The Lord has once again made himself clear to Leslie and I, as we have pursued Him. Allow us to share how and where the Lord is moving us.
A few months ago, an opportunity was presented to Leslie and I. We did not pursue it, nor did we even know it was available until it was brought to our attention. Many of you know, in August of last year, we followed the Lord's clear direction for us, and we moved to Houston, Texas, where I went on staff at Houston's First Baptist as Associate Director of The Faith Center, their local outreach mission. Since August, we have had a great time, leading in efforts such as the Christmas Store, where we were able to serve over 700 children in our city. We have also been able to explore and learn from great leadership that we have been around. We moved to Houston, saying, Lord, as long as you want us here, we are here. But the minute you want us elsewhere, make it known to us, and we will follow (as we will do with every step of our lives).
That brings us back to a few months ago. We were presented with an opportunity that, when comparing with some things that seemed to be stirring in our hearts at the time, really lined up. It seemed to us early on clear that the Lord was preparing this new opportunity for us. At the same time, it was crazy to think if it would happen that we'd be moving. We moved to Houston thinking we'd be here a while. From very practical things such as signing a two year lease on our apartment, to simply desiring to have a home base settled, we never thought we'd be moving a year later. However, the Lord's timing is always greater than ours, and he asks for nothing less than our utmost obedience.
So the past two months have been spent in prayer, conversation and dreaming. At that, I am able to say that Leslie and I have accepted the opportunity presented to us, and that my last day at The Faith Center of Houston's First Baptist Church will be June 1, 2012. Now to where and what we will be doing.....
On June 25th, I will assume the role of Missions Associate at Second Baptist Church of Springfield, Missouri. Through this position, I will get the opportunity to organize and lead believers on mission all around the world. I will get the opportunity to assist church planters in their efforts both stateside and abroad. (that's the short version of my position). Leslie and I will also get the opportunity to experience, lead and do international missions together, something we have not gotten to do as much together as much as we would have liked in our 1 1/2 years of marriage.
So Leslie and I both have about 7 weeks at our jobs here in Houston, we will pack up, and move to Springfield mid-June. We are both confident in the Lord's moving. The Lord has already provided a wonderful job for Leslie, our landlord is being very gracious to us here, and we have already lined up an amazing housing opportunity for us.
Houston is a place that has been so good to and for Leslie and I. Leslie-obviously because she grew up here, and her family is still here. As well as the way the Lord has led in her life here. For me, the way the Lord has used Houston's First Baptist as a college student and now the past year. Houston will always hold a dear place in our heart, and will be a place we will visit often as we come back to see friends and family. But we believe it is time for us to now step forward in this new mission.
Please pray for us both in the practical and the spiritual over the next two months as our transition occurs. We are very grateful for all who are so supportive of us in prayer.
