Dear Hillsdale Family and Friends,
Sheilah and I are winding down our last days of vacation before we return to Tampa and pick up the sacred mantle of serving as your pastor. We have enjoyed our days with family (our parents are now in their mid-80’s) and quiet time in the GA mountains. I am especially appreciative of the pastoral staff who has faithfully ministered to you in my absence and been especially tasked with visiting and encouraging families who are experiencing trials. Hillsdale is blessed to have godly, faithful pastors.
While I will miss your fellowship this one last Sunday, you are in for a special blessing as Evangelist Dr. Ron Comfort will be preaching at Hillsdale in both the 10:30am and 6:00pm worship services.
Dr. Comfort is the founder of Ambassador Baptist College, a longtime friend of Hillsdale, and a man whom I greatly admire. He has been greatly used by the LORD and his life and ministry are a testimony of unapologetic faithfulness to the Word of God. We discussed the possibility of Bro. Comfort sharing and preaching his salvation testimony in the morning service and, after reading his biography, you are going to be amazed at God’s work of grace in his life.
I look forward to introducing two new sermon series next Sunday, January 19. In the 10:30 AM service we will begin a study of Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians (an incredible book that was the catalyst for the Great Reformation). In our 6:00 PM services I plan to begin a new study of the Book of Proverbs titled “Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Problems” (subtitled: “Uncommon, Common Sense”).
In closing, I am amazed God has blessed me to serve Hillsdale as a shepherd for nearly 35 years (serving as Youth Pastor, October 1985-September 1995 and Senior Pastor, October 1995 to this new decade)! Thank you for your love, faithfulness, and patience as you have allowed me to both grow-up and grow old!
With the heart of a shepherd,
Travis D. Smith
Senior Pastor