Moving On

This is the letter Brian read to our church yesterday at the end of the morning service.

Many months ago we announced our plans to go to Texas as church planters. Shortly  following that announcement, Melissa was diagnosed with cancer, and our world was turned upside down. While we were caught by surprise, God was not. In the 10 months since her diagnosis, God has blessed us beyond comprehension and given us a peace that reaches beyond our understanding. our faith has been strengthened and our eyes opened to what God has in store for us.

While God's long-term plan for us is still uncertain, God has made his short-term plan very clear to us. We are more certain than ever that God is calling us to the mission work in McKinney, Texas. While Melissa's future health is fearful for us to think about, God has reassured us again and again that this is what He is leading us to do. We are answering His call to be courageous as we step out in faith and follow His will for our lives. I have recently adopted Joshua 1:9 as my mantra, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Cancer will not defeat us and God's purpose for our family. We praise God for the healing He has brought to Melissa's body, and we continue to pray that she will be cured of her cancer. But if He chooses not to do that, we will not be discouraged because our hope is in the Lord, not in our circumstances.

We have reactivated our account with FWB Home Missions, and we hope those of you who were supporting us monthly will once again partner with us in the mission work God has called us to. Our plan is to remain at Oaklawn through the end of the month. In March, we will officially become church planters and begin traveling to other churches to raise the funds needed.

To our friends and prayer warriors, we want to say thank you. You have made an enormous impact on our lives, and you have seen first-hand God answer your prayers on our behalf. Once again, we ask you to partner with us in prayer as we begin this next chapter in our lives. Pray that we would be able to raise our support quickly. Pray that a teaching job comes available for me. Pray that God will continue to bring about healing for Melissa. Most of all, pray that God will be glorified and people saved through Clearview Church, in McKinney, TX.

I have to say that I was not sure that this dream would return to us, but after lots of prayer, we do feel strongly that moving to Texas and helping with the Clearview church plant is what God has called us to do. While my good news a week ago certainly helped confirm that this was the right plan, we had already been praying about this. After spending the last 10 years of our life at Oaklawn Church, in 2 weeks we will be leaving that ministry and moving forward.

In other news, we had a thoroughly enjoyable Friday night even though we decided to stay home even though we had a kid-free evening. I baked this dessert that has been calling my name from Pinterest for weeks, and we watched The Office reruns and got caught up on Top Chef: Texas. Brian was in bed by 7:30 and I was able to scrap away with music blaring for a couple of hours. I know not everyone is like this, but nothing revives my spirit like a few hours alone.

And look who spent the afternoon with us Saturday. Yes, we finally got to start paying back Michael and Liz for the many times they've babysat Camden and Rory for us. Pretty sure Camden and Rory were never this quiet, though.

We finally experienced some cold winter weather over the weekend so we pulled out the big coats. There's a chance of a wintery mix tonight and Brian has his fingers and toes crossed in hopes of a snow day tomorrow.