From Generation To Generation: Let The Journey Continue.

Today is special day:  Just over 45 years ago I actually made Jesus the Lord of my life, and shortly thereafter I committed myself to serving Him in ministry.  It took years for me to finish college and seminary, since I was drafted and served in the military.  Then I got married to TLOML,  and we began raising a family; however, along the way, our little family journeyed together as we served churches ... even during our first tenure in the USAF...while enlisted.  In fact, during our seminary years,  we actually were the Pastor and family for 5 churches at once.   I was truly a "Circuit Riding Preacher" during those days.

Eventually I did the hard work required by The Discipline of The United Methodist Church, and after having completed all the college and seminary work and passing all boards, I was ordained as a "Full Conference Elder" in the UMC in June of 1983 at The North Alabama Conference... though I was ordained earlier as a "Deacon" in 1980.  TLOML was right there with me every difficult and challenging step of the way.

Years past, and God moved our family all over.  Sometimes I was separated from them, and I was as even in Kunsan Korea for a short while-actually served all over Korea during that time.  I even was privileged to serve as the Chaplain for the Space Shuttle Discovery Crew, as we celebrated their successful mission 2 1/2 years after the Challenger Shuttle exploded.  As an Air Force Reserve Chaplain I served in support of just about every conflict our nation has experienced since Vietnam.  Also served during Vietnam during my enlisted tenure. Besides my service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, at least one other of those assignments will always be remembered as being very special.  For we served in southern Italy for a time.  This was indeed an unusual opportunity for TLOML, the children and me.  Presently I am completing my time as a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor and Chaplain in the Veteran's Administration.

In one place we served, Hernando UMC, in Hernando, Florida we  faced many challenges  and experienced many miracles... not only in the church... but also in the lives of our family.  One of those miracles began occurring in the life of  our son, Zachary, who preached his first sermon in that place.  God's anointing was upon him that day. This anointing still resides on him to this very day.  Later he publicly declared his calling into ministry.  He completed his college and his seminary. While in college he facilitated a powerful ministry called "Beyond."  He already has served in numerous capacities at one church called Haines City First Presbyterian Church --under the mentor ship of Reverend, Doctor Tom Christian, and he served there for 11 years. Along side him was and is TLOHL... not to mention the 2 children who came along during this time.

Anyway... today He is being ordained at First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, Florida @ 4 PM: This is  forty-five years after I first felt God's call...a little more than 30 years since I was ordained myself. And on this year, where I am seriously considering retiring... Zachary C. McGowen will be ordained as Reverend Zachary C. McGowen.  

God still proves that He is the God of the generations.  No, it is not about me or the "me generation" who are the children of the 60s, but is about God working out everything according to "the plan" and bringing everything into conformity with the purpose of His will.  This old SoJourner and family are very grateful to get to be a part.

Yup! We Are Being Blessed 2day.

Especially 2day.

I Hope You Are Blessed This Way 2day As Well

SoJourner