For the past 16 years, Ben has served Worship Center in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Almost 10 years ago, I came into the picture and began to serve God and the people of this community as well. Last week, after much prayer, our family resigned from leadership at the Worship Center. Ben was Lead Pastor and Elder of the Church; I taught Sunday School for the children. The church was a BIG part of our life for as long as I've been here...
Dreams and several events leading to our resignation confirmed to us that God has more in store for our family. We plan to take the moments that lie before us to find healing and restoration from past spiritual and emotional hurts regarding church and family life. We know God has called our family to be part of something significant in the Kingdom of God... We know He will "re-position" us to fulfill that greater purpose in a specified time. We MUST walk through this season of our life, experience these pains and find healing BEFORE we can minister to other believers in leadership positions experiencing pains as we have. We stand confident in knowing the calling on our lives to make His name famous and serve the people of God. Because of that, even though the church had become such a huge part of our life, we are able to walk away from that and look forward to the things that lay before us.
While we are "confident," I must say there are a number of emotions that I have felt during this process. I really believe this is just the beginning of the end of this season in our life...and we will experience more pain before we can actually begin to start the healing process.
So, life as we know it... well, it's changing dramatically! Ben will be working as an Assistant to one of the best Pascagoula Elementary Schools that our children will also be attending. He also plans to return to school to finish his BA degree and possibly MA, this Fall. I will be working more in the evenings since Ben will not be spending that time at the Church to help supplement the incomes. We will have to make some cuts in our budget, but when you know it's God... you just know you will be alright! We will also be looking for a church in Gulfport-Mobile area to attend. When Ben has finished school, we will most likely relocate. We have seriously considered some specific places, but that is yet to be determined...
I like to look at this just as in the army, God's army... We are being treated for wounds from the war. Then, we will be sent to a "training" school (serve under another's leadership). Finally, sent out. Re-positioned. Given a new assignment! Now, that's just exciting, isn't it? Well, until someone starts picking at the scabs...but that's gotta happen right?
Thanks to all my faithful followers and those who support my family in kind words of encouragement and prayers. I appreciate you more than you know... God bless!
10 comments:
You are right....God has & will continue to use your family in a mighty way! You are still in the palm of His hand. We will continue to pray for you guys through this season. You know we love you all like crazy :-). There is joy in the journey, sister! Love to all!!!
Praying for you and your sweet family. I know God will be so faithful to you during this journey.
Wendi - Transition and change are never easy, but when God has your hand through the entire situation you know things will be absolutely fine if not better! I will continue to pray for your family in this time.
Wendi, Sometimes God carries us through tough times in life and eventually you will walk and even run again. With every down there is an up and this is the beauty of life; there is always an up.
I'll be praying for you! Praying God will guide you with His eye, and give you encouragement along the way. A youth pastor from nearby moved to Gulfport to start a Calvary Chapel. I've wondered if you and Ben had ever met them, since he is a pastor.
PS - I would suggest you come live here, but wouldn't wish our winter on a southerner!
It'll work out! You and Ben will be able to look back on this time in your life and SEE how everything fit together for GOOD!!! I say go west...lol. You might miss the bible belt though.
We are thinking of you guys! I know you will make it through this time and come out better and stronger than ever. You know that we are hoping you land in St Louis area. Good luck to Ben. i know he will make such a positive impact on the lives in your elementary school as Angelica's para has on her and us.
Thanks, everyone! God is good, and we know He's faithful! It has truly been such a weight lifted off our shoulders...it was time. It was sad, and still is weird, ya know. Ben went tonight to a new church. We will go on Sunday. That's new and different too. I actually look forward to sitting in the pew with him with the whole family! That will be sweet! I think he is actually looking forward to going back to school also! So, lots of changes still in the works...but we will get thru it. It's just an adjustment/grieving phase... it will all work out.
Please don't hesitate to remind me later if I get a little anxious when things don't work the way I hope they do...haha. Luv and appreciate you all!
Change is never easy and in particular this kind of change. Leaving something you have poured your heart and soul into (and because of the nature of what you are doing been hurt also) is even harder. Enjoy this season of worshipping together and waiting to see where God leads you. Praying for you.
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