Last night we spent the evening with the teens explaining everything that is going on. Today was the big announcement at church. If you missed it here is the text I read to the congregation.
"By now many of you may have heard that Jane and I have accepted a position at a church in Texas closer to home and family. I would like to briefly relay to those of you who have not heard yet what the opportunities are that God is presenting in my life as well as extend my deepest and most heartfelt thanks to a church that has taught me so much.

Several weeks ago I was approached by a church in Midland Texas named Golf Course Road Church of Christ about a position they had open as head of their student ministries department. They where looking for someone to lead their high school youth ministry as well as direct 2 additional youth ministers already on staff. At first I told them I was not interested. Even though it appeared to be a wonderful opportunity for my family and me I felt it would be bad timing for our church family here in OP. After much thought and prayer about it however I felt God softly calling me to investigate the opportunity further. After several weeks of prayer and several conversations with the church leaders in Midland and recently with the leadership here, Jane and I felt confident that this opportunity was from God. While God never sent me an e-mail, or wrote in the sky what I should do, I feel confidant that God is behind this opportunity. This opportunity represents a chance for me to do what I love in an environment that allows me to be closer to family while giving me the chance to grow new talents and experiences needed for me to be a better servant of the kingdom. OP has been a wonderful church and I have loved serving her. Over the past 4 ½ years I have been able to serve alongside some of the most Godly men and women I have ever met. The experience I have had here will serve me and Gods kingdom for many years to come. In short OP has made me who I am and I will never forget that.

I realize the timing of this might look to some to be “suspicious” because of the transitions we have experienced this year. Please don’t believe that. While I cannot explain to you Gods timing or control your thoughts I can do one thing. I can tell you with all of my heart that OP is a good, healthy church in capable hands with leaders that love her and care for her. The leadership here is the most Godly and capable leadership I have ever worked with. OP is a flagship church, a city on a hill, and I will always hold my head high that I got on opportunity to serve her and to serve along side such Godly leaders.

In closing I would like to read from Col 2:1-5
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. "

10 Days until Africa!!!

T minus 10 days until I leave for Africa! I am starting to get really excited but I have a ton to do. Jason (the missionary in Africa I am visiting) e-mailed me today with a list of stuff he needs me to bring. It was filled with lots of computer and office supplies. The last thing on the list cracks me up. At the very end of his list of “stuff he needs and can’t get in Africa” was…. “Raising Arizona the DVD” That’s why I love Jason so much, he knows what the essentials are. “Boy you got a panty on your head” –from the movie

I am really looking forward to the time away. Not from my family but from everything else. I really need some time to focus/pray/study. This year has been really draining and 2 weeks of time to study and pontificate with Jason will be wonderful. Those of you who know Jason know that we will be pontificating a lot. He has the kind of personality that just begs to set and talk. Usually nothing is off limits and we have to just peel ourselves away from our conversations or we set an talk forever. Right now that sounds sooo great. We are also going to be visiting some of the churches they have planted and I am very excited about that as well. 4x4’s, African Brush country, small churches and good friends, could it be any cooler?

Next week should be long and very interesting…more on that later. Keep Jane an I in your prayers, we re both getting a bit edgy because of all the stuff facing us that needs done right now. It’s a really bad time for me to be going out of the country for 2 weeks.

A new thang.

As you can see I have been experimenting with this blog for a while. I have used it as a place to post some thoughts about life. But I have not given the address to anyone yet because I did not want to commit to using it every day. But because of what is going on in my like I thought it would be a good time to take the plunge.

I left some of my old post so you could see how I think...as scary as that sounds. They are just random musings about life. The post about missionaries however is very poigant because I am about to leave to visit those very missionaries in Africa in less than two weeks. I am very excited and hope to post an update here every day. We have a big schedule planned. After almost 26 hours of flying, and an additional 15+ hours of layovers, I should arrive in Mwanza, Tanizia to spend two weeks with Jason and Emily. We will spend some time visiting local churches and then a small side trip to 4x4 through part of the Sergenti. I am way excited! Maybe I can pet a lion...does that sound like a bad idea?