Hey, my darling Siestas! I hope your weekend was full of Jesus and that you found refreshment with family and friends. I also hope you were blessed by a lively, Christ-loving body of believers in your local church and that you freely worshiped with them and sought God together with them through the Scriptures. You guys know how strongly we feel about the local church around here. These are days on the Kingdom calendar when we need one another more than ever. (Hebrews 10:24-25) We can’t afford to rationalize that we can link up with other believers on line as a replacement for investing our lives and our spiritual gifts in the local church of God’s leading. I love what we get to do here and believe that it’s real and that it has an important place but it’s not a replacement for a local body of believers. I’m so happy to say that I don’t see many people in this community confused about that. I often hear you refer to your churches with much love and commitment. You bless me so.
That said, God has brought about a huge transition in our lives over the last months. Let me say that in all caps: HUGE. I think the best way I can explain it to you is to post the letter that was inserted in the church bulletin at my home church yesterday and is up on their website. I will pick back up with you briefly at the end of the letter.
Dear HFBC, my beloved church family of so many years,
It is with indescribable gratitude and deep emotion that I say farewell to this body of believers as a fellow member. I asked Pastor Gregg if I could write you a letter rather than speak to you from the platform, not because I mind shedding tears in public but because I wish to spare you my lapse into an ugly cry.
These are exciting days in my family. Nine years ago, Keith walked our oldest daughter, Amanda, down an aisle of this very sanctuary and gave her in marriage to Curtis Jones, a young man with only one life plan: to serve Jesus anywhere, any time. We knew from the start that anything was game. Over the last several years, weāve watched God prepare Curtis and Amanda to plant a church in another part of Houston. Keith and I will unwaveringly go with them with joy, approval, and glad anticipation.
Not one of us goes without cost, however. For once, Iāll let the others speak for themselves and Iāll stick to what I place on this altar today. I met my life-long mentor here and came to my first realization that human flesh and blood could fall madly in love with Jesus. At her insistence, I taught my first Sunday School class here and didnāt sit down for 23 years. I signed up for a Bible doctrine class taught on the second floor of this church on Sunday nights 26 years ago and was ruined for life for anything other than the pursuit of Christ through Scripture. You dared to take a Christian aerobics teacher with a side ponytail seriously when she pitched her leg warmers for commentaries. You gave me a safe place to keep learning amid a thousand mistakes.
Meanwhile, our marriage has endured for 32 years and, in such large part, over the support we received among godly couples here in this church. Our daughters, Amanda and Melissa, each walked one of these aisles, gave their lives to Jesus and were baptized in those very same waters above the choir loft.
As ministry life took us places ā both good and hard ā that we could not possibly have foreseen, you were my safe harbor. As far as I can recall, Dr. Jimmy Draper is the only one who has ever called me ānormalā but the context was something Iāll treasure forever: āBeth, you know the only reason youāve stayed normal?ā No, Sir. I donāt. āYou stayed in church.ā
And now the tears well up in my eyes and spill over from my heart. How do you thank people for nearly 30 years of love and acceptance and patience and forgiveness and guidance? My best shot at it is this: I may be absent from you on Sunday mornings but you will never be absent from me. You are woven into my soul. I take you with me everywhere I go.
I have the glorious privilege of placing my membership here at HFBC on the altar at the best possible time: when I have never loved this church more. There is not one hint of conflict. Not one iota of friction between my beloved Pastor and me. We have pledged our support and friendship to one another and to one anotherās families. He has also graciously invited us to continue to hold our Tuesday night womenās Bible studies here. Iām Pastor Greggās fan forever and a staunch supporter of this fine church. Please hear these words, all of you, from the truest and most tender place in my heart:
Thank you for all that youāve been to me. The gift of you is inestimable. I love you deeply and will press you close to my heart all my days. Pray for us as we pray for you āso that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.ā (Ephesians 4:13)
Beth
Pastor Gregg and me:
I didn’t know until today that Melissa had snapped this picture of Keith and me up on the platform with Pastor Gregg yesterday during the service. When she walked into my office a few minutes ago and caught me inserting pictures into this article, she said, “Mom! I took one you’ve got to post!” I wish so much that this picture also had Kelly, Pastor Gregg’s wife, in it. I love her dearly and respect her to no end.
