Thursday, October 25, 2007

Columbus, Here we come!

If you couldn't tell from the title, Michael was officially called to be the pastor of Columbus Baptist Church on Sunday. He accepted, of course, so now we're looking to move. He will be preaching starting November 18th and we will move as soon as we find a place to live. The current pastor has agreed to stick around until December so that there is a bit of overlap. He plans to take Michael to the home of every church member! I just think that's so great. Now, about a place to live. There's not much to rent but Michael's parents are wanting to see if they can help us buy something. Wanda is up this week for the state soccer tournament, so she's going to head over that way and see what she can see.

This has all been kind of overwhelming in a way. Paul Jones, who headed up the search committee, has been a friend of Michael's family for a long time. Wanda told us some of the really nice things that he had to say about us concerning our interview process. He's really excited to ordain Michael and even more so because Michael's dad was on his ordination committee and signed his ordination certificate! And then Michael's dad, what can I say? I was blessed to grow up in a family, including much extended family, that thought (thinks) I'm great. It's amazing to me that someone from another family would think I am as great as my own family thinks I am, but he does - maybe more, if that's possible! And Mike and Wanda are happy to tell us how proud they are of us and pass along every good thing they ever hear about us - what an encouragement! On the other hand, my family adores Michael. They just thing he's the best thing since sliced bread, and I'd have to agree :) They just love, love love on us. We can't even count the ways our families have been a blessing to us, supporting us in everything we have done. How blessed we are to have godly legacies and mounds of encouragement coming from everyone we could possibly call family!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Columbus

So, some of you have been interested to find out some more about this town we may be moving to (pardon the bad English.) It is about 30 min. from the biggest city in the state, Billings and about 3 hours from Helena. I think the population of Columbus is around 2,000. No, I didn't forget a zero! There were 81 people in the worship on Sunday. At some points outside of town you can see 4 different mountain ranges at one time - I love the Beartooth mountains! OK, that's all I can think of for now. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll answer them for everyone.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Yikes! . . . and other exciting news

Well, we went back to Columbus this weekend! Michael preached Sunday morning, we enjoyed a pot-luck lunch with the church and opened ourselves up to a Q & A time. The church has a very sweet spirit and we had a good time.

So, why the "yikes!"? Well, the ladies of the church have already more than hinted at the desire for a women's ministry, including Bible study, retreats, and ladies' night out. While this is exciting and right up my alley, it would also be time for me to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. I have professed a heart for women's ministry and have a degree in women's studies but I have not to this point had an opportunity to put my "heart" and degree into practice. It's a little scary! :)

So, what's the other exciting news? Well, first, I want to thank you for all of your prayers, especially those we specially requested against the spirit of fear. I was talking to Michael the other night and shared with him that I really thought we were going to have a continuing struggle against the spirit of fear that attacked us before our first visit to Columbus. But since we realized what it was that attacked us and started praying (and you all joined us) we have had peace - some nerves here and there, but no paralyzing fear. That's a really exciting praise.

The other exciting news is . . . we got a call on our way home: next Sunday, the committee will unanimously recommend that the church call us to come as the pastor and wife! Since we've been so successful in praying together for freedom from fear, we would now like to ask you to join us in praying for a place to live. The move will probably be too quick to buy a house and there is only one rental house available in Columbus, but they don't allow pets. It seems too big for us but it's definitely not too big for God! Amen?

We covet your continued prayers as we approach this exciting time in our lives. Thank you all for your love and prayers.