Hello, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and even in Joy City we shed tears, voice frustrations and struggle to deal with the tragedies of this life. 

That’s why I am so excited to welcome my guest today, Pastor Rick Countryman. Rick is what we call the Pastor Emeritus of Big Valley Grace Church here in Modesto. What that means is that after 40 years of pastoring, he handed the mantle over, but he remains a vital and valuable member of that pastoral staff. We will cover a lot today and you will hear some tremendous insight, a few actionable tips that you can implement to grow in your pursuit of God, and I am confident that you will find at the very least some mild amusement along the way too. 

Rick welcome to the show. Now we have to dive into this horrific shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde Texas that killed (19) children and (2) teachers. Now Rick, I know that you have seen some tragedies hit the lives of loved ones, family members or church members, what would you say if you had the opportunity to stand in front of this community. Rick went on to share his own loss of his 1st wife in a tragic car accident as well as other things that can impact us with no notice at all. He also remarked about the importance of a church community to come around you and how we as believers are called to bare one another’s burden’s and weep with those who weep. He comments on leaving the ER after a death and going up a few floors to a new baby being birthed. How we live in this life of tension, weeping one moment and rejoicing another. 

Thank you for that and somehow someway, I pray that God get that sentiment to these families. 

Now lets keep it moving we went on to talk about Rick’s journey to Christ, his engagement at Big Valley Grace, his run for Mayor of Modesto and so much more. 

So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. 

No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. 

I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583.