Pastor and family bid farewell

By Chris Bowers

My family and I moved to Tallassee in November of 2012. Wow! It’s hard to believe it’s almost been three years!!

Since that time I’ve had the privilege of serving as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, participating in numerous functions as part of the Tallassee Ministerial Alliance, being part of starting a wonderful ministry in the area (Jobs for Life), and serving as the Chairman of the Board at ACTS. And these are just some of the highlights!

My wife and I have also made many friends. I coached the Tallassee Middle School Soccer Team. My wife and several other ladies made regular visits with children to the Tallassee Nursing Home. In summary, we made it our goal to be a part of this community while God has had us here. And we have been so blessed!

We will now be leaving Labor Day weekend to pursue a missionary calling to Beirut, Lebanon (see more, including how to support this ministry, at www.bowersinbeirut.com). We will spend the next several months speaking to individuals and churches all across the nation asking them to partner with us, because we believe so strongly in this work we are leaving to do.

However, in reflecting on our time here I just wanted to say, “Thank you, Tallassee!” This has been such a great place to raise a family and do ministry. As our oldest entered school the folks at Tallassee Elementary were so, so helpful. And they have been the same as we are making this transition onward.

Serving with the Ministerial Alliance has been a blessing almost beyond comparison. I’ve seen each of the ministers involved going above and beyond to help the people of Tallassee, each other, other ministries in the Tallassee area, and a host of other things. This is what the church should be! And I’m so privileged to have been a part of it.

As I’ve ministered here these past three years so many people in the community have bent over backwards to help I can’t even begin to acknowledge them all. Several local businesses allowed me to hold regular ministry meetings (at no charge!) in their facilities. The school system allowed the ministries I’ve been involved in to do the same. I have truly been amazed at the helpfulness people have not only given, but their willingness and readiness to do so.

Now, as we have been preparing to leave, people have done the same. Churches and businesses have sponsored fund-raisers for us. Newspapers have written articles about us. Radio Stations have told our story. Individuals have met with us to give to our mission and/or encourage us. And, of course, folks from our own First Presbyterian Church have been such a huge part of this story, as well.

So, Tallassee, you will be missed. And Thank You for allowing us to serve you and serve with you for this short time. May God continue to bless you richly!

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