USA (MNN) — Goodbyes can be tough on all of us, and ministries are no exception.
But isn't it refreshing when those farewells are accompanied with sweet hellos?
This is the spot in which Grace Minsitries International finds itself.
After 22 years with the ministry, executive director Sam Vinton will be leaving GMI. Vinton worked for GMI before he assumed the position of executive director, so his full time given to the ministry has actually been 43 years.
Vinton is retiring on June 30 with blessed feelings toward GMI and God's grace.
"Truly God has given us the desire of our hearts by honoring us to be His servants," Vinton wrote on the ministry Web site. "We have been privileged to have had thousands of people bless and enrich our lives through these many years. And the ride is not over yet."
Vinton will continue to teach at Grace Bible College and speak and teach in his home church. He even has plans to write a Swahili theology book.
After 22 years under Vinton's leadership, GMI will surely miss him. But the ministry is excited to welcome new executive director Jeremy Clark.
Clark has been a GMI missionary in Costa Rica for eight years. His work in Costa Rica, as well as his work prior to joining GMI, has developed him into a man of vision, integrity and leadership. The GMI Board says they are confident that Clark's gifts, abilities, training and experience position him to lead Grace Ministries International forward in its ministries.
Clark will assume his duties as executive director beginning August 2012.
GMI is asking for prayer in this transition period. Pray that there would be no lull in outreach as the ministry reaches out to nations like Congo, India, Puerto Rico and Zambia with the Gospel. Pray that the transition would go smoothly. Pray both for Vinton and for Clark as they transition into these new stages of life.
To learn more about the ways GMI is working to build the Kingdom around the globe, visit gracem.org.
