Life is a journey. Even if we spend our entire lives in the same place, the relationships, events, lessons, and changes make it a journey.
My wife and I began a journey together over 37 years ago, and it has been an incredible journey for both of us. We have no regrets whatsoever as to having chosen each other to "travel" with.
Our journey together is taking on a new turn, a different feel, a untrodden path.
Three years ago we moved to Northwest Florida from the Washington, DC area, where I partnered at a church with a pastor friend while he was recovering from a liver transplant. During that time I also worked at a State Farm insurance agency for our income.
Also during this time, my ministry in India has remained a very large part of my life. I continue to travel there on a yearly basis, as well as raise money and send support to the Indian pastors I work with.
In October, my State Farm agent (who has been a friend for over 30 years) was offered a large agency in Ft. Lauderdale. He invited me to join him in South Florida to work with him. I thanked him for the offer but didn't feel it was God's will. My agent told me that the job was always there if I was interested.
That conversation in October became the catalyst for a five month re-evaluation and search for God's purpose for my wife and me. My Pastor friend had gotten better, and he released us to pursue that while we continued to lead worship at the church.
About a week before I left for India on March 6th, my agent (who was already in transition to begin at the new agency on April 1st) called me again and made a new offer that would meet our financial needs, as well as provide more time for my India ministry.
Once again my wife and I went before the Lord with this, and this time we both were confident that this is what we were to do. Of course our two grown children who live with us want to move down also! (An added bonus: Our middle son Zach and his wife and daughter live in Ft. Lauderdale!)
So four days after I returned from India I was on a plane to Ft. Lauderdale, while Elaine was in the process of listing our house for sale. As soon as it sells, Elaine, Eric, and Elisha will join me here. Until then I am bunking on Zach's couch as I help with the agency transition.
This is an exciting change for us! Although I will not be formerly ministering on a church staff, I will still be ministering. I have always been a proponent of marketplace ministry, and I will have the opportunity to expand my influence in the marketplace of Ft. Lauderdale!
My youth pastor used to say, "You can minister anywhere." Here we go!
Our journey together is taking on a new turn, a different feel, a untrodden path.
Three years ago we moved to Northwest Florida from the Washington, DC area, where I partnered at a church with a pastor friend while he was recovering from a liver transplant. During that time I also worked at a State Farm insurance agency for our income.
Also during this time, my ministry in India has remained a very large part of my life. I continue to travel there on a yearly basis, as well as raise money and send support to the Indian pastors I work with.
In October, my State Farm agent (who has been a friend for over 30 years) was offered a large agency in Ft. Lauderdale. He invited me to join him in South Florida to work with him. I thanked him for the offer but didn't feel it was God's will. My agent told me that the job was always there if I was interested.
That conversation in October became the catalyst for a five month re-evaluation and search for God's purpose for my wife and me. My Pastor friend had gotten better, and he released us to pursue that while we continued to lead worship at the church.
About a week before I left for India on March 6th, my agent (who was already in transition to begin at the new agency on April 1st) called me again and made a new offer that would meet our financial needs, as well as provide more time for my India ministry.
Once again my wife and I went before the Lord with this, and this time we both were confident that this is what we were to do. Of course our two grown children who live with us want to move down also! (An added bonus: Our middle son Zach and his wife and daughter live in Ft. Lauderdale!)
So four days after I returned from India I was on a plane to Ft. Lauderdale, while Elaine was in the process of listing our house for sale. As soon as it sells, Elaine, Eric, and Elisha will join me here. Until then I am bunking on Zach's couch as I help with the agency transition.
This is an exciting change for us! Although I will not be formerly ministering on a church staff, I will still be ministering. I have always been a proponent of marketplace ministry, and I will have the opportunity to expand my influence in the marketplace of Ft. Lauderdale!
My youth pastor used to say, "You can minister anywhere." Here we go!
6 comments:
Congratulations on your new move, Brad. I am certain that you will live out your call in new and exciting ways, and how great to have all your immediate family in one location! blessings - Kevin
Kevin-
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I know that you too understand the "journey" of life. I appreciate your helping send me off on this new phase!
-Brad
Marketplace ministry is HUGE! I love it!! So excited for this new phase in your lives. I've known you to live the most of every environment you are placed in. The bonuses are sweet! :) Praying for you guys through this transition!
Thank you for your kind words Gina! What better to place to grow and thrive than in the middle of where God wants us to be... We are blessed!
-Brad
wow, 37 years and a relationship is great, been through the itinerary and the big and small stories of our lives. You feel meaningful.
Thank you for the encouragement Friv 4.
-Brad
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