These next two pictures represent some of my very biggest losses at HFBC. Make no mistake. We will always be friends because our hearts are tied together forever but I won’t worship right in among them on a myriad of Sundays like I have for years. The first one is the Tate girls. A few of you may remember that I dedicated Get Out of That Pit to Kendall Tate and her family and told their story in the book. I, then, dedicated the GOOTP journal to all four of these wonderful girls.
This is Abigail Davis. I’ve known her (as well as each of the Tate girls) all her life. I told a story about Abigail and her golf lessons toward the very end of the Esther Bible study. I’m nuts about her. The best pictures I have of Abigail and me are in frames on shelves at home but I do have this one in my office. You can see that she is a well-rounded woman-child. A golfer and a dancer. Grin.
Well, you can see that these are days of change around here. I cried many tears yesterday as I said goodbye to a body of believers I have cherished with my whole heart and so much of my life. But, as I met with our church plant core-group of 50 on our knees last night, seeking God desperately to come and do His will in this infant church, I felt His power and pleasure. It is the Lord’s will. I welcome it and embrace it. Bayou City Fellowship will swing open its doors to the public in the Fall but you will not waste a prayer on us now. We have much work to do in the spiritual realm before that day comes.
I praise God that this fellowship of believers will be right here in Houston. When your kids are in ministry, you well know that God could “plant” them anywhere in the world. We are ecstatic that God led Curtis to plant this church right here in this big, fat, wonderful, hot city. Our whole family will be engaged in this crazy adventure, including Colin and Melissa. If you’re wondering about the name, Houston’s nickname is “Bayou City.” We couldn’t believe it hadn’t been snagged as a name for a church in this city yet. Over the coming years we want Houston to be so glad we are here as we stretch out our arms to its aid. Our first outside action as a church has been to gather various articles to give to families that lost all they had in a local apartment fire. As I folded up clothes this morning and put them in a bag and made a plan to run by Walmart, I thought to myself, “Well, old girl, there’s not a lot of time to sit around and mourn. Hop up and get on this love train. There’s a city to serve.”
And it felt right.
One last thing. Last night I looked at all the children of our core group couples and thought, “You are going to get to watch some of these children grow up. Open your heart wide and receive with joy!” I knelt down by about 7 children, one by one, last night and said, “Hi there! I’m Miss Beth and I’m new to this church, too. Would you be my friend?” Most of them said yes. A few of them stared at my big hair.
Jesus, be exalted in this city. Bless HFBC. Bless Bayou City Fellowship. Bless every body of believers with knees to the floor and faces to the sky in Your holy Name. We are wholly dependent upon Your presence.
PS. Amanda is my pastor’s wife. I have to throw my head back and laugh with joy. HOW ABOUT THAT????
Hello Beth,
The Lopez family up here in the Great Northwest will be in prayer for Bayou City church and the Moore Family š Just maybe we’ll be able to make a visit when we come down next January for SSMT, Can’t wait!!!!!!
Blessings to you all!!
This is just precious and let me cry the good cry I’ve been needing!! Blessings to both churches!!!
My darling Beth,
I say that like I know you personally, and, of course, I don’t, but yet I do. You, your life and ministry are inspiration to me. I recently participated in your study “Fruit of the Spirit”. I was overcome, overwhelmed and over loved. Starting tomorrow morning, I will be leading the ladies of my church in your “Beloved Disciple” Bible study. I thank God for you, your new ministry and your love of God. Please accept my hugs across the miles from Northern California. God Bless Sondra
Beautifully put Beth. Our tears are so very precious to our Father. I love that we can craw into His lap and have a good cry over what He is calling us from before moving on to whatever it is He is calling us to.
Seeing pieces of Amanda’s heart as she posted on this blog as well as her own, I know the church will be blessed to have her as the pastors wife. Praying for all of you in this journey.
*I would be staring at your hair too, but only because I would be trying to figure out how you get it to do that. I have never been able to do big hair!
Even though we have never met (and probably never will here on this earth) I have to tell you I feel your pain, and I cried tears for you as a dear sister in Christ. We have been through this very same type of separation from dear “friends” (the word itself cannot even begin to give the full description of the emtoion felt for these folks). I just want to encourage you to keep on pressin’ on; I can tell that there is a deep love felt for you (My goodness, how could they NOT LOVE you!) and I am sure that their prayers will continue daily on yur behalf. Please rest in the knowledge that many folks around the globe are lifting Bayou City Fellowship, Curtis and Amanda Jones, and Keith and Beth Moore up before the throne as they endeavor to plant a church to be a shining light bringing a lost world to the Savior.
Wow. Wow!
