INTRODUCTION

June 30, 2005

Dear Liberty Family,

It is with real regret that we (the Presbytery) accepted Danny Tice’s resignation as Executive Director.  As pastor of a growing, cutting-edge church he was the perfect match for the job.  He has done a great job as our leader.  I was, and still am, among his number one fans.

But Danny has had too much on his plate.  He loves and pours himself into his local church and community in Delaware.  The added stress of the Fellowship point man was just too much.  Danny’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health is of utmost importance to us.

In the natural I had no desire or inclination to accept this unpaid position of heavy responsibility.  I will be 64 years young this summer and have just moved into a new home on the San Marcos River.  Less travels and more volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, San Marcos Food Bank and our local church were our plans.  But God clearly spoke to me about His plans and I accepted.  He then confirmed it with the miraculous healing of my grandson, Ty Darnell.  (For more detail request the tape of the business meeting.)

The fact that I do not pastor a large, growing, cutting edge church is both disadvantage and advantage.  Disadvantage – I don’t have my mind and hands in the nitty-gritty local church world of the 21st century.  Advantage – I can do what Danny, as a pastor, couldn’t do.  I am free to travel and spend time with our pastors, i.e. preach in your anniversary services, mission conferences, Bible conferences, men’s retreats, regional conferences, etc.  Beth and I want to sit down with you and your family and hear your hopes, dreams and misgivings.  The Fellowship hopes, if finances increase, to help us with airfare to your area.

God has always blessed everything I have put my hand to as a student, father, pastor, fishing guide, outdoor television producer-host and traveling minister.  He has assured me that this assignment will also be anointed and meet with great success.  With fellow leaders and helpers like David Kerr, George Waller, Bill Stamp, Mike Collins, Danny Tice, Wes Clemmer, and Tammy Barch, how can I fail?

Mike Bailey, pastor of New Covenant Church in Lewistown, Pa., has joined the Presbytery and taken over my responsibility as Outreach Director.  Mike has the strongest vision for church planting of anyone in the Fellowship.  He has and is successfully doing it. Support him and the church planting with your heart.

Greg McMullin, pastor of Abundant Life Church, in Bay City, Texas and one of my loyal spiritual sons, will assume responsibilities of the Southwest Liberty Region.  He is full of vision, energy and ability.  I will have no worries about the Texas pastors being well cared for.

Pray for us in this new position of responsibility.  God Bless you.

            In Christ,

            Jim Darnell

”this assignment will
also be anointed and meet
with great success”