Dear Pastor Jeff,

Happy 50th Birthday!

One of the first times we interacted was at my high school graduation where you said "Congratulations brother!" and gave me a side hug (although, I didn't know that was the term back then). A couple years later our family began attending SLFC and we enjoy your excellent preaching and teaching of the Word.

Micah, Martha, and I recall you coming to Chick-fil-A and ordering five or six 12-packs of chicken nuggets for the family -- you Perrys dig those nuggets!

Lest you think this note will only consist of sappy reminiscences, all I have to say is Contraire Confrere!

Thank you for your incessant reminders that life is not a flowery bed of ease and that we must continue in doing good and that we will reap if we don't give up because God is faithful. Your passion for life and enthusiasm for God is contagious. Your emphasis on hope is inestimable.

I appreciate your spontaneity and humorous stories. My favorite tale has to be the time you and Patsy had to drink the charcoal concoctions at the hospital to eradicate the poisons you both ingested from your homemade "healthy" veggie drinks. The fish jumping into your boat is a close second.

Honor God. Help People. It's not just a glib church motto; it is a lifestyle.

Chuck Swindoll wrote that "Exceptional work is preceded by extended waiting." Since you are nearly twice as old as me, I figure that is a quote you will want to stand on. All kidding aside, I pray that the Lord propels you to the next level of what He has planned for you to do, that you will steep more in His presence, and that you will have clairvoyance as you seek our magnificent Creator.

This is becoming more of a tome than I had intended (similar to your sermons...).

Keep pressing on.

Lastly, I want to encourage you with the words of Winston Churchill:
"Never, never, never give up."

With love,
Mathew Schneberger