3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
Colossians 1:3-5
As we will hear the words of Colossians throughout the month in our services, I am struck by the opening words of the Apostle. He says, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.” Why am I struck by these words? It is because they are mine as well.
As July comes upon us, so does my sixth year of ministry at Emmaus. Like the Apostle, I always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when I pray for you. The last six years at Emmaus have been an unbelievable joy and blessing. I love serving. I love the people. I love our congregation. I love the opportunities, here. I can’t help but give thanks to God for you.
I’m thankful for the love shown to me and my family. I’m thankful for all the support. I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn as a young and “new” pastor (well, not “new” anymore), and for all the patience that came with it. I’m thankful for the prayers and heartfelt encouragement. I’m thankful for you all!
I’m also thankful for a faithful God that has made me His own through the waters of baptism, and Who has placed me to serve at this place. As year six begins, Paul’s words sum it up well: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.” To God be the honor and glory as we continue on the road to Emmaus together. Thank you!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Nick Kooi
(Originally published in Emmaus Footprints, Vol. XXIII, Number 12, July 2022)