For over a year now, we have been thinking about, planning for, praying over, and preparing to move to Big Lake to launch this new ministry with the people of the area. All those words, however, (thinking, planning, praying, preparing) are not quite the same as it really happening. Now granted, they are vital, necessary, and active in themselves, but there is a distinct difference when things are really happening. For us right now, things are really happening!Tomorrow morning, the moving van arrives with all of our stuff to move us into our new home in Big Lake! Tomorrow morning, what has been thought about, planned for, prayed over, and prepared to do will really be done ... we will be living in Big Lake. We are excited! We are thankful! We are tired! We are there (well almost)!
Starting a new church has some of those same dynamics – for over a year we have been actively thinking, planning, praying, and preparing (all vital and good); and this too will eventually give over to “it’s really happening!” We are not quite there yet either, but getting closer! Even the almost-but-not-quite steps of really-happening ministry are exciting right now.For example, our first two community events have been taking shape over the last two weeks: a mini-VBS is scheduled for Saturday, August 23rd from 9-noon, and a Good Cents money management course will be tested out starting the following week. Actually purchasing over $750 in VBS supplies might have something to do with making it feel more real; actually recruiting Launch Team members and giving them specific jobs to accomplish to pull these events off might be another part of it; actually telling people “this is what we are doing” versus “here’s what we are strategizing, what do you think?” is another. I know, I know ... but when the real thing is only a month away, it feels more like it’s really happening than ever before! Cool!
The Older Testament prophet, Jeremiah, bought a piece of land from his uncle long before he actually occupied it. War, deportation, and strife would take place before it would really happen, but Jeremiah had believed and had faith in God who proclaimed, “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jer. 29:10-12 NIV)
I now know the feeling Jeremiah had seventy years later, the night before he walked onto the land which God had promised him. “Wow! It’s really happening! Faith in God pays off! Though I’m not surprised, I am so pleased.”
P.S. We’d love it if you’d leave us a house-warming blessing; just click on the word “comments” below and drop us a quick thought from your heart!
6 comments:
You know I can't "leave it alone" - when it comes to comments. Welcome "home". That part of your stress is almost over. God has us take baby steps before we can take to BIG ones. You're getting close to running.
Sending lots of hugs, can't wait to see the place. love you, jan
"May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire."
Jim and Janet - Scott & Adam
Congratulations on your new home. It looks beautiful! I hope your move in goes smoothly and that you soon feel complete and peaceful in your new surroundings. Big Lake is certainly lucky to have you there. Please let us know when your up and running with services. We'd like to have an opportunity to visit you periodically at your new church. For now, best wishes on your new home, your new community and all that lies before you!
Peace and God's Blessing to you all!
Scott, Jeanine, Parker & Faith
Congratulations on your new church home. We will have to visit sometime soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers frequently.
Paul and Deb Marzahn
Peace and joy to all who may dwell in your new home.
Hello dear! I wanted to add my two cents to your 'Great Changes' move. We keep you in our prayers as you plant a new church.....its a very courageous thing you're doing, and will bring many new people to know our Lord, Jesus Christ. Its odd for me to think of the great similaritties/hardships/uncertainties there are between your situation, and those of the Christian groups we've met and befriended in the Middle East, as a consequence of our trip to Egypt and Jordan last year. The great difference is that you (we) have the freedom to spread the Good News as boldly as we can, and they risk everything because its against the law to evangelize. There are times when I wonder which is the more needy mission field! I know our minister, Dr. Kinloch, often compares our era in the 21st century to the life of the early Christian church (the Book of Acts) in that we are again Christians living in a non-Christian world. Post-modernism, I think is the word he uses. We'll really have to get together in the near future, and compare notes---I think it will be a lively discussion! For now, know that we care for you in our prayers. Love, Aunt Jackie
Jim-
Blessings on your endeavors and the new house. I am guessing as this is a little late that the house is already warm.
I will be praying for you, your family, and your ministry.
Pastor Justin Halbersma
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