Pastor Scott Hooks is one of my dearest friends on earth. The work he has been chosen to lead in Hickory, NC is being blessed of the Lord in a wonderful way. In a personal way, God has used him in my life. I am pleased to share his guest post with you and to announce a new gathering for preachers that we look forward to co-hosting later this year. Enjoy the encouraging read and make plans to join us in September! After a long season of ministry that culminated with the sad news of the beheading of John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus spoke to His disciples saying, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).…