Dear Sawyersville family (and friends),
– As we gather in heart and spirit on this holy Christmas Eve, I want to share a bit of my recent journey with you. This is a quiet testimony of grace that I’ve truly experienced-and I’m grateful to walk it with you.
It started with a surprise test result revealing a 90-99% blocked carotid artery-my own “widowmaker.” Doctors warned of devastating risks either way: surgery could bring a stroke, or waiting meant certain death or disability. My wife Dawn Carter and I truly faced the valley of the shadow of death, praying in faith yet prepared for the worst.
Yet God granted more time. Neither death nor disability was His plan now.
– Amid the pain and discomfort, I’ve found great blessing: where things hurt, things are working to recover. There’s life, function, restored flow to my brain—even after verified strokes. I am so grateful for this beacon of hope, though trials remain. 🙏
– During the procedure and heart monitoring, doctors discovered more we needed to address: I’ll soon need a heart surgery. From where I stand, this knowledge is a miracle too – because we didn’t know before. Learning to take blood thinners (challenging with my old karate injuries!) is part of the path forward.
As I prepared physically for my surgery, I breathed prayers: “Lord, do You still want me to continue training and growing the ministry?” And to that question, God answered with a quiet miracle: the full funds for my Master’s degree arrived in one check- the day before hospitalization. Divine timing? Undeniably. It fuels my longing to live restored-serving Christ fully in whatever years remain. I am His, and He is mine, and His Banner Over Me Is Love!
– How fitting that my book (with my wonderful friend Margo DeGange helping complete it) is titled The Miracle Power of Psalms 23, and that this season has brought the name “Shepherd23.” It captures my calling – to guide, serve, and pour out benevolence and philanthropy with every breath. Through these trials, I sense the same gracious hand that once led me through the woods, captured as an orb of light on my trail camera 2 years ago. It’s the genuine thing, light leading in the dark.
And so we celebrate this wonderful holy day called Christmas, where Christ invaded the darkness of our world with His Holy Light.
Christmas is no holiday to me-it’s the holiest of days, the greatest proof God entered history in pure virtue and love beyond imagination: Christ born for us. Tonight on Christmas Eve, I’ll lead those who gather in sweet, silent reverence of this Silent Night.
– My prayer is that God restoratively shine His light to carry us all. ✝️
As your shepherd, I’m deeply thankful for each of you- our church family. Let’s hold this holy night close, letting the Light of the world fill our hearts anew. If you’re able, join us tonight for this special time together. 5:00-5:30 and then you can get back to the joy of your families & friends.
What stirs in your spirit as we remember the manger? Feel free to share below—we’re family here.
Merry Christmas Eve, beloved ones. Rest in His peace.
Pastor Tim / Shepherd23
Timothy Grant Carter
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