Oh my goodness, maybe this is fixed! By fixed I mean, I can actually compose a new blog. Yahoo!
Mark and I are in uncharted territory. By that I mean, we are going to take a step "not yet surveyed or investigated." Most of the decisions Mark and I make are about stepping into a carefully investigated territory. We have surveyed the area and felt that it was a safe, prudent step. However, in this case, we have no grid for our next move. We are considering leaving our church of almost 20 years and helping to establish a new church in East Arlington. Many of the people at our new church will speak Spanish and Mark and I can't speak a lick of Spanish. With my Mississippi twang, people say I can barely speak English!
We stayed in youth ministry for over 25 years, counting our years in Vicksburg, Mississippi. We considered moving into college ministry for at least three years before making the jump.We were counting the cost. We stayed there for 3-4 years and then started a young adult/singles class. Recently the class had grown so large that we had to split into two classes. In May we are splitting again, because of growth. Why would I leave all this? Mark and I are incredibly comfortable and happy with the class that we are leading. They are 27-34 years of age and they are absolutely precious. We love them more than words can say. Last night, while we were sleeping, they filled our pool with over 1100 plastic Easter eggs! We felt loved, to say the least.
The question hangs in the air, "Why leave?" The answer is complex but at the same time simple. We want to wow God's heart. Both of my sons have done things that were risky. I wanted to warn them not to do risky things, only choose safety. But deep down, I am glad that I have sons who do not fear the unknown. As adults, they are risk takers and God has rewarded them for trusting Him. Everything about following Christ is taking a risk, stepping out in faith, getting out of your comfort zone. Luke told me today "Mom, this is awesome! You will leave a fancy church, with all English speaking people, with everyone knowing you and go to a older, run-down building where no one knows you and dad and start over. Mom, this is fantastic!" I sat a little taller at lunch. I am guessing that God feels the same way. "Pat, this is just what I like to see my children do. Give up comfort, give up security, give up all the friends that save you a seat every Sunday, and go to an uncharted territory." Okay, I won't actually give up my friends, but you know what I mean.
There is a verse in Luke 18, that addresses this... "We left everything we owned and followed you, didn't we? Yes, said Jesus, "and you won't regret it. No one who has sacrificed home, spouse, brothers and sisters, parents, children—whatever—will lose out. It will all come back multiplied many times over in your lifetime." I have not even come close to sacrificing in this new adventure...just a little discomfort. I will keep you posted.
