In September of 2010, Thomas came home from a conference and asked me what I thought about moving to Virginia. My response was short and to the point, "heck no." Alabama was home. Alabama would always be home. Later we discovered I was struggling with Post-Pardeum Depression, which enhanced my quick, determined response. After meeting with my doctor in January of 2011, we decided a low dosage of an anti-depressant would be good for me. After just one week, I was a different person. During this time, I had been neglecting my walk with the Lord, and that was a huge part in my struggle as well. I needed to rely on His strength, and wasn't.
In January of that year, I embarked on the Daniel Fast with 3 girlfriends and this was the beginning of the heart change in me. I was studying daily, enjoying my family, our ministry at Ponderosa and our students again. In my vows to Thomas when we married, I quoted Esther and told him "where you go, I will go...your people will be my people and your God my God." I meant that vow, with hands raised, but fists closed. In March, Thomas and I began sensing a stirring in our hearts for a new avenue of ministry for our family, although we weren't sure what it would be. After prayerfully seeking the Lord's direction for us, we knew He wanted us to give notice of our leaving without knowing where we would be going. We committed to seeing the summer through (our busiest time of year) and decided to pursue other options after the summer. We had no idea where we were going, but the peace we both felt with this decision was a gift from the Lord. We sought His guidance and direction and had peace that we would be in camping ministry or in full time youth ministry. I was praying Psalm 90:16 & 17 for our family; "Let Your work appear to your servants and Your majesty to their children. Le the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the works of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands."
As the door to youth ministry closed, the door to camping ministry opened wide and in August we visited CBM of Virginia's Camp Red Arrow. As we drove to Virginia, my fists were still partially closed, assuming this was a pointless trip, I mean, why would God move me further from my family, my pregnant sister with 2 precious girls, like me, etc? I questioned Thomas as to how he would "know" if this was it for us. He told me he had petitioned the Lord for 3 specific things, but didn't want to share what those things were. We arrived and instantly I sensed a stirring in my heart for the work in Virginia. We toured the camp, caught the vision and through my personal time with the Lord that night, the Lord questioned me regarding my allegiance to Him vs. my allegiance to myself. Did I really mean it when I told Him I'd go wherever He asked us to go? Was He worth it to me? As the wrestling with the Lord ended, a peace took control of my heart and I knew Virginia was, without any doubt where the Lord wanted our family. The Board confirmed it by voting unanimously to hire us. And things were put into motion for us to move at the first of October, just two short months from then. (Thomas had asked the Lord for confirmation from the Board, from me and complete peace in his heart as we toured the camp and met people.)
We began telling family and friends what God was doing and where He was sending us. And, on October 4th, we pulled out of our driveway in Mentone, Alabama and headed north to Stevensburg, Virginia.
Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for the Lord's precious and priceless gift to me by showing me where He wanted us just as He showed Thomas. I cling to it on the tough days and remember that to me, He is worth it and had He told us to move to Kenya or California or wherever, He would still be worth it. And I pray my response would have been the same. I miss my family like crazy. I miss the friendships that are the dearest to my heart. BUT God is faithful. My girls adjusted like nothing ever happened, we found a church family quickly, are leading an adult small group with other couples with young children and are working with students in the youth group, which is such a passion of our hearts. I am even leading a girls small group which I've done for 9 years and absolutely love.
Alabama will always be home, but Virginia is home now as well. And for me, that is a wonderful thing. Camp Red Arrow is our ministry and we are thankful He has chosen, for now, to use us here. He is stretching Thomas daily and causes us to rely on Him for all things, which is what we were praying for to begin with. The girls call it "God's Camp" and really, that sums it up better than anything else I could say.
Visit us online at: www.campredarrow.com
No comments:
Post a Comment