What a wonderful first couple of weeks my family has enjoyed in Kansas! Many thanks to everyone who has warmly welcomed my family and I. You have made this transition easier on us.
To be honest, leaving so much family, so many friends and the wonderful Azure Hills church in sunny, mountainous southern California was quite difficult. There were certainly pros and cons in our minds for both California and Kansas and in many ways and in many minds beyond our own, the transition to the center of the country didn’t make sense. We knew one family in the Kansas City area. But there were a couple of factors that really helped me in the decision process.
One was a particular day when I took the time to pray in the sanctuary at Azure Hills and sought God’s direction. It wasn’t long before I got the mental image that Jesus was holding a door open for me and was inviting me to go through it. He wasn’t trying to push me, pull me or in any way force me, but He patiently stood there with His beckoning hand lifted as if He would take my hand and walk with me through the door if I would let Him.
That picture significantly altered my perception. I went from feeling like God might make me do something I wasn’t sure I wanted to do, to sensing that God was not pressuring me but encouraging me towards something good. I let my guard down. How could I refuse His courtesy and kindness and plan. From then on, I knew we were going to Kansas and though there were still many hard goodbyes and tears shed from that moment until we started our road trip, I am expecting growth, goodness and adventure for my family, come what may, in this new place.
The second factor was the support of the people I worked alongside who trusted my discernment process, colleagues who encouraged me to follow God wherever He was leading. The conference leaders in California listened to my perspective, blessed me and let me know that prodigals are always welcome home. What a relief! I feel we are still on the same team in ministry, the team is just enlarging.
My senior pastor, Tara VinCross, whom I’ve partnered with in ministry for almost 10 years, wept with me and pledged her friendship and support no matter where God led. She would still journey with me and celebrate me being in the center of God’s will even if it was a loss for her and our wonderful staff and church in Grand Terrace.
As of today we have been in our new ministry location for two weeks. I’ve been to the Kansas-Nebraska Conference office to take care of some business after which president, Ron Carlson and his wife Sue, took my family out to a decision pizza lunch at Spin. We lived with our dear friends the Shaws, the one family we knew in the area. We’ve already found that we know other people in the area. Small world! I’ve visited Midland Academy and got to play guitar and sing for worship. I’ve gotten to connect with area pastors and Chapel Oaks spent 10 Days of Prayer together. It was such a great way to get to know the youth and the rest of the congregation in short order. I’m already feeling bonded to them. I’ve been able to preach and be part of the worship team in my first to two church services. Just last night we endured our first loss with the church family as the Chiefs lost the Super Bowl. But Super Bowl upset aside, I am full of anticipation for what God has for us here. There have already been obstacles, like the closing date on our home being pushed back a month, but I know that God will keep providing like He has with our peaceful, country temporary residence. He will keep leading and God’s people will keep supporting. As we submit to His plan and work together I believe our experience here will surpass our expectations.
May we all pray every day as Jesus modeled in the Garden of Gethsemane, “not my will, but yours be done,” trusting that on the other side of the door of sacrifice there is great promise and that we have supporters who are there for us.
I invite you to join me in following God’s invitations. He doesn’t force His will upon you but day by day He invites us to follow Him. May you be filled with anticipation as you say yes to the the journey with Jesus deeper into His goodness through big and small choices alike. Moment by moment and day by day let’s pray, not my way, buy your way Oh Lord!
-Nick
Whatever is... 