GOD IS SO GOOD! Many things have happened this week to show me just how much he loves us. He has ways of letting us know just how much he cares.
First, we have been dealing with a lot of sickness in our church. The lady I mentioned to you before who has cancer has gotten worse after like 8 rounds of chemo. They finally said they had exhausted all possibilities. I just can't accept it. She's so incredibly special. It's one of those, "WHY IN THE WORLD IS THIS HAPPENING TO HER, OF ALL PEOPLE?" Anyway, it appears the doctor came up with another sort of chemo treatment that he is trying that he didn't know about before. Please continue to pray for Diane.
We had two families last week who are very key -- incredibly special -- let us know they are being transferred away. My heart just broke. It was horrible coming to this reality last week...I find this part of being in central FL very difficult...it happens. When you pastor in a metropolitan area versus rural, well, this is what you face. But then again, if that's the worst problem I face, I'll take it any day over conflict! (I do not miss the conflict of the other AT ALL!) Here there is absence of conflict and power plays, however the heartbreak comes when people transfer out...and it's really out of their control. Pastoring people our age who are moving up the corporate ladder -- this just happens. Well, we are losing two great couples. I was in mourning over it...Larry assurred me, although you can never replace people in your heart, God has a way of bringing in just what you need, as far as the ministry that various ones provide.
I stand in awe of God. In one week's time, he moved two couples into Tampa who are transferring into our church from A/G churches -- one from MD, one from CT, who basically fill the ministry gaps perfectly that will be left by these couples. Amazing, amazing, amazing.
I was dealing with a lot of stress with various ones in our church sick (and I was worried about them), and these transfers, and stresses with decisions I'm making with my kids, and on and on......and then our children's pastor candidates came in this past weekend. Of all weekends for me to be stressed! I didn't need that. But -- the weekend went superb!!! I expect them to come if things keep going like they are. We are having them come in one more time before we make the final decision. They will be coming from MO. Great couple...keep praying with me that it works out, if it's God's will! We just got along with them super, and I'm crazy about his wife. Do you remember the candidate's wife that I told you about before that I was so nuts about (the ones that we didn't end up bringing here for YP) Well........the CP candidate's wife reminds me sooooooooo much of her. It's uncanny. She is such a team player herself -- she's really "in" the ministry. She went to school for children's ministry as well and would have chosen it as her life's work even if her dh had not gone into it. She is just a gem. So you can see even more why I'm praying for this to work out. I'm excited about having a real team.
Well, it's been a good week for me -- it has turned around so much -- and I want you to know that your prayers really made a difference. I could feel them...seriously!!!
Pastor D I am so glad that things are going better. You are so wonderful with what you do that satan wants you to stop. He'll get over it though.
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Col 1:9-12 (NASB)
That's awesome, Deanna! I'm really starting to learn that satan (I don't capitalize his name on purpose!!) tries to attack the hardest just before a huge move of God...I know that all of us on our staff had really been feeling it!!
I'm glad it looks like you've found your children's pastor. I knew you'd find the perfect fit for you!! It's definitely the best scenario when the husband and wife are a ministry team. That pretty much doubles the talents and gifts in that area of leadership!
