In View of a Call

Wow! What a weekend! For those of you who prayed for us, both my wife and I thank you all. We were greeted Friday afternoon at Columbus Airport Friday afternoon around 3 pm by two wonderful people from North Hills Baptist. One of them is a charter member of the church which made an interesting discussion on the way to Marietta. She told of the time when the church first began in a small storefront building. Upon arriving in Marietta, they brought us by the church for an official tour of the place. As we walked around the building and inside the facility, the committee member painted the vision that he has had for the church. There are three different building phases for the church. The first phase involved the sanctuary itself. The second phase includes the fellowship/education wing. And there is a third phase which is yet future and involves a larger expansion of the sanctuary and building.

On Saturday we were given a tour of Marietta from Lookout Point. Standing on the side of that mountain, how can anyone not fall in love with this city? Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Marietta sits on two rivers. The Ohio River runs along the south of the city and Muskingum divides the city. They both meet together providing ample water supply to the trees with outline the foothills. Overlooking Marietta, I though about the Scripture verse in Jeremiah 17:9:

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.

On Saturday morning a member of the church sacrificially gave up his time to show us around Marietta. We needed every minute to look at house and apartment rentals. They were a few that we have selected as possible homes for us for the next year. At 12:30 we made our way back the church for a meeting with the search committee and their spouses. We discussed the final details of the pastor position and scheduled a time of question and answer over a delicious potluck meal. Later that evening we officially met the entire church over light refreshments.

On Sunday after the morning service and dinner, the church unanimously voted to have us take the position at North Hills. Of course we were delighted to accept the position. Though I will admit that making a move like this is frightful, the Lord has given Nicole and me a peace about His leading. Though we still have a lot to get accomplished (finding a place to live, packing and moving, saying goodbyes, etc.) we are so excited about our journey into the ministry. Please continue to pray that the Lord will continue to give us direction in these areas. By the way, I have never taken a full time position like this before, so I am very unsure where to begin and how to implement programs within the church. Actually I am glad to be in this position because it will keep me on my knees and totally dependent upon the power of God in my life.