27/06/2021
Dear United family and friends,
We honour God with hearts of gratitude and thanksgiving as we conducted our final Service today. We have never failed to see God's faithfulness over these past 5 years of our existence as a local church in Morningside, Durban. We thank God for every moment, the highs and the lows, the sorrows and the joys, the hurts and the healings. Futhi and I have learned and grown so much as Jesus Christ has continued to sustain us.
I remember planting this church 5 years ago, how we stepped out with nothing but a Word we believed that we had received from the Lord. We had no promise of anyone attending, no idea how things would be financed, but God had a plan and He began working it all out. He slowly brought people in, God began knitting together a family.
Thank you to everyone who has journeyed with us in this. Some were with us a moment, some a season and some until today, but no matter how short or long, thank you for allowing Futhi and I to share in your lives. It has been a wonderful 5 years with many great times and a few challenges. Futhi and I got to celebrate with you, laugh with you, and sometimes even mourn with you and cry with you. We have seen those who we have been called to minister to, minister right back to us, encouraging, supporting, strengthening and uplifting us in our own times of distress. We have often seen the hand and face of Christ through those we have had the privilege of serving.
I have made many mistakes over this time as both pastor and leader, I have sometimes missed the mark, I have sometimes made decisions and later thought, "What on earth was I thinking?" but you have been gracious towards me allowing me to learn and grow.
Thank you for your support over these past 5 years. We wish everyone who has been a part of us at any time success and happiness as you continue in your walk with Christ. We ask that you continue to serve Christ with all diligence, that you find another solid Bible preaching church to join, get connected and involved as you flourish in the Kingdom of God. We pray that you continue to grow from strength to strength as God, in Christ, takes you from glory to glory.
As Futhi and I journey into this next chapter of life, as we step out into another frontier we ask that you continue to remember us in prayer. We don't quite know what lays ahead for us, but we are certain that God is faithful and that He is ordering our steps.
Thank you all and God bless,
Pastor Ashley & Futhi
