#futureandhope

Since January, God has moved us into a time of transition. Things that we thought were stone began to become more like sand, and things that we saw as bright light, began to look dark. Neither my husband or I knew which way to go in the darkness and we were wobbly on our feet.

What I would like to make clear, is that this had nothing to do with our daughter’s death. We just found that dreams and goals for ministry, that we have had for the last 10 years, were not coming to fruition. We felt we could no longer see where our future was heading.

So, during the four week sabbatical we took in February, we considered three options to move forward:

to continue with the status quo; which didn’t seem to be moving us anywhere

to downsize our life and put 100% into the church and our ministry; including selling our home and Stephen quitting all side work but the church

to take some time away from being busy (leading ministries and heavy mid-week involvement) to focus on family and work; to re-evaluate what God wants our ministry to be

We decided, after lots of prayer, that the best option was the last one. For a season we would step back and see what God wanted our ministry in Spruce Grove, and at Engage, to look like. 

At the same time, I also had to begin looking for a job. My maternity leave was ending (in Canada, when you lose a baby you only get 15 weeks paid leave; not the full 50), and we still have bills to pay.  I applied everywhere and anywhere. We prayed that God would open up doors for me into the right job, one that I would truly enjoy and that had a future.

During this time, we were both in the desert looking for God and asking Him what we should do, which path we should take, and I truly felt that the Lord led us into a place that is described in Hosea 2:14 “But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there.” So we sat, listening and waiting for God to either speak, or begin to open doors.

Although I applied like a crazy person, no real fruit came from my efforts. None of the offers I got were jobs in my field, or they wouldn’t meet our basic needs. I started to get fed up with applying and coming up empty handed, so I asked my friends on Facebook if they heard of any openings.  I got a few suggestions, and sent out my resume to each one.

One tip was from a dear friend who sent me a posting at her church, West Edmonton Christian Assembly (WECA). I never would have considered applying for a position at another church before our time away but, with all of the uncertainty and instability in our life, we decided that I would try it to see how it went; taking a leap of faith.

Of all of the resume’s I’ve sent out, this was the first interview I had that wasn’t for a temp agency or a misleading sales position. It is an administrative position that includes running their library ministry. It has lots of potential for me to truly enjoy my job, as well as lots of opportunity for growth in the role.  It would also be the first time I would be working for a ministry/church as a full time gig, not just a part time volunteer role.

I was nervous about the interview because, although the job sounded great, I saw the big change it would mean for our family. I prayed, “God if this is the job for me, make a way and make it so it will meet our family’s needs”.

I bombed the interview. At least I felt like I did.  It was, in my opinion, the worst interview I had given in a very long time. I left thinking, “What was I thinking?!! If I get this job, it’s 100% Jesus, because that was awful!”  

I wouldn’t have hired me after that interview; it was that bad.

Now, whether that was true or not is up for debate because, a week later, they offered me the position. After some negotiation, they were able to ensure the offer met our basic “must have” needs criteria and, just as my benefits were ending, I had a job.

As great as this news is, that I have a new position that I am truly enjoying, it also means more changes for my husband and I. We have to switch churches. We will be leaving Engage City Church, where we have been heavily involved since we helped plant it just over two years ago, and start attending a long established, rather large church in West Edmonton (WECA).  

It has been a very fast three weeks since I got the position and, our last Sunday, May 10th is now here. For us, this is very bitter-sweet. We love Engage. We love the church and the people there; some of our best friends. The saddest part of leaving is the people we are leaving behind.

You have been an extension of our family, and helped carry us through the hardest time of our lives. We wish you all of the success in the world, and will continue to pray for God’s favour and anointing in the city of Spruce Grove, as you serve the community here.

We are also excited about the new opportunities that await us at WECA. Hosea 2:15 “I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble[a] into a gateway of hope.” We are truly excited, and greatly anticipate what God is going to do in the future. The ground beneath our feet is starting to firm up, and we can see a lit pathway of where we are to go, and things are looking brighter.  

We still don’t know exactly what the next few months will look like.  We don’t even know what tomorrow will look like.  But we know that this is a good first step in the right direction.  We feel peace, and hope for the future.

Psalm 119:105  says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”. Although we cannot see far enough to know where we will be in a month, year, or decade from now, we know that God is leading us to a new place. We are in God’s hands, and He is faithful.  We are in complete awe of is amazing grace in our lives and situations, and feel our strength being renewed.

We thank everyone who had been praying for us, still please continue to do so, as we wait in anticipation of what God is going to do in and through our family in the years to come.