The past twelve months has reminded me that I am on a journey. Last fall, prompted by clarity from God, I resigned as pastor of the Monroe Church of the Nazarene. What a great group of people! It was difficult to say goodbye. My nearly ten years spent there were formative, challenging, and enriching. But it became evident that the time had come to move forward.
The big question, however, was “forward to what?” Unlike every previous pastoral move I had no place to move to. (In retrospect, I have decided this action signaled either radical obedience or radical foolishness.) So, as most of you know, we moved to our little cottage at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp in Vicksburg, Michigan. As the fall months lengthened, I entered into the long winter of my discontent.
But that was then and this is now. And in these recent months, I am more aware than ever, I am on a journey and God is clearly leading the way.
In two weeks Jacquie and I will throw a few suitcases and a coffeepot into our 2001 Grand Caravan and head west for a 2,100 mile journey. We will end up in Oregon for a two to four month pastoral interim in a Nazarene church which is in transition. My role will be to shepherd and lead the church while they search for a permanent pastor. This is an exciting challenge! I am humbled that God has called me to such a task.
But what happens in two to four months after a permanent pastor is hired? This sounds like a difficult question but in reality there is a quick and easy answer. What happens when my assignment in Oregon is completed? Answer: the journey continues.
Your prayers for us as we enter this journey are encouraged!
Randy and Jacquie, I am excited for you, and will be holding you up in prayer as I have this entire past 12 months asking God to provide for you and lead you. Obviously, He is. Blessings my friends :)
Wow ~ what an adventure! We’ve been on a few in our life’s journey and I’ve always looked forward to them and enjoyed them. It’s been great getting to know you and Jackie a little bit better these last several months through your Facebook posts and listening as you’ve shared your heart and thoughts. Yes, we had for years to get to know each other but, as you said, that was then and this is now. We’re anxious to keep up on the details of your journey so please keep posting! God’s blessings to you both!
I understand, Randy. Lynette and I have been on a similar journey for the past year. I thought I had found my niche as a hospice chaplain seven years ago. It felt as if the previous thirty years had prepared me for that opportunity. What started out as a twelve week temporary contract to fill a maternity for a chaplain became a permanent position for five years. Last summer my position was eliminated because of cuts in Medicare and Medicaid in Kentucky due to Obamacare and sequester. The past year has been one of waiting for the next open door and what the next thing God has planned. You and your wife will be in our prayers as you begin your new adventure.