I wrote in a recent article for our West MI District newsletter how this past year has been such a gift to us: "What a joy it has been to mentor, coach, counsel, and encourage those who serve in ministry over this past year. As we end our time here in West MI, we are thankful for the privilege it’s been to serve in this capacity. We hope the friendships developed and the church connections formed will be something that lasts through distance and time."
District Conference next week will close out this short season in our lives, but one that God knew was important as we continue to navigate a major life transition. It truly has been a gift!
Meanwhile... as we begin to launch more fully into raising prayer and financial partnerships for the Europe role, another short season has developed. The following is a portion of an email Dennis sent out yesterday to our European missionaries informing them of the "meanwhile."
Most of you are aware that Jo Anne Lyon’s election as General Superintendent left World Hope Int. without a CEO. In April, Pastor Karl Eastlack was selected as the new CEO of WHI. Karl & Anita led the Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church (Buffalo, NY region) from 19 people to 2400+ in their 22 years as Lead Pastor. Eastern Hills is a great friend of Global Partners and Outreach touching the world.Another short season of ministry in our lives, but one that I can't help but believe is part of God's greater purposes and plans. Soooo, as we continue on in what I'm calling "transition mode," here we go again!
In the uniqueness of the journey of prayer in our lives and in the church we have felt led to accept an offer to become part-time Interim Lead Pastor of the Eastern Hills Church from September through no later than December. In interactions with great counsel and Dr. HC we have sensed that this is a decision that is good for the Kingdom, the Church, and the ministry of Global Partners.
Know for certainty that our commitment to the European Area Director position has not wavered in the least – we have assured GP leadership that we are focused on reaching Europe in January 2010 and believe that this decision will reinforce that time-line rather than hinder it.
The church is aggressively seeking a new full-time lead pastor and the interim position could end as early as October if they indeed find a new pastor. We would then be released from those responsibilities. No matter what, we are unavailable to extend our service beyond December.
Thanks for your prayers for us in this part of the journey ahead. We sense that God is up to something incredibly big in the midst of this – we can hardly wait to see it all unfold.
