IBC COMMUNITY
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I was hesitant to post this blog post weeks ago due to fear. For some weeks now I have wrestled with the reality of goodbye. Saying goodbye to these students has been by far one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Below is a picture of my last day in Texas with my family from Irving Bible Church on October 7th.
I am so blessed to have all of them in my life. Irving Bible Church has been home since 7th grade (2004). In 2013 I began to lead a life group of 6th-grade boys unaware that I was going to be with them for five years.
I always knew they loved me, but today I was showered with an overwhelming amount of love through prayer, words of affirmation, and testimonies. I didn’t realize how much the Lord had used me. The air filled with lots of laughter and tears. I will miss retreats, lock-ins, Waffle Wednesdays, and lunch on Sundays with the boys. I will miss teaching the boys in life group on Sundays, and I will miss being present at football games, plays, tournaments, and jobs, etc. I will miss disciplining these students and witnessing how God is changing their lives from day to day. Over the past decade, these verses speak to the Godly community I have at Irving Bible Church.
Galatians 6:2 James 5:16 Romans 12:5 Colossians 3:13 Romans 12:16 Hebrews 10:24-25
FAREWELL TRUTH
I have established deep, meaningful friendships and poured into these students for the past five years. I could feel their hurt and worry. I knew some were questioning and wished a million times that I wouldn’t go. Leading up to this goodbye the Lord continued to show me that he was and forever in control. I am just a man. He will finish what he started with or without me.
In my life group, I read these verses over the boys.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 1:6
Jeremiah 29:11-13
GO & TRUST
After months of prayer and petition Philippians 4:6, I knew that it was time for me to let go. Also, the Holy Spirit spoke through a couple of people recently and confirmed that it was time for me to leave Texas. The last two months of the year is a time for rest. You can kind of view this as a sabbatical before leaving for the World race in January. The past five years between school, work, and my ministry at church I haven’t had a sabbath. I recognized before my trip that I needed to have some time to rest. I realized I wasn’t in the right place to continue to lead, and I knew the Lord was calling me to trust him with this ministry.
I kept saying these things to myself.
“How will my life group survive?
Who will be there when ___ happens?
Who will pick _____ up?
Who will do this? Who will do that? Etc.”
As I continued, the Holy Spirit kept saying, “Michael are you, God? Do you not trust me? Do you think your self-righteousness is what has helped these students get to where they are? Who do you think is watching over them? Who is really in control?”
I went to the Lord and repented for my self-righteousness. I am thankful for my people. I wouldn’t have made it without them. I also want to thank my friends below for opening up their home to me as I was homeless before. They helped me out a ton, and I am thankful for the unconditional love and hospitality they showed me. I got the pleasure of being around this amazing family for a short season of my life.
I packed up my things and made the drive to Atlanta. I brought all of my paintings, clothes, and faith along the journey down I-20. Now that I am here I will be starting training camp in 2 days. Please be praying for my squad and mentors as we start training camp on October 15th.
I know the one who goes before me, and I trust what is said in Luke 14:26-27 and Matthew 19:29.
To be a disciple, we must be willing to give up everything for Jesus.
Next blog post I will update you on training camp! If you haven’t already, I encourage you to subscribe to my blog for more updates. And if you feel led to donate, I will be grateful for any amount the Lord has put on your heart. Alternatively, you can donate to me to help with additional expenses, including vaccinations and medication, gear and supplies, and flights to and from training camp. Here is my PayPal link if you choose this option: PayPal.me/Michaeltrinity
UPDATE: I am $2,060 away from my next fundraising goal of $10,000! I am in need of help! I have 80 paintings I brought with me from Texas, and I need help selling them. Any offers/recommendations would be appreciated!
Thank you for your faithful prayers, support, encouragement, and love!
I am excited for what the Lord has for the fam back in Texas. I know my place in the processes as I am the seed sower, and my God is the grower. I trust the one who does all the watering and growing.
I will continue to seek the Lord in all my ways, and I pray to have the faith of Abraham. Genesis 12:1-5
