Wow! Let me the 1115th to congratulate you. You don’t know we very well. But I have been tracking you for some time – and am delighted that you are moving into the Highland pulpit.

As you likely know, my heart is still deeply entwined with Highland, even though it is almost 20 years since I left that pulpit. So your move there means a lot to me.

After hearing of your announcement Carolyn and I relived the excitement and anticipation we felt back in the summer of 1971. When I went to Highland I had no training or background for that job – but you have excellent training and experience in a large church setting. (Those elders “took me to raise” when I was 34 years old. And for 19 years they were my guides, mentors and coaches.)

One of the frequent sayings of the older elders was “let the young men try.” This attitude fostered a forward thinking, flexible elder culture of life-time learners with kingdom vision that has only grown richer with each generation.) I don’t know all of the current elders – though I hear rave notices about them all. But I do know that most of them are mentored in a rich tradition of shepherding.

In the years during the time I served at Highland and in the 20 years since I have preached the funerals of 11 Highland elders beside whom I served. Each time I felt as if I was burying another Father and friend. You will grow to love them more deeply every week as they will you ( ok, there may be a few off weeks, but not very many, ha.)

We are delighted too that Mike Cope is still there cheering you on. (as my predecessor John Allen Chalk did for me.) Mike is among the absolute best encouragers and mentors you could possibly have.

Also I am also delighted that Highland’s new preacher bears the “soul-tracks” of Rick Atchley, another of my heroes – beside whom I was privileged to serve for a number of years in Abilene. You are positioned between two great men – Mike and Rick – both of whom love you enormously. And I expect even greater things from you

Please know our thoughts and prayers go with you as you approach your “inauguration” day.

Please pardon this lengthy post, but I couldn’t help myself!

Lynn and Carolyn Anderson
San Antonio, TX.

.

My prayers have been for the energetic young preacher, with all vision youth can bring to us… the one who is ready and able to lead Highland into its next stage of development in the Kingdom of God! I’m excited and August seems years away! May it come quickly, bringing us the Storment family to bless, teach and become part of our family at Highland.

Thank you for accepting the offer- thank you for taking us on. Looking forward to June 6 when we finally get to meet you, Storment family!! Welcome to West Texas and Highland!!

In the Light of His eternal love, grace and mercy!!