Something New

Today was a bittersweet day for our family as Anthony announced first to the youth and then to the church family we are leaving First Baptist Church of Birmingham.  I did good. I didn't really cry...I'll save that for a later date.  We've so enjoyed living life with this wonderful fellowship of believers.  We've seen the birth of our second son, Samuel, and soon our third son, Nicolas.  We've watched the growth of this fellowship in faith as well as numbers. And as sweet LM asked this morning, "why do you have to leave?"  How do I explain to this sweet, young girl?  So I simply replied that when God tells you to do something, obedience is the best choice. Now what?  Well, Anthony will be commuting to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary two days a week to work on finishing his master's degree.  We will not initially be serving on staff in a church.  As a matter of fact, Anthony will not have a job or means of income to start out.  What a step of faith with three young boys!  Thankfully, my parents have graciously and generously opened their home for us to move to until God opens the doors for us to serve him among a local congregation.  Watch out Crystal Springs, MS here we come!

We've known for some time now that God is directing Anthony to step out of student ministry and into the role of a senior pastor.  Scary stuff...not just for him but for me as I've never been the pastor's wife.  And honestly, as a youth minister's wife, you aren't quite as in the spotlight as the pastor's wife.  We know that the Lord has a mighty plan that we may not be able to yet see fully.  Thankfully, the Lord - in all His ways - is trustworthy and never taken by surprise.  We, I, ask for your prayers for our family as we make some BIG changes over the next 5 weeks - welcoming our 3rd child into the world, packing our house, moving in with family and Anthony beginning seminary full-time.  Looking forward to what the Lord has in store for our marriage, family and ministry!