Coming to the end of a chapter in our lives often causes us to sit back and reflect on the season we have just passed through. After 12 years as pastors at First Assembly of God in Rockford, Illinois, Sam and Jeanne Mayo have taken the next brave step in God's plan for their lives.

Having graduated from seminary and Bible college, Sam and Jeanne launched into seeing the fulfillment of their desire to pastor and to train. Their vision has been to see the church love and take care of people; equipping them with the promises of God and enabling them by the power of the Holy Spirit to truly impact the world with the love of Christ. Implementing Global University materials has facilitated this vision in all areas of church life in Rockford over the years.

The Master's Commission program is a vital aspect of life at First Assembly. Students working through this program have used Berean School of the Bible (a division of Global University) materials, providing them with the tools they need to enable them in studying and in ministry. 150 young adults have received the means to stretch and grow outside the traditional Bible college education, while still gaining the prerequisites necessary for ministry.

Sam Mayo speaks highly of the education provided through Global University, "Global is something that should be a part of every church's outreach ministry as well as in-house training. It provides several tracks and vehicles whereby individuals can accomplish what they want to on an individual basis."

Sam and Jeanne have seen the various dimensions of First Assembly expand phenomenally. Jeanne's anointing with young people saw the youth group grow from 30, to a flourishing 1,000. The Mayos were also able to encourage many youth pastors when they hosted a National Youth Leaders Conference where Jeanne challenged each person to die to themselves so that God's dream for their students could be birthed in their hearts.

Catering to every age group, First Assembly quickly became a place of fellowship with friends, as well as intensive training at all levels through services, Sunday school classes, cell groups and outreach. Valuing each individual, many opportunities were created for people to be introduced to the love and power of God, to develop deep relationships with Him and others, and to get involved in church life.

Now, as the Mayos humbly lay down all that God had entrusted to them for that season, they long to see the church grow under the care of a new pastor. For their own lives, they have no preconceived ideas. Simply waiting on the Lord, they sense great anticipation building as God fulfills the desires of their hearts to make the next years of their lives really count for eternity. Sam explained, "The cry of our hearts is that we will be at the center of His perfect will, to be available and to look outside the box."