God's Grace in Our Transitions

A little over ten years ago, the Lord led us away from church work and we joined with Student Venture, the High School division of Campus Crusade for Christ.   They assigned us to the Jacksonville area and shortly after that we learned my mother had been diagnosed with Lou Gherrig's disease (ALS).   We moved back to Orange Park to care for her and to begin raising our financial support. 

Russ took on a part time job when we began our support raising to help with our income.  He wound up working as an Interim Youth Pastor.  It was perfect.  It helped us financially and allowed Russ to continue in youth ministry while we raised support.  It helped the church because they had someone to work with their teens while they sought a full time person.

The church was wonderful.  They were supportive, loving and they took good care of us. While my mom was sick, they brought countless meals and women voluntarily came and sat with her a few days a week to allow me to go grocery shopping or run other errands - or even just have a few hours "off".  They loved on my then 3 year old Jarod and provided lots of food and help during my mom's funeral.  Russ served there for nearly 2 years.

Much of this time is a blur for me.  There were a good 6 months that I was unable to attend church on a Sunday. Many people helped me out during the week, so I never felt comfortable asking someone to give up their Sunday worship time as well.  But Russ took Jarod on Sundays and he was loved on and taught God's word.

Many people in this church supported us in Campus Crusade as well.  They donated to our ministry and they prayed for us.  They have kept up with us over the years and it's always been fun to run into different people in the community and catch up a bit.

So - here we sit.  Transitioning in ministry again.  You know I always say that EVERYTHING has a purpose.  Things in our life happen for a reason - a stepping stone to the next thing God has for us.  He is constantly building on that foundation.

Ten years ago, we had absolutely NO idea that God would be laying the foundation for Russell's newest pastorate. 

Did you figure it out?

The church that I have been speaking of is......

Yep - you guessed it -

Hickory Grove Baptist in Green Cove Springs.

We walked into this building on March 11, for Russ to preach in view of a call, and it felt like home.

God is so good.  Transition and change are never easy.  You walk away from the familiar into the unknown.  So many times over the years, God has provided "Exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or imagine" in this area.  We have always walked into the unknown with His peace and an unwavering conviction that we are doing the right thing.  And he has either brought wonderful, precious and treasured friends out of the group of strangers or as in this case, (and the case of Ocean Park when we started there) He puts us in a place where we already have a little bit of a history and foundation.

Leaving Ocean Park is bittersweet, but how good is God to take us to a place that is somewhat familiar?  It makes the transition easier and I have to say - exciting!

I have to just chuckle. 4 years ago I was stressed about moving out of my house.  I'm sure God was just shaking his head at me.  He only wanted my willingness to move.  I gave Him that and I get to stay.  We sacrificed and drove back and forth for nearly 3 years and now He is allowing us to serve in our own community.  With many people that we already love. The possibilities are endless.  His plan is best and there is no other place I would rather be than in His will. 

Until next time.......