These last months
have been some incredible wrestling for Angie and me. We have seen God wake up some passions, and
speak in a dramatic way to us. In our
blog, we want to update you all on what God has done and what He has spoken to
us. To put it shortly, God has revealed
how the 13 years we’ve worked with World Impact has prepared us and brought us
to the specific task ahead. Here is a
quick summary of where we’ve been.
(1999 to2007) – Church
plant years in Oaklawn. We started our family and, in a sense, grew up
during this time. We both learned so
much - how to pastor, preach, lead worship, raise kids, etc. But as we left Lighthouse, we were burned out
from not knowing how to stay healthy in ministry. Also during this time, as I
processed with my WI leaders, we wondered if church planting was really what
God called me to. I wondered if it was
in my gifting. During this time, I
realized that my identity was wrapped up in being a church planter.
(‘08 to summer of ‘09) – The Dark Ages. This
season represents the hardest and darkest of our lives. It actually started in
August of ‘07 when Angie’s mom passed away.
In the spring of ‘08, we spent four months in Costa Rica to learn
Spanish and for renewal. Right when we
came back to Wichita, my brother, Phil, died and this was the knock out punch
for us emotionally. We spent the next
year, grieving and emotionally raw. Yet it was also the start of God starting
to bring healing to our lives.
(Fall of ‘09 to Feb of 2012) – Healing &
Learning. During this time, we felt more emotional,
physical, and spiritual health returning to us.
We are learning healthy family rhythms. I have learned how to take care
of my body through eating well and exercising. We were open to different church plants and had
been a part of a few different things, but each time God seemed to close the
door. In February we felt clear to, but
abruptly stopped attending the Spanish church plant. After that, I thought that
maybe God was calling us to not be a part of front-line church planting.
I was doing many
new jobs with WI and learning new skills.
I drove the Mobile Clinic, worked at the thrift store, led our communications
team, networked for fund-raising, coordinated events, became our volunteer
coordinator, hosted work groups, recruited at churches and colleges, and directed
Wichita Member Care. The roles listed are every possible position available
within World Impact – minus the director!
All jobs I enjoyed, some more than others, yet there was no role where I
felt clearly called by God to do.
To be continued in a couple of days......
To be continued in a couple of days......
Praise God for His leading in your journey...Praise the Lord! He is the Lord our Shepherd and leads us down right paths. Again, Praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike for all your encouragement to us.
ReplyDeleteMatt, we're proud of you and your family. We try to follow a Godly path here in Mac town, but I'm so glad we have people like you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Andy and that's great. Where are you all going to church at? Blessings.
ReplyDelete