Reverend Russell Logston
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I began my work in ministry in 1984 following my graduation from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. (Let's Go Mountaineers!) I chose not to pursue a job in the field of my degree, but to enroll at the Methodist Theologicaql School in Ohio. In 1988 I graduated with a dual degree: Masters of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christianb Education. While my change in direction after college holds no dramatic story, it does represent the outcome of a life understanindg of an eternal God who makes himself known to those who call on Jesus' name, saves us spiritually and sometimes physically, and gives to us the things of eternal importance. While the earth may be billions of years old (no I don't believe it's just 6000 years old) eternity waits beyond the expiration of this planet for all those God shall call. So what is most important? Gathering oil from the ground or being able to share the anticipation and hope of eternal life. God created all things. Our very world, even as precious as it is, is ephemeral, but wha tht ey cannot see is everlasting. Therefore I followed this tructh largely because I couldn't ignore it. In Christ is every person's hope for their present and future.
I met my wife in seminary. She was from Michigan, so after serving gfor a few years in West Virginia we transferred to the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. We married in 1988 and have a daughter and son and two grandchildren. I effetivelyt retired early from ministry in 2023 and I am currently assisting the confereing in serving our three chuches.
Today I think we live in a world that is becoming ever more divided and extreme. Perhaps the answer lies in that which we do not own, can not create and was never in our control; the very spirit and grace of God. I ponder that perhaps our greatest need today is to practice praying more, waiting humbly and expecting patiently, until the Spirit of God moves again.
1 Thessalonians 5:
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.