Dear Pastor,

This letter is to offer my congratulations and strongly recommend John and Katie Grasty for missions work. I have known John and his family since April, 2009, when they came to Old Pathway Baptist Church to visit. As John and his family worshipped with us, I couldn’t help but quickly discover their love for God, people, youth and missions.

In June, 2009 John and his family became members. It was not long after their membership that I had the privilege of working with John on a variety of different levels. He was one of my part-time employees at the United Parcel Service. He was always punctual, friendly, respectful and pleasant to work with. As John and I worked together and became close friends, I couldn’t help but notice that God had instilled a passion for ministry in his heart. It was not long after that I asked John to become our youth pastor. He accepted the request and has made a great impact in our youth and this ministry.

Besides being a joy to work with, John is a take charge person who is able to present creative ideas and communicate the benefits. He is a very smart, talented and committed minister of the gospel. He is sincere, honest, and self-initiating. He works well with people and respects pastoral authority.  I am very confident that John can preach anywhere. John not only has these characteristics, but we have seen him work, grow, and carry real responsibilities here at the church. He is prepared far beyond the average missionary to do the work God has called him to do. John is a man of integrity and a real leader among his peers, and I believe will be greatly used of God in Slovenia. Slovenia is a key unreached country and has a great need for the gospel. I feel strongly that these qualities would make him a strong asset to your missions program. Thank you for whatever help you can give John as he prepares to go to Slovenia as a church planting missionary.

Sincerely,
Chad Ellege
Former Pastor of Old Pathway Baptist Church
Current Pastor of Leicester Baptist Church

Update

Pastor Ellege resigned as OPBC’s pastor at the end of August 2012. He left under good terms and is now the pastor of Leicester Baptist Church. Old Pathway elected an interim pastor, Tim Reeves, at the end of November, and then he was called as pastor in April 2013.