Yes, I am aware it has been a long time since my last post. My wife, finally tried to guilt me into writing. Her tactic? “Why have a blog if you are not going to write?!” It almost worked – but the truth is – I was ready to write.
Since my last post things have changed dramatically. God took me on a roller coaster of a journey that has led us to move from New Hampshire to South Carolina! At the time, I didn’t see it coming. Along the way I kept giving the church in SC enough reason to not call me back – but they did. And along the way, God changed our hearts. When I think through all the things that happened for us to now be here – I marvel at the greatness of our God.
When the decision was made - it put our lives into hyper-overdrive. In three months time, I had to: 1) discern what I needed to do to prepare my NH Church family for God’s next step for them, 2) We had to begin packing, 3) Make moving arrangements (since we were moving ourselves), 4) Create an initial preaching/Teaching plan for the church in SC, and 5) finish my cedar strip boat building project to a point where it could be moved. The largest drain ended up being getting the boat ready to move.
Ostensibly, we moved in one of the hottest summers here in SC. I knew what to expect, having lived in North Carolina. And, I expected the first summer would be difficult. I have only overdone it in the heat a few times.
While we have only been here a little over two months, God is making it clear this is where I am supposed to be. I must admit, it is still a transition. I am burdened at times for my former church family in NH. Will they move forward? Will the people remember that love and unity must take precedence over any agenda or ministry idea – especially in the absence of a pastor? By faith, I trust God will guide the church – “and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
I have come to love and appreciate our new church family. I have found God speaking clearly to me, and I trust – through me.
JT