My hubby and I will be praying for this new baby church. There is no doubt in my mind that God has great plans for this new season of life in the Moore/Jones/Fitzpatrick families! Praying especially for God to protect Curtis and Amanda (and the kids!) as they step into leadership roles.
As a side note, thank you for sharing that letter. Chris and I left a church two years ago in the midst of deep disagreement (not with individuals, but over the theological and practical direction the leadership was steering the congregation toward). I haven’t been able to think about our leaving without getting upset. Reading your letter, however, caused that knot to loosen just a bit. I am who am because I was nurtured as a baby believer in that place. Though I don’t see eye to eye with that group anymore, I do owe them a debt of gratitude.
What a testimony of how a local church is intended to be. I’ve been a member of my church (and on staff) for almost 15 years. You words echo my thoughts of what a privilege it is to worship with and serve a the body of Christ.
Praying for you and your family as ya’ll plow the fields of Houston,scatter seeds of Christ’s love and see the fruit of a faithful harvest. Knowing as you each continue to worship and serve the Lord, he will send His saving power down like rain.
Beth, You had me boo-hoo crying by the end of your post. You are always on my prayer list because I know how Satan loves to attack us when we are working for God. But now your “new church” and Pastor will be added to that list. God Bless your new journey.
How incredibly exciting! It is always hard to say good-bye to what has been so good to you, but yet you get to excitedly welcome in the adventure ahead of you. I am on a new adventure myself leaving a company of 23+ years and going on to a new place (still looking for that new place). God is good – all the time. Praying for the new church and all the exciting things ahead. What a neat time for your family. Much love to you all!
Wow! That is some crazy, fun stuff going on down there!! Very exciting and I am praying for you!
Smiling in anticipation of what God will do through the willing servants that have been called and are now following. I am filled with joy and earnest prayer for the truth that will surely come from BCF and their fellowship!
HELP PLEASE!
Beth, what a gift that God has led you to help plant this new church home.
I know how hard it is to leave “family.” Our current home was my husbands last duty station. We have been here 11 years. It is an extremely liberal area in No VA outside of DC and we have attended several churches for 3 to 4 years each, never welcomed, and never taken up on our offers to serve. We pray, our friends in other states pray. My husband gave up about five years ago, it is just too painful. We have a 32 year old daughter with Down syndrome who is not welcomed in the churches to serve. We were a military family for 30 years and always found a church home and began serving and worshipping and receiving each time. I am heartbroken. I don’t know what to do, but miss having friends in Christ. I have begged God, pleaded with Him, repented for things I don’t even know I have done and yet in all these years, He has remained silent.
He talks to me all the time in other areas. He answers my prayers. He gently corrects me to see the other side of a situation. He is so consistent in our lives, yet not with church!
While it is selfish to want a church family again, is it selfish to want to listen to a Pastor that has a message to give that is Biblical?
If anyone has been through such a long period as we have, please let me now how to get out of it. Thank you for listening. I am sorry to have chosen this time, but the topic seemed to be the time.
Rejoice!
Amie
Dear Amie, While I can’t offer advice from experience, I will offer my prayers. It is not selfish to want a biblical pastor, or a church family! We are made to be a body of believers! I just bet that in siestaville, someone is part of a church in your area that will welcome you with open arms. That is what I am praying for. I do know that His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. May He reveal His plan to you soon!
Love, Karene
Karene,
Thank you so much for your words, and most importantly for your prayers. I can say that He has been gracious enough to use me in some specific ways, but the church situation is such a mystery! I can say that I have been told by many people our situation is not uncommon in this area.
Rejoice!
Amie
Keep looking. It may not seem like it, but God has a plan. There is a church that not only will fill your needs, but where your special family is needed. Give it a little time once you find the church. God may be working things behind the scenes that you aren’t aware of. Maybe there is a group you will become a part of, outside of the church, where you can share faith with others. Be open, God will lead you where you are suppose to go. In the mean time you are part of a community here.
Thank you Connie,
Some people say that we spent too long at the churches we attended!
I would love to find a Women’s Bible Study to part of, would love to start one in my neighborhood! We have started the process by remodeling our living area downstairs for this purpose. I hope when the Lord is ready, He will lead me to do this and it will be of service.
Rejoice!
