Message from our new pastor, Rev. J. Albert Barchue

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Greetings to you.
About fifteen years ago when the bishops laid their hands on my head in
ordination to the preaching ministry, I had no clue that God would extend my
mission fields beyond my national borders, and this is exactly where I have found
myself in the last years, and this has been a wonderful ministry journey for me.
As a native of Liberia, West Africa, I grew up in the church and was nurtured by
the Sunday School, United Methodist Youth Fellowship, the Young Adults
Fellowship, and went on to the pastoral ministry. I served several churches and
also became a District Superintendent in the United Methodist Church of Liberia.
My ministry journey in the United States started in 2013, first as a foreign student
(2013-2016), and since then, I have pastored churches in the Michigan
Conference, including Negaunne-Mitchell UM, in the Upper Peninsula, Pigeon-
Salem, in the Thumb, and the Northeast Missaukee Parish: Moorestown and
Merritt United Methodist Churches, but the previous two have now disaffiliated.
I hold a Bachelor of Theology (BTh), a Master of Education (Med.) from the United
Methodist University and the Cuttington University Graduate School in Liberia,
and I also hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Drew University, Madison, New
Jersey, USA. But above all, I carry the love of Jesus Christ in my heart.
I am married to Eva, and we are blessed with three children: Matee, Joyce and
Elijah. We also have three adorable grandchildren: Melvin, Joysel and Marvelous.
I am very excited to join the Flat Rock First UMC family, to journey with you in
ministry as we discern together where God is calling us at this moment.