Dear Stella Rose,
Prior to mama going into the hospital, a pastor and friend at church forwarded papa an email from the pastor of another church in Indy that was searching for an intern for their youth ministry. Mama and papa decided that it wouldn't hurt to email him and see if papa might be who they were looking for. After papa did a short internship with the Community Works and Jr. High ministries over the winter with WRCC, papa really felt the call into full time youth ministry. The plan was for papa to go back to school at Cincinnati Christian University on the Indian Creek campus on the southside of Indy for youth ministry.
Mama and papa checked out the church's website. It just seemed like maybe God was opening a new door, and it was worth exploring. Papa sent the email and heard a reply back the next day, which was the Saturday before mama went into the hospital. The plan was for papa and Pastor Steve to talk over the phone that Monday. However, they weren't able to talk on Monday, so they rescheduled for Tuesday after work. That was the day mama went in to the hospital, so they didn't get to talk then, either! Since mama was in the hospital for a few days, they finally got to talk on Memorial Day Monday.
The conversation went really well, and they decided to meet in person on Wednesday to talk in more detail. At first mama was hoping that papa would end up wanting to stay at White River, because mama didn't want to leave. She didn't want to leave all the kids she's gotten to know in the Jr. High ministry, and they just felt so at home at White River. Mama got to think and pray a lot while home on bed rest. Mama prayed that if this new church was where God wanted them to go that mama wouldn't be selfish and really seek do what God wanted them to do. Mama felt God changing her heart when she saw how excited papa was after meeting with Pastor Steve. They both thought it would be a good fit, but papa asked him if he could have some time to talk with mama and pray, which he of course agreed!
As the next few days passed, Mama really started to feel comfortable about the transition to move. It was almost like it would be easier for mama to be able to leave since she was already on bed rest and not able to go to church. That next Sunday before papa left for church, he had asked mama to be praying for him. He was starting to doubt whether they should go to the new church or stay where they were comfortable. Mama had already started to lean towards going to the new church.
Mama reminded papa of when they first decided to start serving in the Jr. High ministry almost 2 years before. Papa knew mama's heart was for the youth. They really wanted to serve somewhere together, so they decided to give Jr. High ministry a try. Little did papa know that he would be the main speaker during the second hour service, Pulse Remix. Papa is an introvert (mama is an extrovert and could have fun talking to a fly). This was totally out of papa's comfort zone.
After almost 2 years, you should see how much papa has grown! Growth in study of God's Word, in speaking, and in loving and building relationships with the kids. Talk about God using you when you are least comfortable!
Mama reminded papa that change is normally uncomfortable, but God doesn't call us to be comfortable. Mama told papa that since they were so comfortable where they were that maybe it was God moving them to take that step of faith and GO! Sometimes God wants us to take risks. It's about listening to what and where God wants to lead you and being obedient. Mama and papa pray you will grow to understand that!
Love,
Mama & Papa
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