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!