For all of those wondering… we are still alive!
Our family has been through a lot since I last posted something. As you know, we moved to St. Louis in late September. Thankfully it didn’t take long for us to settle into our place. We can even travel most places in STL without using a GPS!
We have been meeting with as many people as possible, listening to their stories and asking questions about their experience living in STL. Each day we’re here we feel more and more confident this is where God wants us to be.
Out of our conversations with others we have started what we call a, Missional Community, and two Fellowship Bands. There are two families involved so far with a handful of others interested in what we’re doing. We have already seen tremendous spiritual growth in those involved and believe each person will play a vital role in spreading the vision.
We remain convicted that the best way to start a ministry (built on discipleship) is by investing in a few people at a time, training and equipping them, so we can send them out to do the same. Not simply to reproduce a program but to introduce others to the risen Jesus. The last thing we want to do in St. Louis is start another form of nominal Christianity. It’s all about Jesus and people coming to know Him!
On top of connecting with others, we have spent time getting to know the various areas in STL trying to discern where we should live. We have narrowed down a few areas and have even put offers on a few homes. The market is still very crazy (let’s just say we’ve been outbid by 100K); please pray that we remain patient and that God opens the door for a good home for our family and ministry.
Also, please pray for our family’s health. We were sick a stretch from November to March, which has made it hard starting something new when you can never see anyone! We have also been dealing with other health issues, which can easily distract us from our call.
I know many of you have been praying for us and the call God has placed on our lives. We believe God is doing a new thing, which is truly exciting and an honor to be a small part of it, but it can feel isolating at times. God has been teaching us how to have joy in the midst of it all. This passage has been on my mind for several months now…
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NIV Hebrews 12:1b-2)
I’ve been challenged to see our journey through a lens of joy. Please pray (along with everything else!) that we will keep our eyes on Jesus and choose joy! Jesus really is good, faithful, and trustworthy.
Blessings!
(I will do better at writing short blog posts in the future!)