Getting to know them

Matthew started work on Monday and as of now we're planning on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule at the church. (the job description is only paying for 20 hours but the work requires more then can be done in 20 hours and God has always provided what we need, so we're confident that with Matthew doing other work on Tues, Thurs, Sat things will work out!) The week started off with having to make decisions for summer camp and cleaning and organizing his office! Tonight we had our first Wednesday night and had no idea what to expect since there hasn't been anything for the youth on Wednesday's for some time. It was very informal "get-to-know" each other session and we had 15 kids come so that was great and more then we expected. They are such an awesome group of teens who are really searching and we desire so much to connect with them. They were very outgoing tonight and seem to all "mesh" very well with one another, so that's an incredible starting point. Right now is go time for trying to make mid-week connections and really start developing something for the kids. Even the simple things such as coffee, drinks, snacks and structure are lacking so it's like starting with a clean slate. Please continue to pray for us as the next few weeks will be critical in starting this ministry off on the right foot. Pray specifically as we're seeking God's plan for structuring the youth activities and as we find a balance between Matthew's 20hrs at the church, his work elsewhere and our family time!

Bittersweet Morning

Our last morning at Nansemond River was bittersweet to say the least! We've leaving the church I was born into, where we were both saved, both baptisted, where Ethan was dedicated, we're made wonderful friends and had awesome experiences but most importantly we've grown in our relationships with Christ, our knowledge of His word, our desire to enter his ministry and our love for youth. That's what brings us where we are now. Tomorrow Matthew starts his first ever paid ministry position! Quite honestly he's been in ministry since the moment he was saved and we've known that each day was bringing us closer to full-time ministry and the last year working with Nansemond River's youth has confirmed that that is where our heart is but nothing prepared me for saying good bye to NRBC. Granted we're not moving (thank you Lord!!), and we'll always be connected to Nansemond River, just the dynamic has changed. We'll be attending Fox Hill Road Baptist Church in Hampton where Matthew will serve as interim minister to students (starting part-time 20 hours a week but moving in the direction of a full-time associate pastor). We've been trying to get to know the youth over the part 4ish weeks and they are an awesome group of students who are hungry for the word and longing to be lead. The church just went through revival and MANY youth made decisions and are looking for what to do next. We are so excited for the opportunity and covet your prayers! Please specifically pray for Godly leadership that Matthew can trust and rely on so that he doesn't wear himself out, pray for our children (Ethan especially) since they are almost the entire nursery at the new church and we are coming from such an awesome preschool program, pray for me as I find a balance in working with the youth and developing something for the children, Pray for the people of Fox Hill that they can see our hearts and our love for these students and will be moved to quickly develop this into a full-time position, and please continue to pray for work for Matthew in this interim time that will provide for our needs but allow him adequate time for ministry work as well as his schoolwork. Thank you so much for your prayers, love, support, encouragement and friendship!