A New Chapter

Eleven years ago, Josh and I began attending Bethel Church of the Nazarene. There were not many young couples, but our pastor wanted to start a young married Sunday school class. There were only about 4 couples to start and we met in our pastor's office. We soon grew and had to move down the street to the Mckim Chiropractic office, since there were no other classrooms available. Over the years that class grew and changed in many ways, but the friendships made will last a lifetime. Soon after joining Bethel, we were also asked to be chaperones for a teen trip to Lagoon. That was only the beginning. Josh and I began helping with the teens on a regular basis which soon became a calling from God for Josh. Josh started taking classes through NNU to receive his ministerial license. For the past 6 years, Josh has pursued this calling by continuing his classes for his license as well as grow in his experience by being continually involved with our teen group.
Several weeks ago, God opened a new door for Josh. The pastor of Lakeview Church of the Nazarene called Josh and asked if he would come interview to become their youth pastor. Our family visited the church and we prayed. Josh went through the interview process and then we waited. When we thought that God was closing that door, the pastor called and offered Josh the job. He accepted. After all those years of being uncertain of where God was leading, we finally had an answer...our new chapter.
On November 7th, our family will leave our longtime home church and move over to Lakeview to join the pastoral staff. It is really a bittersweet thing. So much to miss at Bethel, yet excited for what God has in store for us at Lakeview. I was told that our family will increase the congregation by 10% and the children's department by almost 50%! Now we are growing God's Kingdom!