Amie
Amie, I will be praying that you find a church. We are in Maryland, and we have been blessed to be part of a Sovereign Grace church. They are an amazing group of believers who have never gotten over what Jesus did for them, and it shows in the way they care for others. Here is a link to all the VA churches, and they have one in Gaithersburg as well.
http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/churches/united-states/virginia.aspx
Also, I don’t know if you have visited McClean Bible church, but they have an outstanding ministry for special needs children.
http://www.mcleanbible.org/
I know how hard it can be to find a church home when you move. I hope these help!
Blessings, Jenn
Here is the specific link to the ministry at MBC. They offer respite care for parents as well. http://www.mcleanbible.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=132215
Thank you Jenn. We have been to Mclean, however, due to our daughters age, her Sunday School class time is at a time when there are no classes for us, also she would be in a different service than us. We also need to be in a Sunday School class learning.
Thank you so much for the link, I am all over it!
Rejoice!
Amie
Amie, I don’t have any advice to offer, but I wanted to let you know you are not alone! We have been in this valley of decision for a very long time. This post made me cry, too. I’m so jealous for a group of people who are passionate about the Lord and have a heart to serve and worship the Lord together! I will pray for you. Remember, where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He is there!! Don’t lose your passion!
Blessings,
Gail
Gail,
Thank you! I hope that God will leave you to the church He intends you to worship Him, serve Him and minister to others at.
I too am jealous for that same group of people!
Rejoice!
Amie
My dear Amie,
If you can get to Pendleton…you are welcome at our church. My heart hurts to hear that is your reception in church. It hurts and is angered.
A few scriptures come to mind.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~James 1:2-4
I sat not in the assembly of those who make merry, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone because Your [powerful] hand was upon me, for You had filled me with indignation. ~Jeremiah 15:17
You will be in my prayers. Maybe you have been put in this place to proclaim that churches still behave like this. A call to prayer for us. I praise GOD for making me aware. B strong girl – GOD knows what HE IS DOING!
Oh, Amie, I know exactly how you feel! My husband and I have never been fully accepted to serve at any church. Much more so at the church we’re at currently, but still not very accepted by the church as a whole or seen as being gifted at all!! So, I will pray for you and especially for your husband. Please pray for me as well! It’s hard being “different” in others minds.
You dared to take a Christian aerobics teacher with a side ponytail seriously when she pitched her leg warmers for commentaries. You gave me a safe place to keep learning amid a thousand mistakes.
I so dig u!
Amanda is your preacher’s wife. How cool is that? Awesome!
So excited for you! Our family and another family planted a little church in a big town in a land far, far away (Belgrade, Yugoslavia). It was amazing to see how God took our “plans” and gently reinvented them His way! What an adventure! Blessings.
How exciting!! I left my hometown in Michigan two years ago to do a church plant in NYC. God shows up in amazing ways! Get ready for the ride of your life. Its wonderful watching Jesus do amazing things!! Embrace it all!!
I am so excited for you! I am so glad you will be working at your own family’s church! I can just see you in there loving on those kids and watching them grow up! Folding clothes for your first outreach! WOW! AMANDA IS YOUR PREACHER’S WIFE!!! WOW! AWESOME AND COOL!!!!
Keith, Beth, Curtis, Amanda(Jackson, AJ), Colin, Melissa, this Michigan Siesta will be praying for you as you begin this GREAT ADVENTURE.
According to Websters the word adventure has this meaning!
a : an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks
b: an exciting or remarkable experience
It is fair to say that living out the Great Commission has its unknown risk and danger! But, to God Be the Glory, it will be the most exciting and remarkable experience you will ever encounter!
May the Lord Bless You Joneses, Fitzpatricks and Moores as God begins to drive you on this new trail that you all are about to blaze together!!
With Love,
Stacie
Beth,
My heart went out to you as I read your sweet words of love, yet bittersweet, to your home church. How difficult that must have been for you and Keith. But we know God always has a plan. How priveleged and honored you and your entire family must be to be participants in His Holy work. I am a member of the other huge church down the way from First Baptist. But be assured I will be there that first day as Bayou Fellowship opens it’s doors and it’s hearts to a people who so desperately need Jesus. They may not know yet what they’ve been waiting for, but they will see His glory when they step over the threshold of God’s adventure. What a thrill for all of your family to be involved! Including your grandchildren!!
And yes…Ms Amanda…your daughter… is your pastor’s wife. Keep reminding yourself! Gracious glory!! Is that a hoot or what!! Thank you Beth for always being real!!
