Someone said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I really enjoyed my first step this past Sunday and I am looking forward to this journey that we will share together for the next four months. You have made my beginning warm and welcoming.Let me tell you a little bit about me and my family. My wife Ruth Ann and I have been married just about fifty years. In fact, we will celebrate our fiftieth on June 11, while we’re with you. Ruth Ann and I are both originally from the Midwest. I was born in Chicago and was part of a family of five boys. Ruth Ann was born in Goshen, Indiana, and has one sister. Her father was a United Methodist pastor who served for sixty years! We met in college in Illinois. Ruth Ann is a gifted writer whose articles you’ll be able to read in this issue and in the months to come. Ruth Ann’s sister lives in Clemson. My brothers are in Illinois, Colorado, and Wisconsin. We don’t get together nearly often enough!
Ruth Ann and I have two children who are ten years and one day apart. Kristin is a tax attorney practicing in Greensboro, North Carolina. She and her husband Bill and their children Andrew (11) and Tessa (9) just moved to Greensboro from New York City. The kids are experiencing a new life in a neighborhood with lots of yards that are accessible without pressing a button in the elevator to come down from your 18th story apartment! Our son Ted and his family live in Sumter. Ted is with the Third Army group at Shaw. His wife Amy is the secretary at Bethel/Oswego United Methodist Church. Amy also has a non-profit spay and neuter assistance and animal rescue organization called Pawsitive Directions.
Their son Christian (19) is a student at Central Carolina Tech and their son David (15) is a freshman at Lakewood High. Since coming to South Carolina thirty years ago Ruth Ann and I have served in Greenwood, Johnston, Mullins, Clinton, and Anderson. Now we can add Cheraw!
A verse of Scripture that I have claimed throughout my life is Isaiah 40:31 “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
I look forward to waiting on the Lord and flying with you!
Paul Frey