We had lots of changes in 2011.  New ministry assignment (moved from Calvary to NAMB); new living conditions (moved in with KK’s aging parents); new family circumstances (leaving 9 grandkids in NC)…. to name a few.

The last 45 days have been extremely challenging:  KK’s mom’s stroke and death; packing and moving; holidays in a dynamic environment. We’ve been physically and emotionally exhausted.

But I’m not complaining!  God has provided and taken care of us every step of the way.  We sold our house in two months…closed and moved within 3 months!  (Big deal in this market! )

That’s context– I am trying to humble myself…depend totally on God… and ask for prayer partners.  Here are the prayer requests.

1.  New church home:  I’ve traveled some to preach on Sundays.  We’ve visited church plants and friends in the area.  But we need a church home–

2.  New friends:  we have great friends who live all over the world. But we need  friends involved in our daily lives.

3. New ministry direction:  I’ve spent the first few months trying to understand what has been done and now we begin to move a new direction.

We need new strength, new perspective, new direction and new relationships.  Every time I’ve asked for prayer partners–dozens of you have responded. Thanks for being there.  Thanks for praying.

This thing called “transition” has a lot of moving parts!  James 1 says “…count it joy when you encounter various, multi-colored trials.”  So, I’m counting on it.  This is a blessing and God is teaching us great things.

I keep remembering the sermon entitled, “What to do when you don’t know what to do!”  (James 1:2-8)

For those who have joined us in praying for the transition, read James 1 and join me in praying this way….

• Count it Joy:  God is up to something!
• Need Wisdom:  God’s perspective
• Ask God:  He alone has what I need
• In Faith:   Trusting, believing His way is right
• Not Doubting:  His ways are right…I’m not considering whether or not I will do it God’s way…I’m ready to do it!
• Not Double-minded: (literally- “two-souled”)  My soul is set to follow His direction.

Asking for God’s wisdom for these things:

1. Winston-Salem House:  negotiating price and whether or not buyers have ability to pay.
2. Atlanta Housing:  Build on KK’s parents’ land, buy, temporary housing, etc
3. Team Building:  finally have a new Admin Asst & Team leader…planning an upcoming team retreat, etc.
4. Ministry Design: How to serve Southern Baptist as we seek to align mercy ministries and missional living in the context of local church.

As I sat in the nearby McDonald’s (drinking coffee and using free wi-fi) a young man walked up and asked to use my cell phone.  I told him it was a business phone and really shouldn’t be used for personal stuff.  He responded, “I’m waiting on a guy and need to make sure he knows where to meet me.”  Made sense to me– didn’t seem right to say no to young man in need.

I dialed the number for him, handed him the phone, and turned back to finish the email I was working on.  I heard his opening comment — and then he quit talking (or so I thought).  He didn’t quit talking– he ran out the door– with my new iPhone!

The next few hours were spent getting a police report, turning off the cell service, buying a new cell phone and reformatting it to get email, etc.

Did I learn the intended lesson?  Not sure.  As I told my son the story we laughed and said:  how do you tell a guy:  ”No, this is a business phone you can’t use it.”  –  ”What kind of business?”  – ” Well, I am in the business of finding ways to help needy people….but I can’t meet your need….I’m too busy!”

Lesson learned?  Honestly, I was really mad at that guy!  And, pretty mad at myself for trusting him!

Perhaps I learned something about protecting my cell phone — but as the day comes to an end, I’m still trying to learn the lesson.

I’m begging God to overcome my pride and keep my heart soft for needy people. That guy needs a lot more than a cell phone.  He needs to connect with his Creator who loves him, and gave His Son — to pay for his sins and make the connection.

Oh Father, I’ve got so much to learn!

It’s been a long time since I’ve carved out the time to sit down and add a post to my blog.  I should have found a way to thank the many friends who have reached out to encourage us.  I’m sorry–please forgive me.

KK and I decided we didn’t have the emotional energy to sit and read all of the notes that were placed in the box at our reception–at one time.  They made us cry…and we were getting dehydrated!  So, we decided we would pull out a few…every few days…and receive the encouragement to give us strength.  You know, like a vitamin, or a good meal when you’re hungry.  And, wow!  What a blessing!

Today is the time to make sure I express my gratitude for the blessing of friendship!  I am a very wealthy man!  I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family and encouraging friends!

Thanks again for the encouragement.  See some of you soon….see all of you later!

I will pray for the Calvary family often, setting my heart on the Word of God to have confidence in what I pray….

I pray that you will know the depth of His love, which surpasses human comprehension, and seek Him knowing He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we can ask or think.  (Eph. 3.18-20)

I pray that eyes of your hearts will be enlightened and that He will give you a spirit of wisdom & revelation in the true knowledge of Him. And, I pray you will always remember that Christ has complete authority and is head of His church. (Eph 1.18-23).

