30,000 Feet
So I’m in an airplane at 30,000 feet spending a little time on the internet. Thanks for the free minutes, Ebay. Susan and I just finished spending two days in Orlando meeting with the Converge Worldwide staff. We have been so blessed to be here and stand in awe at the tremendous opportunity God has placed before us. We are also humbled at the heavy responsibility placed upon us. It causes us to depend upon the Lord big time as we take this new journey in ministry.
Yesterday evening, we had a wonderful Christmas dinner with all of the staff in the Orlando Converge offices. We laughed a lot, ate well, and had wonderful conversations with new friends and co-workers. It was a foretaste of the amazing people we get to work with in the months and years ahead.
This morning, we were invited to drop in on an Intercultural Ministry Retreat. The leaders of the Intercultural Team, those who are planting and growing missional churches among the various cultures within the U.S., wanted to meet the New Executive Director of International Ministries, begin dialogue on how we can work together, and spend some time in prayer together. As Susan and I were surrounded by 15 people laying hands on us and praying for our success, I was overwhelmed at the strength we gain from the Body. It was a holy moment and one never to be forgotten.
We are heading home now. Tomorrow we spend our last Christmas party with Edinbrook staff. I never dreamed that I would have a team so faithful, loyal, godly, committed, hard-working, and amazing. It’s hard to think of leaving. I have been a VERY blessed man. As I wrap up these final weeks of life and ministry in Minnesota, I stand in awe at what God has done. I am truly humbled at what God has allowed me to be a part of. I remain committed to supporting and praying for Edinbrook long after I’m gone to Florida. This is our home. We are leaving so much of our lives, hearts, and investments here.
God is so good. In the midst of seismic shifts, He proves his grace over and over–at the blessing of being a pastor these past 16 years and through the assurance of great and kingdom rattling influence He’s prepared for us in the years ahead. That’s my 30,000 foot view.
Boy Pastor Ivan…………thanks for all the tears coming down………..I will not be selfish because I know this is a God thing and I know this is where you and Susan and Shane should be…….but I will miss your messages, hardy laughs, Susan’s beautiful smile and part of Apples of Gold and Shane’s talent through the music ministry……….we love you so much……..but God Speed