THANK YOU JIBC FAMILY

This past Sunday, September 15, marked our 28th year together with JIBC. Janie and I moved in to our first James Island home on Friday, September 13, 1985. We moved in with our three children: Bryon (5), Brook (3) and Erin (1). They are now grown adults with their own families attending here at JIBC. Some of you may remember that Erin, as an infant, was soon admitted to MUSC and diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. After seven years of treatment and care at MUSC, she was “released” from their care. They don’t like to call it cured. Whatever they call it, we thank God, give Him glory and will always remember the head of the CF Clinic, Dr. Margaret Jenkins, fondly. Twenty eight years later, Erin is back at MUSC. She has been in and out several times over the past month. She finally reached week 24 of a very difficult pregnancy and will likely stay at MUSC until Wyatt arrives. Miracles and modern medicine are familiar territory for Erin. We are so grateful to all our friends for their prayers and love.
I constantly remind myself of the joy and privilege of being a pastor in one place for such a long period of time. That certainly is not the trend. By the way, the pastor at First Baptist Church James Island, Rev. Bernard Gadsden, came the same year as I did. Both of us have been blessed with long pastorates. Janie and I thank you for your love and support. We have loved raising our 3 children, and now 6 and 1/2 grandchildren, as part of James Island Baptist. We are blessed to have our entire family continuing to join us weekly in worship and service.
We are grateful for the “Pirate Mickey Mouse” you gave us Sunday. Most of you could not see that Mickey had envelopes in both hands. One contained restaurant gift certificates and the other a coffee shop gift card! We will look forward to enjoying them once this season of watch is over for Erin, Trey and Wyatt. Why Mickey Mouse? Janie and I went to Disney World on our honeymoon and have made it our annual anniversary trip since then. You gotta love the Mouse to understand.

Thank you for a great 28! My prayer is for Him to be glorified, His people to live sanctified and our community to be justified...in Jesus’ name!

Pastor Tom and Janie