Our story... where we are now

So much has happened since moving back to Columbus. Of course we see my family a good bit and we've made some new friends. I have been able to reconnect with some old friends as well. Over all life has been good. But, if you've been following our story for very long you know that we encounter the occasional bump in the road and Columbus has had its share.

I don't really know how to tell this next part without confusing you so bare with me. Jon had been on staff at Canaan for almost 2 years when we really started to pray about resigning. As much as we loved our youth and the folks at the church something just wasn't right. To be perfectly honest with you it hadn't been right for a long while. Reason being that Jon did not feel "called" to be a Youth Minister any longer. He had served as Youth Minister throughout the last 10 years and he knew that God was truly calling him to preach - to be a Pastor. That being true and where his heart was it would be a diservice to remain in a position that he wouldn't be able to give 100%. So, in April of 2007, Jon submitted his resignation.

Thankfully he already had a job doing carpentry and was able to go full time with that and I was now at Dr. Bennett's office and the Missions Office working. Missions Office you say? Yes, back in February of 2007 I was able to come on board for a job I've always wanted. I began as the part time Ministry Assistant of Publicity and Promotion - say that five times fast! I am responsible for a monthly newsletter, annual books of report, the calendar and numerous publicity for special events. I love it! Plus, it puts me in my preferred field - MISSIONS! The whole thing was truly an answer to prayer that I would be able to serve in the ministry as well as Jon. All that to say, though he was resigning from the church at least we could still pay our bills :)

Next we began to send out resumes. Jon was also put on the "supply" list at the Missions Office. This list is given to our churches when they need someone to fill a vacant pulpit due to not having a pastor or their pastor is simply going to be out of town, on vacation, etc. Almost immediately he began "booking" preaching engagements every weekend. We had several calls from churches that had received his resume but nothing definite. We pondered many scenarios from Jon beginning his Master's work at Seminary to doing a church plant. Still we had no crystal clear vision from God.

Here a little over a year later that's pretty much where we are today. I have since left Dr. Bennett's office and am now solely at the Missions Office, Jon is still working as a carpenter and filling the church's pulpit each Sunday, and we are still seeking God's will. We have interviewed at several churches over the last year, but God has still left the door unopened. We know that He has a plan and we are trying our best to be patient as He reveals that plan in His time. Who knows where we will "end up". For now Jon is getting some great experience and we are making connections all over the place! I do ask that you pray for us as we continue to seek God's will for our lives and that He make His plans known.

Well, that does it for the "general version" of our story. Thanks for coming along on the ride and please check back often as now I will be able to go back and tell some of the little stories that didn't make this first cut - they are some you definitely won't want to miss and they are sure to be an easier read! May you all have a fabulous weekend... Hakuna Matata!