18 Years as Pastor - 30 Years in the Ministry

 As of today, August 1, 2025, I have had the privilege, duty, and honor, to serve the Lord by being pastor Immanuel Southern Baptist Church for 18 years. Looking back, this is also my 30th year in vocational ministry.

Me, in 1990, at the HK Baptist College Recreation Centre

I served for 12 years with the International Mission Board (2 when it was the Foreign Mission Board).

Our missionary prayer card for 2002

The Lord has taken me to Hong Kong (British Territory), Ecuador, China, Guinea, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Gambia, Benin, Thailand, Hong Kong (Chinese Territory), Mongolia, Tibet, Israel, Ukraine, and Pakistan. I can add many more countries to this list, but these are the primary ministry places. (I've been to Israel, Ukraine, and Pakistan since entering service as a pastor)

My wife, Sally, and me at the Western Wall in Jerusalem

As a pastor I've had numerous VBS pies in my face, baptized scores of believers, sat at a church camp security hut for hours upon hours, flipped innumerable pancakes and hamburger patties at Falls Creek, and officiated many weddings and way too many funerals. 

On duty at the KBA Security Hut

In many ways, pastoring is harder than being a missionary, well, at least when you don't consider the culture and language barriers. A minute minority of church members are constantly on the lookout for any excuse to get mad and leave. A few believe that Gossip is a spiritual gift. Some consider the church building "theirs" and any changes or repairs must go through them. 

Baptizing a family in 2010

But the majority of church members are truly good people. It is an absolute delight to see people being transformed by Jesus! A pastor who skips from church to church and has no longevity doesn't get to see that. The Lord has blessed me with 18 years at the same congregation!

18th Anniversary Pic

The Lord has been with me every step of the way! He is faithful! My wife has been by my side every step as well. Being a preacher's wife is no easy task. But that's a subject for a different blog post!

Sally and me with our grandkids at VBS this year.

Stumbling through the Darkness Publication Notice

 My third novel, Stumbling through the Darkness, is set to be published September 9, 2025! It is volume 2 of the Josh Weston Chronicles. 

Josh Weston can see what no one else can—towering angels and twisted demons waging spiritual war all around him. What began with a prayer and a miracle has turned into a burden that threatens to unravel his life. When dark forces uncover his secret, Josh becomes the most hunted man in the demonic world—and a reluctant public figure in his own. As his family’s safety and his faith are tested, Josh must navigate a world of invisible danger and very real consequences. Gripping and thought-provoking, Stumbling Through the Darkness is a supernatural thriller about unseen battles, unshakable faith, and the courage to stand when the world—and hell itself—is watching.

Stumbling through the Darkness is available for preorder by emailing me. You will receive a signed copy for $20 including shipping to the Continental USA. Payment can be arranged by PayPal, CashApp, or Venmo. Payment is required before shipping. I do not expect shipments to be before August 1.  Email me at rick@rickboyne.com

2025 Sabbatical

I have been afforded the opportunity to take a short, 31-day sabbatical by my church. I am taking it the entire month of May 2025. Here is something I found about the need for pastoral rest:

Pastoral burnout is often caused by a combination of emotional, spiritual, and physical pressures. Here are some of the main contributing factors:

1. Unrealistic Expectations – Pastors are expected to be available 24/7, provide counseling, preach inspiring sermons, lead ministries, and handle administrative tasks. This constant pressure can be overwhelming.

2. Lack of Boundaries – Many pastors struggle to separate their personal and ministry lives. Without time for rest and personal renewal, exhaustion builds up.

3. Emotional Strain – Shepherding a congregation means carrying the burdens of others—grief, struggles, conflicts—which can take a toll over time.

4. Financial Stress – Some pastors face financial insecurity, adding to their stress levels, especially if they feel undercompensated for their workload.

5. Isolation – Leadership can be lonely. Pastors may feel they have no one to confide in or fear admitting struggles, leading to internalized stress.

6. Conflict and Criticism*– Dealing with congregational disagreements, complaints, and criticism can erode a pastor’s confidence and enthusiasm.

7. Neglect of Personal Spiritual Life – Constantly ministering to others while neglecting personal spiritual renewal can leave a pastor feeling disconnected and empty.

8. Lack of Rest – Skipping vacations or taking few personal breaks can lead to chronic exhaustion and reduced effectiveness.

Burnout isn’t just an individual issue—it affects the entire church. When pastors are drained, their leadership and ability to care for their congregation suffer. Recognizing these signs and addressing them early is key to long-term health and ministry sustainability. 

Update on Third Novel

 I've been working on finishing the last couple of chapters of "Stumbling through the Darkness" the sequel to my award winning "Peering into the Darkness." I hope to have it published by the end of the summer. Meanwhile, here is a fascinating summary of "Peering into the Darkness."

When Josh Weston undergoes a routine eye surgery, he expects to see more clearly—but he never imagined it would open his eyes to the spiritual realm. Haunted by doubt and unaware of the demon whispering lies into his life, Josh begins to experience visions that defy explanation. As strange encounters escalate and angelic forces intervene, he’s thrust into a hidden battle between good and evil.

With the love of his wife, the prayers of a devoted aunt, and the support of lifelong friends, Josh must confront the darkness both around him and within. What he discovers will challenge everything he thought he believed—and reveal a truth that changes everything.

A compelling story of faith, awakening, and spiritual warfare, Peering into the Darkness reminds us that sometimes, to truly see, we must first believe.

Everyday Murder

 A murder occurs two or three times a day in my neighborhood.

A murder of crows, that is.

The caw of a crow is the first bird call that I learned as a child. Three or four crows assemble in my backyard tree two or three times a day. 

Invariably, it takes me back to a time when my grandparents had a trailer house at Grand Lake. There were many crows in my great aunt’s lake resort called “Shady Heights.” I remember that, especially in the mornings, crows would be cawing for what seemed to be for hours.

When I hear the crows in my yard, it makes me smile for it transports me back over 50 years ago, when everyone I loved was still alive.

Pain in the Back

 I hurt my back (most recently) in October of 2024 while moving a washing machine for a young widow in our church. I must have caused a bulged or ruptured disc. I was in constant, excruciating pain until a couple weeks ago.

I went to a chiropractor. It helped for a tiny bit each time but was too expensive to keep going.

I've used a medicine cabinet's worth of ointments and gels to alleviate the pain.

I've used a handheld back vibrator to the point of nearly wearing it out.

I've put ice packs on it several times a day.

In addition to the actual injury, I've had a mess of undue stress that has only aggravated the pain.

I'm not really sure what happened two weeks ago. But I praise the Lord that I am better!

Tofu or not tofu

 I have a confession to make. I hope you won't defriend me over this. Here it goes:

I like tofu. Well, sorta.

Now here me out. I lived in Hong Kong for three years. I like fried tofu in SOME Chinese dishes. I also like limited tofu in SOME Chinese soup.

Full disclosure. I will NEVER choose tofu over bacon, beef, or even chicken.

Judge away.

The Sting

 “It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