I pray you know His perfect and complete peace as you set your mind on Him and trust Him (Is 26.3). I pray you will not worry about what’s next but will pour out all your requests to God. Then, you will know His peace that surpasses all understanding. (Phil 4.6-7).

I pray that you will be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor 15.58)

I pray that you will learn to labor earnestly in prayer for others…and that you will stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. (Col. 4.12)

I pray that you will obey your leaders and submit to them…knowing they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.  I pray they your support and attitude will be good so that they can lead you with joy and not with grief…”  (Heb 13.17)

And, I pray that the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep —with the blood of the everlasting covenant,  equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. (Heb 13.20-21)

In the name and for the praise of the Lord Jesus,

Amen. 

But, this week has been filled with emotions.  I attended my last Calvary staff meeting today. KK and I had lunch with the staff today and we shared some special memories together.

Now, it seems like everywhere I turn, I’m telling someone goodbye.  (just came from Chick-Fil-A and cried talking to 4 different people).

But, I keep reminding myself.  When talking to believers, it’s never ”goodbye” …. it’s always a “see you later!”  (but there’s still lots of emotions!) 

SO, once again I set aside the emotions and delight in Acts 20:24

I also told her this — what I know about the ways of God….I expect our prayers to be answered in one of two ways:

1. The house will sell quickly for God to show His power to move people into action.

OR

2.  It will take a while to sell because God has lessons (like  patience, etc. ) to teach the people involved.

ANTICIPATING

God is pouring out His grace on us during this time.  The Calvary family has been very affirming and understanding.  We are thankful for our years here and anticipating the great things God has prepared around the corner—for us, and for the Calvary Family!

So many have asked about prayer requests and the list is pretty simple:

1.  Pray for Calvary Leadership as transition plans are made (including the Pastor Search Committee).

2.  Pray for wisdom as we decide what to pack and how to get house ready to sell.

3.  Pray for the house to sell so that we can focus on our new ministry assignment.

4.  Pray for wisdom in decisions related to temporary housing in North Atlanta.

5.  Pray for KK as we serves her parents (Dr appts, in-home health care, etc.).

There are so many things that we need to do to get ready for the move…but this week has been spent focusing on relationships and trying to get things ready for Calvary to move ahead. 

One the highlights of the week has been hearing from college students who took the “48 Challenge” (4 solid friends and 8 Christ-honoring decisions in the first 48 hours).  My heart leaps when our students report their Christ-honoring trajectory from the college campus! 

What about you?  Have you invited friends to help you walk with God?  Are you making decisions that reflect the Lordship of Christ?  Are you expecting God to work in your daily circumstances?

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen!”   (Eph 2:20-21)

 Dear Calvary Family:

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I am accepting a position at the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and will soon be leaving Calvary.  By mid-September, I will begin a new assignment in Atlanta as the Executive Director of Love Loud, the ministry evangelism arm of the North American Mission Board.

The Process  Calvary is a special place and it has been a great honor to serve God with you. You have loved and encouraged us and will always have a special place in our hearts.  This has been a very difficult decision for us, but we have seen God’s hand opening a door for ministry.

 Most of you are aware of the decline in KK’s parents’ health. Her mom, who has Alzheimer’s, fell and broke her hip right before Thanksgiving. KK has needed to spend most of her time in Atlanta since then. Many things we have envisioned for our role in Calvary’s ministry are not possible with her needing to be in Atlanta. We have continuously cried out to God for wisdom and direction.

 Dr. Kevin Ezell, President of the NAMB, has repeatedly asked me to join his team. While praying over how to meet KK’s parents’ needs, I realized God is leading us to a place where KK can care for her parents and I can continue to influence the people of God to be on mission. The headquarters of the NAMB is in Atlanta, only minutes from KK’s parents’ home.  Dr. Ezell challenged me with an assignment matching my heart…

The Assignment  The best way to explain the scope of my new assignment is to think about “Love:Winston-Salem” and our refugee ministry to the Karenni people group.  I have been asked to help Southern Baptists learn how to multiply ministries like these to reach their cities in the South and find ways to reach our neglected neighbors in the North and West.  We will challenge Southern Baptists to align Mercy Ministries with Missional Living throughout North America.

 Timing and Next Steps Before sending this letter I met with the staff and deacons, and am grateful for their encouragement and prayers as we begin a major transition.  Our deacons have started a process to find God’s man to be the next pastor of Calvary.  Please pray for them and expect a progress report at our multi-campus celebration on August 31, at 6:30 pm in our central campus worship center. 

 We will have plenty of time to say our good-byes.  I look forward to sharing these next few weeks with you before Calvary commissions me to be your missionary to North America.