Dear Bethel Family,
First of all, I want to thank you all for your patience and prayers. It's not easy being a preacher and not being able to preach for two months. And you've been so patient allowing me to figure out what's wrong and heal up.
Second, I went to the ENT yesterday and received good news, though it is a little frustrating. The big thing is that the doctor used a scope to take a look down the back of my throat (through my nose!) and saw no damage nor inflammation. He could see nothing wrong with my vocal cords, not even redness. What he thinks is going on is something called “silent reflux,” which is acid reflux that does not actually bother your stomach but can affect your voice box. Yesterday, I had a pastor friend tell me he had the same thing years ago. I didn't even know such a thing was possible and certainly didn't associate acid reflux and my voice. That said, my voice is still not 100%. It still feels strained quite often and feels like something is there, like a frog in your throat. So, he put me on Nexium/Prilosec to deal with the acid reflux and we are hopeful this will get better in about 2-3 weeks, meaning my symptoms will go away. And he did clear me to preach and teach as I can, but not to get very loud. The frustrating part is that we don't know 100% if this is what is going on and we don't know for sure what happened when I felt it “pop.” I was hoping for definite answers but I'll take this for now and trust the Lord.
Third, all that said, I am planning on returning to the pulpit on August 4th. Josh Couts will be preaching this Sunday as I already had him scheduled. And then, I will also begin my Wednesday Night Series on the End Times on August 7th. I can't wait and I hope you are looking forward to it as well.
The truth is, it has been a really hard summer. When you love to preach and teach, as any pastor should, not being able to is very difficult. It really was disorienting. That's the word I have used quite a bit. And, biblically speaking and common sense will tell you, the sheep need to hear the shepherd, and the church suffers when that doesn't happen. I've needed to speak at times this summer and wasn't able to (or at least thought I wasn't able). I am very thankful for all who have picked up the slack, from our deacons (who were extremely supportive) to many lay people, but especially K. C. Rader. He may be young in the ministry and in life, but he served us like a veteran and a pro (if I can use those phrases). He is a gift to this church and I look forward to serving alongside him going forward.
One last thought: to have no voice and long to be able to praise God and proclaim his glory is a hard, frustrating, and discouraging thing. To have a voice and not long to do so is a terrible tragedy. Don't waste your voice! If you have one, tell people about the greatness and goodness of Jesus. Gather with God's people and sing his praises. If you don't want to, then something sick is going on inside you and it's not your vocal cords or acid reflux. Jesus said from the mouth, the heart speaks. Pray that the Lord would lift up your eyes and heart, and behold your God! And then, lift up your voice!
Thankful to be your pastor and with love,
Pastor Brandon
Ps. SS teachers, we have training this Sunday after the morning service, with a meal, and I will be leading that, Lord willing. And here's a big one — we have “A Praying Life” seminar on August 16-17 here at our church. Beloved, sign up. There will be childcare for you. I can't implore you enough. It's about $20 to do so. If you can't cover that, I will pay it for you. Register here. If you don't know how to register via the internet, let me know and we will help you.