The following was written by Cindy Ehlke, pastor at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Enumclaw.

The occasion for this letter is the departure of two of our much loved pastors on the Plateau. Bruce Thweat and Peter Little will soon be leaving their churches here to pursue other ministry.

I am reminded of the greeting that the apostle Paul sent in the opening to his letter to the Philippians: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1: 3-6).

People who know Bruce and Peter consistently have been thankful for their outreach into   the community. Both are members of the board of the Plateau Outreach Ministry and have made their presence known with volunteering and support.

Bruce has been the pastor at Enumclaw Community Church for the past 10-plus years. During that time he has been on the board at POM, served as the president for the Plateau Ministerial Association and has been active in organizing the local celebration of the National Day of Prayer and our community Thanksgiving service.

Peter has been the pastor at Buckley’s Community Presbyterian Church for the past three years. One of the elders at the church told me Peter has been instrumental in helping his church extend ministry into the community. He also said Peter is “a fantastic preacher.”

Britt Nelson, who heads Plateau Outreach Ministries, summarized well what these two men have accomplished. Here is what she said.

“Bruce has been a tremendous mentor for so many. He graciously welcomed me to POM and the PMA and has supported me fully here in every step. He always listens and shares God-inspired direction to situations through scripture. His commitment to our community, the people within it and those in need has been unwavering. He will be greatly missed at POM. We will miss his guitar and singing during food bank. It especially brightened the rainy days of winter.

“Peter has been such a blessing! Not only has he been a beloved pastor, but such an inspiration to POM in ministering to those hurting within our community. His driving question in all ministry and service has been ‘What would Jesus do?’ As we look for ways to help our neighbors, to better serve their needs, he is always thoughtful and prayerful. He always asks good questions and keeps the focus on how can we best love each other as Jesus loved us.”

Steve Strombom, pastor at Enumclaw’s Nazarene Church, offered this about Peter Little:

“He and I met to spend time together in prayer once and I would label him a sincere seeker. He always impresses me as caring, quick-witted, and someone who takes a moment to assess himself in order to speak the truth accurately within a serious discussion. He extends warm respect to whomever is nearby regardless of position.

“I also remember his investment in working with one of our more persistently challenging homelessness cases.  He’s the kind of pastor who’s willing to go to bat and be inconvenienced for someone in need (even if they’re a bit defiant and making a mess of things) regardless of any benefit that may return to self or church, simply because it’s the right thing to do and someone needs to step up. Peter stepped up.”

To both of you, all of us in the Plateau Ministerial Association send you on your way with many well wishes and God’s blessings.

Greg Daulton, Fred Davis, Marcus Kelly, Fr. Anthony, Ross Holz, Walt Rice, Cindy Ehlke, Dan Duncan, Lynell Caudillo, Dale Pratt, Keith Marshall, Britt Nelson, Gary Hemminger, Heath Rainwater, Len Bundy, Steve Strombom, K.A. Davis