, having learned that I had done some writing in the past, who put me in touch with Tom, the editor of the Independent at that time, and I began writing shortly thereafter.
I thought that it would be mostly seniors who would read my article. However, based upon the feedback that I have received, there has been a cross-section of age and interest groups.
There has been criticism along the way, but not much. I have noticed that the little three letter word “sin” seems to be an irritant to some. Could it be that the mention of, and discussion of various manifestations of sin, is a little too personal and perhaps touches areas of sensitivity within the conscience? Incidentally, it has not bothered me to discuss these matters, as it simply encouraged me to know that the articles were being read and interacted with.
There have been other notable results from this 450 to 500 word article. For example, an individual contacted me about a decade ago and said that reading my article had changed his plan to end his life. In another instance a couple showed up at my church one morning. They told me that, “We have come to see if your spoken words are as enjoyable as your written ones.” I thanked them for not putting any pressure on me and they made my church their church from that day forward. Though this couple were older than my wife and myself, they became good friends. They are both with the Lord now so we will reconnect later.
For the last part of this article I would like to project into the future. I feel a little bit like Mark Twain when he arrived at a speaking engagement after hearing a rumor that he had died. He began his speech by informing his listeners that, “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Well, there have been two previous waves of inaccurate information suggesting that I have retired. More than a year ago, someone asked me how my retirement was going. I replied, “Not very well I suppose, because I’m still going to work!”
The fact of the matter is that I did resign from my beloved church in Erskine recently, but I have no intention of retiring. I am planning to remain in Stettler, enlarge my counseling ministry, perform funerals and weddings, take short-term pastoral opportunities and continue as volunteer chaplain at our local hospital.
I have been thankful for the opportunity to publish an article in a community that I have grown increasingly fond of with the passage of time. I want to genuinely thank my readers for the encouragement and support that you have afforded me. May God bless you daily and richly!
Sincerely, Pastor Ross
Phone: (403) 742 – 3384, Email: revrh@telus.net.