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It was a sad day today at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in McAllen.

“This is my opportunity to say goodbye,” said Pastor Christopher Otten.

Pastor Otten has been in the military for 10 years and is leaving Tuesday to serve as an Air Force Chaplain in Central Asia.

“We knew this day was coming, but it’s very emotional to say goodbye to people that I love,” he said.

During his year and a half as pastor of the church, Otten said he’s grown close to his congregation.

“I get emotional about it,” he said. “They gave me a wonderful send off and a large dinner last night.”

Church member Raul Madero said he’s going to miss Pastor Otten, but is positive God will bring him back soon.

“God has a plan for all of us, and he certainly has a plan for Pastor Otten,” said Madero.

The soon departed pastor is also a father and husband.

It’s bittersweet for him to leave home, but he said he is looking forward to serving God as he serves the country.