Hello Folks,
This past week Ruth and I went to the State Minister's Meeting at Hermitage Church of God near Nashville. It was one of the best State Minister Meeting's that I have ever been to in 36 years of preaching and 31 years of full-time pastoral ministry. Arlo Newell was the speaker and God used him wonderfully to declare the truth of God about the call of ministry and the preaching of the Word. Brother Newell is 85 years of age and except for looking a little frail God used him powerfully during that time. I am thankful that I got to be there to hear him and to have my own heart renewed.
This coming Saturday I will turn 60 years of age if the Lord is willing to allow me to live until then. I would have never thought that I would get to be this old but the Lord has given me pretty good health and I give Him praise for the joys that He has allowed me. Over 31 years ago I left my job at General Motors and took my first pastorate in Pekin, Il. Then in 2001 I became the pastor of Greeneville First Church of God. There have been great times of joy for me as a senior pastor and I could never thank God enough for giving me this great honor of allowing me to serve His church.
This past Sunday p.m. after our worship the congregation here helped me to celebrate my birthday and my 10th year as the pastor here. What wonderful time it was and you should have seen all the deserts that were prepared. I would not be able to eat them all in two weeks of nohting but deserts. But most of all the kindness and love that this congregation has shown me cannot be measured. For that I am extremely thankful to them and to my Savior who gave Himself for me. If the Lord is willing and the congregation agrees I am willing to say here until it is time for me to give way to the next leader God would send this way. Pray that I be sensitive to God's voice in all of this.
May He bless you all.

H. G. Rudd