Wednesday, December 31, 2014

See ya 2014...

2014 hasn't been my favorite year.

In fact, if I were pressed to make a decision, I would say that it has been my hardest year.  That isn't to say that it hasn't had its moments.

(I thoroughly enjoyed speaking a couple of weeks of camp... haven't done that in a while but would like to do more often.  Myles has been so much fun this year... he is learning and growing so much and I've had a lot of extra time with him.  I learned a lot about myself this year... what I can handle...)  

But, the past is the past and that's a story best left for a cup of coffee.

2014 did end well, however.  I was (semi) surprised by a going away party Monday night.  (I had some suspicions... but wasn't 100% until about an hour beforehand.)  It was a great evening.  I took the above picture about 2/3 of the way through the party after a few folks had left.  It was a great opportunity to get together with some great folks and students and laugh, hang out and tell stories.

Rarely in ministry do you get a chance to sit in a room full of the "fruit" of ministry.  That was what Monday night was for me.  The room was filled with friends.  Students who were/are leaders in the youth ministry.  Students who were leaders and have graduated and are doing amazing leading in college.  Volunteer leaders who are committed to reaching the next generation of students for Jesus.  Folks who have supported and encouraged our ministry.  It was a blast.

I felt honored.

I felt honored because my wife put it together for me (it was way outside of her comfort zone to do that).  But I also felt honored because those who were there were there because they wanted to spend time with us before the next chapter of our ministry journey unfolds (Saturday).

It was a great night.

So tonight... for me... I will be the happiest person at 12:01 am on 1/1/15.  It will be so-long to a less-than enjoyable year.  And hello to a new bright New Year.  I can't wait to see what is just around the bend!

JC


Monday, December 22, 2014

An Open Door and Changes

God has a way of opening doors.  We have been watching and waiting for God to open a door to what is next for us and God has done so.

We are proud and excited to join the Christian Fellowship Church team as their new High School Pastor.

The turn around time is pretty short since there isn't any reason for me to wait.  I start there in less than 2 weeks (January 4th).  I'm excited!  I can't wait to get started ministering to high school students in Ashburn, Virginia area.

We are currently working to sell our house in Zanesville to pave the way for us to all move to Ashburn.  So, if you are into prayer, you can pray for God to bring the right buyer to us.  Transitions are difficult but the excitement over this new opportunity is making it easier.

We are looking forward to what God will do in the future.  And we are very excited to join the CFC youth ministry and church team!

More to come (hopefully I'll get back into regular blogging in the New Year),

JC