Bryan Gilmore: Thank You

Bryan Gilmore, former youth pastor of First Baptist Church of McAllen Texas, officially resigned on January 11, 2004, in order to further his education and allow God to bring him to the next level of his life here on this earth. Him and his wife, Christie and soon to be little Gilmore will leave this week (week of the 11th) to Fort Worth, Texas where he will be attending seminary there. Let us all keep them in our prayers and hearts.

Following the evening service on January 11, 2004, we held a "going away" party for the Gilmores. It was a great time of fellowship, remembering the good times we shared with them, and just a time to say goodbye to two awesome people of God who have blessed the lives of the youth at our church.

This section is just a way to say "thank you" to Bryan and Christie for blessing our lives in such a special way during the years they have been in our fellowship. Bryan has been an awesome friend to me, has given me encouragement, and inspiration through his sermons, and just the way he allowed Christ to live through him.

I want to encourage you as a youth group to stay strong. To keep your heart and souls and minds focused upon Christ and His words. These next few weeks will be different, and things won't be the same, however let's make the best of it. One thing God has been teaching me through this, and through other things in my own personal life, is there will always be change in life. Sometimes change hurts, it's different, we don't want to accept it, but it's something that I think we all should learn to accept and just to trust in God when change does take place in our lives.

Remember what Bryan always would teach us, remember what he said about "owning our faith." It's challenging times like this when we really need to own our faith and completely and totally trust in Him. We got to understand that God is in control no matter what and He is faithful. He will bless us with another awesome youth pastor. There is a saying that when God closes one door, He will open another door that is even bigger and greater. Just place your complete and total trust in Him. During times such as these, let us remember God's promises and His word.

We are all going to miss them so much, and I just wanted to have a little section on our website to give them some words of encouragement, to let them know that we are all praying for them, and just to hopefully give them both a blessing. Thank you, Bryan and Christie, for being a part of our lives for all these years. God is going to take you all far, keep trusting in Him and keep your focus upon Him!

Some words of encouragement by the youth

Remembering Bryan

Remembering the good times!
Photos from the going away party