February 2026 Update

Dear Ones:

In my last Update I mentioned the tragic exodus of so many church pastors. There is a multitude of churches across the land with empty pulpits and struggling congregations. Burnout, lack of finances, depression, disillusionment, etc. are cited for this increasing trend. Mega churches also are crumbling for lack of true Biblical teaching and the idolizing of charismatic leaders. Commitment and faithfulness in ministry has waned; but so has marriage and family life. The Word says that “Moreover it is required in stewards [overseers] that a man be found faithful.” (1Cor. 4:2) While leaders are counting heads (how many?), God is looking for sold-saints (how much?) It’s one thing to expand the membership role; but it’s another thing to build up the members on the roll! I think God is weighing more than just counting.

I’m heading out this week to the Scranton, PA area to help celebrate the Home-going of Pastor Randall Kizer, a long-time son in the Lord. Rand was converted to Christ as a teenager; and has been the Lord’s “faithful steward” in preaching ministry right up to his recent promotion to Glory at 78 years old. Rand took the exhortation of “being faithful” very seriously; he rarely missed an opportunity to share his personal testimony of salvation with others. Unfortunately, many ministers today have become religious “CEO’s” egotistically attempting to be “successful” rather than humble and faithful servants.

Rand was a gifted soldier of the Cross, leaving an outstanding legacy for generations. Personally, the loyal and loving friendship of Rand and Linda (his wife) over these many years will never be erased. So to my beloved son in Christ: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of thy Lord.”!!

Thanks again for holding up my hands in prayer, especially for this trip. Every day is a new trial of faith but not without a new supply of grace. My mission class is going well with some signs of the Holy Spirit’s conviction. As the ol’ time preachers used to say, I’m eager to witness some genuine sin-defying, Devil-destroying, God-honoring, joy-filled conversions! Amen! Lord, do it again!

This is a challenging day to be alive. May God grant each of you a renewed sense of His presence and power as we anticipate His soon Return.

With my love and gratitude,

Pastor Bill

1 Cor. 15:58