11.20.2007

Philippians 4:9

Lessons along the way…

One of our prayers from the start of deputation has been that we would not miss the lessons that God is trying to teach us throughout this process.

Michael and I have been involved in the Jr. High ministry for around four years. Michael was the Jr. High pastor and I led the Teen Choir. We absolutely loved the students and the ministry and counted it a privilege to serve them.

Honestly, the hardest part of deputation so far has been letting go of something we loved so much.

Handing over leadership is not easy. No one said it would be easy. It surely is not. This past Sunday I began to realize that the teen ministry has gone on just fine without us leading it. The students are still growing without my husband being the one behind the pulpit. The teen choir is still singing...without me directing it…

Recently, a friend asked me if it was hard handing over the leadership of the choir. I did not hesitate to answer, “Yes.” Part of me still wishes I was directing the choir and Michael still pastoring. However the more I thought about it, I realized that God has called Michael and me to plant churches in Italy with the philosophy of handing them over to the nationals. What a thrill to know that God is preparing us today for Italy by training us to be able to step back and let others lead!

I am glad that God is using situations like the one with the Jr. High to train us for our future ministry in Italy. Oh, and I am glad we did not miss this lesson along the way…

1 comment:

Janice said...

As a parent of a child whose life has been forever impacted for Christ because of your ministry, let me say THANK YOU!
Your family's investment in our youth is now bearing fruit of a class of teens that are passionate for God, and desiring to know Christ.
While you may be gone from our class you will forever be in our hearts and prayers! We love you all, and pray for you as you follow Jesus Christ!