Phil Newberry
I don't know how one man can be more blessed than I am. I mean, I married my high school sweetheart, Jeanne, while we were in college. We first met when she moved from her home in Minnesota to my home in Arkansas. I was 15 and she was 16 when she first started chasing me. She caught me and well, the wedding was 32 years ago and I AM ONE BLESSED GUY! Tyler was born while we were in Texas at seminary, that was 26 years ago and he has a similar story to that of Jeanne and me. He married his high school sweetheart as well. Leslianne first said she "loved" Tyler when she was 8 years old! They grew up in this youth group, fell in love and then got married while they were at Mississippi College. They live in Breckenridge, Colorado where they serve on the staff of High Country Church as worship leaders. To make a living Tyler runs Wilderness Sports in Dillon and volunteers on the Rescue Squad as an EMT. Leslianne stays home and has babies! Aevyn, my beautiful granddaughter is soon to be 2 years old and her little brother, Stone, will be born in February 08. Check out more at www.tylernewberry.com. I AM ONE BLESSED GUY! Then 22 years ago Natalie came into our lives and has had me tied around her finger ever since. She is my angel! Beautiful from within and without she passionately loves the Lord. This year she will graduate from Union University with degrees in Communication and Art/Photography. Bellevue is the only church she has ever known and I am thankful for the influence of this church and youth group on her life. I AM ONE BLESSED GUY!
I don't know how one man can be more blessed than me. In 1985, some 22 years ago, Jeanne and I left our youth group in Dallas, Texas to become the Youth Pastor at Bellevue. Considering most youth pastors stay at their church less than 2 years, I AM ONE BLESSED GUY! You have loved on me, accepted me, prayed for me, cried with me, fed me Mexican food, traveled the world with me, listened to my stories and sermons, ridden the Bellevue buses with me enough miles to circumvent the globe, watched me grow from slender to "fluffy" from black hair to grey hair, from someone who was cool to someone who is older than your parents, yet, you still love me...I AM ONE BLESSED GUY!
Above all, when I was 7 years old, Jesus saved me and when I was 13 years old he called me into the youth ministry. Yet, in my lostness, my selfishness, my carnality, my pride...He loved me, forgave me, saved me and walks with me. Yes, it is true, I AM ONE BLESSED GUY.
I look forward to the journey ahead with you by my side; it's going to be a great ride. And, it's true; I don't know one man that can be more blessed than me. Thank you for blessing me!
