It’s been a week since I announced to my church family that I’ll be leaving them to go on the World Race. To be honest, this is the step in the whole process that I have been looking forward to the least.
I’ve grown up in my church, and for the last two and a half years, I’ve been on staff as the youth and children’s pastor. Our church has been experiencing an exciting time of growth over the past few years. It’s been a wonderful time of learning and growing as I worked with my pastor, the kids, and parents to build up the youth and children’s programs.
Three years ago, I would have never imagined myself being a youth and children’s pastor. Just out of the college and itching to go do mission work overseas, sticking around Williamsburg, Ohio was not high on my agenda. But I’m so glad God’s plans won out over my own! I didn’t know how much I would learn and grow myself as I taught the kids how to grow closer to God. And I didn’t know how much I would grow to love the kids. I’m going to miss them so much!
I was worried how everyone would receive the announcement that I’m going to be leaving. Things have been going so well and everyone is so pleased with the ministry, why change anything? Well, because God told me it’s time. He’s convinced me, but would everyone else understand?
When we made the announcement in church last Sunday, it was met with shock and some initial disappointment, especially for the people that I am closest to. But after giving it some time to sink in, everyone is now so excited for me to have this opportunity. And they are so overwhelmingly supportive with their excitement, encouragement, prayers and financial support. I am so incredibly blessed!
It’s been such a blessing getting to serve in my local church before heading out to serve Jesus among the nations of the earth. I love my church family so much and I am excited for them all to take the journey with me via my photos and blog posts!
Some of the kids told me last night that they wish they could come with me and that they were going to try to sneak into my backpack! There’s nothing I’d rather add to my packing list, but I’m sure sneaking the children out of the country for eleven months would be considered kidnapping. And since I’d rather not go to jail before getting to go on the World Race, they’ll just have to join me in this journey via the blog.
Thank you church, for being so supportive and for raising me into the person that I am. This is truly what the Church should be. I love you!!!
