Not Plan B

Some of you, some more than others, know how we have agonized over the last 18 months what direction our life should take. We felt such a strong call to missions several years ago, but nothing ever quite panned out. Two years ago we felt that God was calling us to Texas to help start a new church, then cancer happened. Fast forward to March of this year and we thought that we were finally going to be able to move forward. In fact, we made it to one week before moving day, had an apartment in Texas and our house was being packed up.

And cancer happened again.

We have spent the last 2-3 months in emotional turmoil questioning God and what He has been trying to do in our lives. Praying that He would reveal His plan to us. Praying for open doors; praying for closed doors. Crying tears of frustration. I don't really know how to explain all that's happened this summer because, frankly, you just don't have the time to hear it all. But we do have a new plan, and it is not Plan B.

First, we will not be moving to Texas. It certainly pains my heart to type that sentence; we're more than a little sad to not be partnering with Randall and Collette. But the sadness that comes with not realizing our dreams to start a church in Texas is accompanied by the excitement we have with our new opportunity.

Brian has accepted the position as co-church planter with Chad Kivette in Clarksville, Tennessee. Like I mentioned, there's no way to possibly get into all the details of how we have come to this point or the intertwined relationships that made this happen, so you'll just have to trust me when I say that God has certainly been working for the last 2 years all around us in order to orchestrate this new adventure. It has been nothing short of miraculous to see it all fall into place. We are very excited at this new opportunity.

Basically, Brian has the same ministry opportunity as in Texas; BUT he's keeping his same teaching job and insurance, I can keep my same doctors, the kids are even able to stay in the same Christian school. [By the way, I've had several people mention they thought Brian was unemployed. He is not! He has tenure in the state of Tennessee and his school wanted to keep him enough that they were willing to wait around while we tried to determine what things would look like for this this fall so he's always had his current 4th grade teaching position to fall back on. Because of the poor condition of Tennessee education (and their salary plan), he's always needed a second job. Lucky for us, his first degree is in ministry and is what he is called to do.]

I can't even describe to you the sense of relief and joy we feel at finally having a plan, confident in God's hand in our lives, being able to move forward. 

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. Jeremiah 29:11