Family and Ministry Update
Ignorance of the future might be one of God’s greatest gifts. If I had known the difficulty of the past 6 months, I’m not so sure I would have been as eager to proceed. I knew that this season would be difficult, but I underestimated the physical, emotional, and spiritual toll our recent transition would take on our family. To recap:
Birth of our son at 34 weeks (spent 17 days in NICU)
Transitioned out of my pastoral position in MN after being on staff for 6 years and a member for 9
Said goodbye to a church family, friends, and neighbors we dearly love
Moved our family 1,300 miles from MN to NC
Joined a new church (Redeemer Community Church in Fuquay-Varina)
Started in new ministry roles
Church Planting Resident at Redeemer
Director of Christ-Centered & Clear
Began church planter training with NC Baptist
In short, we’re pretty tired. While it’s true that we are exhausted, the greater reality has been God’s grace and provision through it all. We’ve been so blessed by the saints here at Redeemer. The pastors here have been such an encouragement. It’s wonderful to be closer to family. But another great blessing is clarity on what our next steps look like for church planting.
At this point, we are convinced the Lord would have us move forward to plant in Greenville, NC! It’s a diverse city in Eastern NC of over 100k, home of East Carolina University, and full of gospel opportunities. (If you know of people in the area I should meet with, let me know!)
This past weekend, Jackie and I had the privilege of attending a weekend training just outside Charlotte. This kickoff weekend begins a 5 month-long journey of weekly training from seasoned planters and pastors. We joined 15 other planters and wives for a time of equipping, encouragement, and fellowship. I was particularly blessed by NC Baptist’s intentional vision for our churches to reach the unreached, serve the underserved, and invite the least of these into the fellowship of the saints. But the biggest encouragement to me was the other planters and wives. We had planters from Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Congo, and of course, many from right here in NC with a burden to see God do a work in our state.
As I enter this season, I keenly feel my own weakness and inadequacy. Jackie and I talked this weekend about the intense spiritual battles we’ve both faced. While we obviously need God’s grace, we also know that we need the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ. To that end, I am asking you to pray for us.
Pray that God would help us establish consistent rhythms as a family.
Pray that God would strengthen us to fight the spiritual battles we’re facing as we pursue the Lord’s will.
Pray that Jackie and I would make intentional time for each other in the midst of the busyness.
Pray that our children would not only adjust, but thrive here, even as we’re only here temporarily.
Pray that we would be a blessing as we serve our church here in Fuquay.
Pray that I would figure out how to balance ministry, family, and personal responsibilities in a way that would please the Lord and bless those around me.
Pray that the Lord would open doors for gospel ministry in Greenville as we seek to raise funds, develop a core team, and determine the direction of this church plant.
Thank you to all who have helped and prayed for us so far. I hope to send regular updates through this newsletter, so subscribe below to receive those updates straight to your email.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26 ESV)