Jill and I leave Utila this Tuesday, August 15. I expect that we'll continue to reflect on our time here (14 months for me, 9 months for Jill) for some time to come. It's only human to want to see measurable, tangible results from one's pastoral ministry: decisions to follow Christ, commitments to become part of the body of Christ, etc. I have little to show there. But I often think about the parable Jesus told, the one about the farmer who went out to sow, throwing the seed everywhere, not being too particular about the soil on which it fell. Some of the seed found good soil and produced a bountiful harvest. Sometimes we get to see the fruit of our labors; other times we just have to trust that the seed is good and that in God's time there will be a harvest.
I am pleased with the many teams who have come to serve the community in Christ's name and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. To those of you who came, again I say, Thank you. It was a privilege to play a part in enabling you to minister here. Our thanks also to the many back home who made it possible for you to come.
My deepest gratitude to those of you who supported Jill and me in our work through your prayers, your gifts and your keeping in touch by phone, letter and e-mail. We felt less lonely because of you.
I had hoped that our April decision to leave in August would make it possible for the denomination's leaders to find another pastor to follow me directly. As of this writing, no one has been appointed to serve this end of the Utila / North Coast Circuit. The churches on Utila and the Keys have gone long stretches without a pastor stationed here. They will be led by the laity here and the circuit superintendent, the Reverend Juan Simpson who is stationed in La Ceiba.
As for our immediate future, Jill and I will enjoy our delayed honeymoon, spend time with family and friends in Ohio and Florida and then take up our new appointment back home in the Florida Annual Conference.
Every church service on Utila and the Keys ends with the blessing with which I now leave you.
May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, rest and abide with you now and forevermore. Amen.
Jeff Bennett
If you would like to read more about the state of the work on Utila, see my annual report at
Report of the Pastor: August 10, 2000