This past few months have been a series of new beginnings and the overall overcoming of multiple obstacles. Many knew that Lindsey and I were applying to be missionaries with the IMB. We had received theological and psychological clearance, but we didn't get medical clearance. For a more detailed explanation of what is going on with the IMB and us, look here. So now, I'm seeking a Master of Divinity degree with a specialization in Missiology. This degree is practical for missions locally and globally and is an incredibly practical degree for a pastor seeking to lead his people towards following the Great Commission. In the end, the worship of God through the calling of people to become worshipers of Him should be the goal of all Christians and especially pastors.
God also saw fit to provide me with a job at Staples working in the Copy Center. Ideally, I would have found a job within a local church that would allow me to best utilize the calling we feel God has given us to preach/teach, but the reality is that we have an outlet to preach/teach at the church we are currently members at and Staples has already provided multiple opportunities to witness to co-workers and customers. While I desire to be serving in a church in a pastoral setting, I'm constantly learning to be faithful and obedient wherever God has placed me. It would be easy to pout, complain, become disgruntled regarding not going out with the IMB's fall deployment. I would be a liar if I said that I didn't have bouts of jealousy from time to time that I must pray through and give over to God, but regardless of how much I desire to go, more than anything I desire to see ANYONE go, so that some (maybe ever ALL) can hear the unbelievable story of what God has done for them out mercy and love. For now, the new beginnings keep coming and we press forward, knowing that this life is short and the task is long and overwhelming in our own strength. We press on, because we desperately desire to see God glorified and to know that He is pleased with our daily offerings to Him.
