Larry says goodbye,

The past 23 years have been an amazing journey. The Barn has grown to a place I never envisioned in the beginning. All I knew then, as well as today, is that we were to show the love of God and stand up for Jesus through a recreation center. I have never claimed to understand the process, but have done my best to clear the path with childlike faith and follow as God has led.

Three years ago God began to softly tell me that it was time to prepare to release this ministry. I shared this with The Barn Administration Team and we have prayed and searched for direction. In the last year God has loudly put on my heart that it was time.

I have read about and seen that one of the common errors by founders and leaders of ministries is to hold the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from carrying the torch to the next level. For several years we have been praying for God to send someone to take this ministry and implement their ideas and visions. God not only sent one, but he has sent several with different talents and gifts. I am so thankful for that. I still have a very strong passion for The Barn and the relationship building concept of ministry and feel excited to see where God takes it with new leaders.

These past months, since God made it clear to move on, my thoughts have meandered back through 23 years of memories, stories, unique people, and events. It is very difficult to release this ministry that God allowed us to help birth, but we know that the walk of following Jesus is never easy and my desire is to keep following Jesus as He leads into a new frontier. Ecclesiastes 3 keeps coming to my mind as it says:

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven."

My time as the leader of this ministry has come to an end.

Thank you to all the hundreds of people that God has used to make this ministry happen and a special thank you to my best friend and wife Bonnie who has always been so very supportive by my side. Also, thank you to my three wonderful children, Julie, Holly and Jason for your understanding, sacrifice and help as you all grew up here.

Well, dear friends, this chapter in my life has now ended and a new one has begun. We will continue to be a part of this community and will help as needed. For those that God has led to take this mission forward, always remember to:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways look to Him and He will direct your path. Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of your crops, then YOUR BARNS will be filled to overflowing." (Proverbs 3:5-10)

In Jesus' name,

Larry