Where do I even start? Whew…
First, THANK YOU!!! This journey has been one I never saw coming, yet one I fully embraced as I walked out the call God placed on my life. Leaving Oklahoma was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. Leaving my daughter was not easy then, and truthfully, it has not been easy since. But we have made it work, and we are still learning what love, sacrifice, and family look like across the miles.
Dayspring, thank you for accepting all of me. Thank you for welcoming me not only as a pastor but as a whole person. I remember the Sunday you all met Dazz and welcomed him with open arms and genuine love. I will never forget how that felt. To feel true love in a world where people are often asked to shrink themselves to belong, you made room. I will hold that love in my heart forever.
This church has been more than I could have ever asked for—a true blessing. I did not know how deeply I needed a community like this, but once I found it, I embraced it fully. You truly are water in the desert, not only for me, but for so many others who have needed hope, healing, and a place to belong.
I owe you all a big hug for being part of the journey that has brought me this far. You have helped me grow as a leader, a servant, and a pastor. You trusted me, encouraged me, challenged me, and loved me into deeper faith and stronger ministry. I pray that each of you has felt that same love from me in return.
Truth be told, like many of you, I thought we had more time together. But clearly God had other plans, and this next step is proof of that. Sometimes the Spirit moves in ways we do not expect, calling us onward before we feel ready.
Dayspring, you have been one of the best parts of my personal growth and of my ministry. You have helped prepare me for this next chapter, to go, to lead, and to become all God is calling me to be.
Keep going. Keep growing. Keep being the walking, talking Jesuses in the world. Continue to allow the Spirit to lead you into all she has for the Dayspring community.
Thank you for walking with me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for loving me.
I carry each and every one of you with me into what comes next.
With love, gratitude, and a bigger heart,
Rev. Michael D. Long II, M.Div.
