Bishop Eddie Long returned to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church after a month-long absence and his true supporters were more than happy. The senior pastor had announced that he was stepping away from the pulpit to spend time with his family – an attempt to save his marriage with Vanessa Long, who has recently filed for divorce. The ChristianPost is reporting:

Long welcomed the New Year on the eve of 2011 with what appeared to be enthusiasm and vitality – telling his congregation “2012 is here! Shake off the remorse, shake off the depression, shake off the financial burden, start using your hands again and reconstructing!”

According to website AT2W, Long never mentioned the state of his marriage, but he did cause moments of emotion. The website recalled one incident in particular in which an unemployed woman placed a single dollar on the altar, as people were presenting their offering. After finding out that she was jobless, Long reportedly asked the congregation if anyone could provide her with employment. The bishop also reportedly asked the church’s permission to offer all of the money on the altar to the same woman for a down payment on a house.

The megachurch pastor had announced his leave from New Birth on Dec. 4, just days after Vanessa Long filed for divorce. According to Bishop Long, he needed time off in order to focus on his family.

On Dec. 2, Mrs. Long’s attorney said she had filed the papers. However, shortly after the divorce news, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church issued a statement saying that Vanessa Long had experienced a change of heart and was no longer pursuing the suit. Regardless, her attorneys released a separate statement reiterating that Long intended to follow through with the split.

Bishop Long issued his own statement that same day: “Vanessa is, and has always been, a loving, dedicated and committed wife and mother.”

“My love for her is deep and unwavering. It remains our sincere desire to continue working together in seeking God’s will in these circumstances.”

Eddie and Vanessa Long have been married for 21 years and have three children together.