A Farewell Message (From Principal John White in the 1988 Yearbook of Sherwood Hills Christian School)

I placed the following message in the 1988 Year Book of Sherwood Hills Christian School (Addressed to the faculty and students as Founder and Principal for ten years and after resigning my 18 year pastorate of SHBC in order to go to Queensland to plant Hinterland Baptist Church)  The  message still has application today.  -  John White

A Farewell Message

(From Principal John White in the 1988 Yearbook of Sherwood Hills Christian School)

I am sure most Pastors have thought about the subject and content of their "last message.' Since preachers rarely retire and most "die in the harness" anyway, those worth their salt always preach as "dying men to dying people." As far as my future plans are concerned this could well be my "last message" to the staff, students, and parents of Sherwood Hills Christian School.

As we look back over the last ten years and try to draw that fine line that defines and divides success from failure, progress from regression, and tragedy from triumph, we can but praise the Lord for the privilege of serving Him together in such a God blessed ministry as our Christian School. God can and has turned our apparent failures into successes and tragedies into triumphs. We can only say humbly from hearts of gladness and gratitude, "To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done!"

As I think of my last message to you, I am made to think of some of history's famous last words and am made to wonder just what I might add to such a store house of witty sayings? Do I have any particular pearls of wisdom that might give meaning and make more memorable my melancholy moment of departure? Would I be presumptuous to turn to the mighty men of moment recorded in the memoirs of God's men, the Bible, for example and guidance?

Could anyone improve upon the stirring yet comforting last words of Moses to Israel as they stood on the very banks of the Jordan when he said, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God He it is that doth go with thee, He will not fail thee nor forsake thee." Could anyone gainsay the mighty words of Joshua on the eve of his heavenly departure at the age of 110 when he said to a new generation of victorious Israelites, "Choose ye this day whom ye shall serve.. .but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Or is there in history or literature any famous last words that would surpass the pathos and poignancy of those of Paul’s as he paused with his head upon the chopping block and poised beneath the awful executioner's axe and cried, "Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season.. .the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.."

If I were seriously saying a final and fond farewell or penning last words, I could choose no better than these. But I'd rather focus on the fantastic future I am sure God has for His people in Sherwood Hills Baptist Church and Christian School, as well as for me and Mrs. White. A future that can only be diminished by the self-imposed limitations of little faith. A future that is in God's hands. A future that can be as great as our great God. I pray for such a future for you all as you serve Him according to the good pleasure of His will.

As for me, pray for me that my last years might be my best years in God's service. Did you know that Michelangelo painted his famous work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel lying on his back on a scaffold at the age of 90? When he was 88 John Wesley was preaching every day? Titian painted his historic, "Battle of Lepanto", at 98? Booth Tarkington wrote sixteen novels after 60 and when he was totally blind? According to these and many more examples, my years of fruitful service may have just begun. So instead of saying, "Good bye," I will say, "God's Speed," with these words from two of my favourite poets:

Grow old with me! The best is yet to be, 

The last of life, for which the first is made:

Our times are in His hand who saith, "A whole I planned, 

Youth shows but half; trust God; see all; nor be afraid!"

-Browning

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.    

-Frost