Change...

Jon and I are preparing to make a big change in our lives over the next few months...

A little Background: For the past 2 years Jon has been praying for opportunity to use his gifts and talents (as a video producer) to glorify the Lord and advance God's kingdom. He has volunteered his services many times in the church - and these times were some of the most fulfilling work he has ever done! I see him light up when he has the opportunity to use the creative talent that the Lord gave him to encourage believers and to see the gospel proclaimed! About a year ago Jon felt a strong calling to use these gifts in full time ministry. Over the past year the Lord had begin to develop so many ideas in Jon's mind of how video - a great means of communication in today's society - could be redeemed to reach the world with the message of the cross! Jon sought advice from older men in his life of the best way to pursue this, and through prayer and God's Word Jon knew that the best way would be to partner with a local church family. Jon began to look for churches that had this same desire, and were ready to take the next step, but there appeared to be no open doors. He and I continued to pray, but with an understanding that we were going to do all that we could to be faithful this day until the Lord brought an opportunity to us. Our specific prayer was that "If and When the Lord wanted Jon to use his gift in full time service that the Lord would open the door and we would gladly walk through it". We continued to serve faithfully here, not putting that desire aside, but trusting the Lords timing.

Fast Forward to Semi-present: About 6 weeks ago, Jon got back in touch with a church that he had talked with a year ago who had the vision to use Video Ministry int heir church, but was not quite ready to hire someone for the position. They were ready! And interviewing about 20 people. Jon and I began to pray that the Lord would put His Man in this position - whomever that may be. Jon began to go through the interview process, mostly over the phone since we were 1000 miles away! Honestly, the interview process was hard - we were very uncertain, there were times of discouragement, but our prayer became "Lord, if this is not where you want us please close the door and we will be content"; We had to lay our desires at the foot of the cross and trust the Lord! A little over 2 weeks ago this church flew Jon up to meet with the staff to see if Jon would fit as a part of the ministry team. On Jon's trip he was extremely encouraged - He was blown away by the focus this church staff had on reaching people for Christ - their dreams of a Video Ministry lined up with exactly what we had been praying for for over a year! At the end of Jon's time this church offered Jon a position to be the "Director of Video Production" We were thrilled! Jon came home, and we prayed, mostly thanking the Lord for his faithfulness, and graciously accepted the position the following day!

The Future: My last day at work at McGregor will be April 2nd. This is a bittersweet time for use right now. Fort Myers has truly become our home. Our entire dating relationship, engagement, and marriage has been here. We have made life long friends here, especially over the past 4 months in our Sunday School Class! Jon's family is here. We love the High School Student Ministry, and it is breaking our hearts to leave these students, but Ultimately we know that the best place to be is exactly where the Lord leads you. And we have full confidence that this opportunity is from the Lord! So, in mid-April we will be packing up and moving to..... LOUISVILLE! Jon's Position is at Highview Baptist Church - which many of you know is my home church. Once again, God is so faithful to give us exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine! Jon and I would have gone ANYWHERE that they Lord called us - what a blessing to go to a place where we already have family and friends!

Please pray for us as we began this new season of our lives - serving full time in ministry, picking up our lives and moving 1000 miles away. We are so anxious to see what the Lord has in store!