A New Leg Of The Journey

My family and I are getting ready to start down a new leg in our journey with God. After 5 good years at FBC in Waldron, Arkansas we are moving to a new church, a new field, and new opportunities. We could stay at Waldron for many years if that was God's plan. We have many friends here, our sons like Waldron, and FBC is a good church. But, God has bent our heart towards missions areas. We spent four years in a new church start in Cody, Wyoming before coming to Waldron. Waldron is close to home and family, but God is leading us back West. I have accepted the call to pastor South Hills Baptist Fellowship, in Montana City just South of Helena.

We are excited and sad at the same time. South Hills is about 12 years old. FBC Waldron is 126 years old. It psomises to be a good leg of the journey. Isn't it interesting how God leads us? More and more I am learning not to get to focused on the destination, but on the journey. I am convinced that God's call is "walk with Me." No more specific than that. God called Abraham - "walk with Me to a place I will show you." Amazing as it sounds, Abraham went. God did have a destination planned, but all His chosen one needed to do was walk with God. Pray for us as we walk with God to a place He is showing us. There are many things He hasn't shown yet, but He will if we follow.

Are you walking with God. I invite you to come along as a Fellow Traveler in this journey called the Christian life.
Steve

FALL

Just some random ramblings as I sit in my office and think about Fall. I am hearing some construction work outside my office. FBC is building a multipurpose building for ministry. The steel is up, concrete poured, and walls ready to go up. I am thankful for those who have contriputed faithfully to finance this work. I am also thankful for some wonderful men, Neil, John, and Ken, who have worked tirelessly (without pay) to do so many things on the project. They are the ones making noise right now!

The leaves are really changing, the colors are beautiful. I enjoyed being in the woods last Saturday with Benjamin. He killed his first deer. He made a nice shot. He told me that he was a little sad for the deer. I told him that we should always respect life. God created animals for our benefit and intended them for food, but it was right to feel a little sadness. I hope he understood.

It is exciting to see God at work. It is encouraging to see those who are really trying to find their place in the work of the Kingdom. As a pastor, it is also a bit discouraging to see so many who just don't quite get it. But I pray for them.

Last week was the Arkansas Baptist Convention. It was a great time of fellowship and building up. The theme was "Reaching Genereation Next, Now." The speakers were a blessing. The business was short and sweet.

Fall is a time of reflection. As the trees give up their leaves that were previously new, green, and growing - I reflect on projects and plans of the last year, some grew and produced fruit, some were bit by the frost and never made it to maturity - but I give them up. I also look forward to the Spring when all things become new again with hope and life.

God, Thank you for the plans you have for me.