“I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason, I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1: 15-16
Presbytery Friends, Every morning I wake up grateful for the love of Christ being expressed through faithful disciples in our Lake Erie Presbytery. Every day my prayers are full of joy for your commitment and service. In my role as General Presbyter, I am privileged to see a broad view of church life in this presbytery. I see ordinary acts of faith expressed consistently year after year. I also see extraordinary expressions of loving service. Both often go largely unnoticed as dedicated Christians quietly serve in Christ’s name without fanfare or applause. With this in mind,, I will highlight a mission or ministry of one of our churches that valiantly reflects the love of Christ. I hope that you will join me in giving thanks for these ministries.
This month, Anita Applauds… First Presbyterian Church of Bradford for lovingly supporting their co-pastors, Revs. Rob Klouw and Katherine Randall, during a challenging season in their lives. Many of you know that our friend and colleague, Rev. Rob Klouw, spent Holy Week 2025 in the hospital, the first part of July 2025 back at the hospital for major open heart surgery, and returned to the hospital at the end of August 2025 for an additional two-week stay with infection and complications. That doesn’t even touch the special treatments and I.V. antibiotics that have followed him home. Meanwhile, Rob and Katherine’s children have continued to experience health issues requiring frequent doctor’s appointments in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Erie, and Philadelphia. It’s been a bear of a year for the Randall-Klouw family and all the prayers you have lifted in their support are appreciated. Through it all, they have preached (particularly Katherine) inspired and excellent sermons and cared for their people. Their ministry has been supplemented by members of the congregation who have gone the extra mile and who have helped maintain the church while the pastors have been less available. Members have not complained. They have not cried for “normal” work hours. They have only demonstrated loving concern and support, seeking ways to ease the burden on their pastoral leadership. Bravo, Presbyterians at Bradford, for living together as the body of Christ and ministering to one another in the way Christ intends.
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