Farewell Letter to Coats Baptist Church

Uncategorized // June 6, 2021 //

Exactly two years ago, it was wedding week for Daniel and I. We had just unloaded our boxes in seminary housing. Amidst all that chaos that week, I got a phone call from Jimmy asking me to interview for the Children and Families Ministry Director position at CBC. It quickly became very clear that God was indeed calling Daniel and I to Coats. We rejoiced, packed up our stuff, and moved again. Admittedly, I was a little nervous to take on this position, but my nervous were easily calmed. We found so much more than just a ministry role here. We had found a home.

If you would have asked me a few years ago, I would have sworn that I would get married, work the same job the rest of my life, and live in the same town, but the Lord’s plans are greater than my own. And He is once again calling our family to move.

CBC, the harvest is ripe among your children. We have had over a dozen kids accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior over the past two years, and we have several more who are beginning to consider Jesus. As I leave, here are my four biggest recommendations:

  1. Shower your children with prayer. The Lord is faithful. He has and will continue to hear your prayers. One of the greatest things you can do is entrust your kids to the Lord through prayer.
  2. Don’t underestimate your children. I have had so many children ask me questions about things they have heard in service or things they have heard their parents say. They are listening. They are eager to learn. Give them as many opportunities as you can for them to hear about Jesus (small group, worship services, Sunday school). Tell them what you are learning!
  3. Remember the youngest members of your church. We have several children who have accepted Jesus. They are now a part of the Body. They are eager to be discipled and serve. Find ways for them not only to be discipled, but to also serve.
  4. Go reach children and families from all nations! CBC, you love Jesus, and you have the resources to share that with the world! I cannot wait to hear how you have a Gospel impact not only in Coats, NC, but all around the world.

As we leave, I echo Paul’s words from Philippians 1:3-11:

“(3) I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, (4) always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, (5) because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (6) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (7) It is right for me to feel this way about you all because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. (8) For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. (9) And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, (10) so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (11) filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

CBC has meant so much to our family. It is where we began our marriage journey, took on our first ministry role, and welcomed our first son. Though we were separated from our family, we found friends who are like family to us, and we inherited a church family. We could not be more grateful for our time with you. Though it is hard to say goodbye, we trust that the Lord will provide for your needs in our absence.

We love you.

We are fervently praying for you.

We will miss you.

With Love,

Daniel, Caitlin, and Jethro Taylor

About Caitlin Taylor

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