Dear Beth…21 years ago, my husband and I, along with our 3 year-old embarked on an adventure that continues to this day. We stepped out into a new church plant in our city leaving my husband’s computer analyst job behind. Our baby at 17 months old had been diagnosed with cancer. We knew if God could heal his cancer which he did, he could certainly care for our family in this new work. With 23 members and a requirement by our local association for a full-time pastor, we prayerfully jumped on board with excitement and anticipation knowing this had to be a God-thing. Now 21 years later, our babies are grown. We also now have a sweet daughter-in-law. We are still serving at this location now with upwards of 3,000 members. God is so good! I only share numbers to adequately express God’s miracle and handiwork. I stand amazed. It is not easy but so worth everything! May God bless!
Very very cool! If this blog had a song for this post it would have to be Boys to Men, “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterdaaaaaayyyyyy”. I think in songs. It’s a gift. š
What a beautiful testimony for HFBC and a beautiful beginning for Bayou City Fellowship. God Bless Keith and Beth Moore, the Curtis Jones Family and Colin and Melissa as you all set out on this wonderful adventure of growth that God has set before all of you to be a part of. I love all of you and pray for you all.
Love, Nancy
Oh, what an adventure! That is kind of funny that your very own daughter is your pastor’s wife!!! I wondered when I read about the church plant on Amanda’s blog what the rest of you were going to do. If you would continue going to HFBC or go to the new church plant. But I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to leave the church where sooo much has happened. I certainly have never had a relationship like that with a church. I sure hope to someday!
I will be in prayer for Bayou City Fellowship! I know God has great things in store! The faithfulness of your family to follow Jesus wholeheartedly is such an example to me today. I know there must be such a sweetness in knowing you’re doing His will. I look forward to hearing much more about this new church family!
Thank you for sharing your heart.
You and your entire family will be in my prayers. Thank you for the example you set by following the Lord in obedience to His callings on your life.
Love in Christ
Amanda, I’m not sure if your knees are a little shaky with this overwhelming task ahead of you. But I think they are. You and Curtis are in my prayers. In my heart, I feel God blessing you both in this calling. And it’s okay to feel like you can’t do it, because you really can’t. Only God can be the power in this ministry. He will be faithful to His calling in your life. Love generously, and then love even more. Trust the Spirit if He glorifies Jesus in whatever He speaks to you. Be humble in God’s call, but be as courageous as Esther “for such a time as this.”
I pray for all of you to experience the divine power of God in your lives. He is in control. He calls us to follow. May God bless the seed you all plant and bring forth a bountiful harvest.
Love and prayers,
twinkle
How about that indeed! Looking forward to watching this ministry grow. Congratulations! In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
The Lord be gracious to you and your family. God is so good. I love how He works.
Blessings to all of you.
Melissa, how perfectly God has brought this about, bringing all of you back home to move forward together in ministry. Your love for the Lord and His Word is so evident! I can’t even begin to imagine how He has planned to use you and Colin for His Glory. Plant your feet firmly in the gospel of peace, Melissa. Let the grace of God be evident in every step you take. Grace is so beyond description, but we recognize it when we see it in this world. It is the love of Christ poured out overflowing and free. Never forget how costly that grace came to earth. We all are so unworthy! But He loved us that much. May you share the Truth in this world of lies. Rest in His brilliance and His providence. He is the Way.
Love and prayers,
twinkle
Oh my!! How many emotions can one process from a letter. The leaving and loss, the adventure and excitement of a new call, the hilarity of God that Amanda is your pastor’s wife!! I have walked your life with you from a distance that started in Topeka, KS in 1998 and moved to the Kansas City Metro the same year. I have done all the studies except Revelation and facilitated many of them. This summer we are doing the David up-date. I have been to Living Proof Live in Lincoln, Wichita and Kansas City. So I literally have watched and learn with you, as God has done His work in your life and in mine. I tell people that, if God had not had me in the Word with Beth Moore all this time, I would not be clothed and in my right mind. Would probably be in the Funny Farm!! I thank God for the redemption He brought to your childhood, as He is continuing to do with mine. What the enemy meant for evil, God intended for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving (redemption) of many lives. He will continue in you what He as started–now at BCF. To God Be the Glory! Love in Him, Avayd Ann
Oh Beth! What a wonderful and exciting time for your daughter & son-in-law and for you & Keith. Leaving a church you love to go out into the “unknown” is so hard. It’s like moving away from cherised family. I have no doubt that God is up to something BIG! You better fasten your seat belt and hold on!!!! Praying for showers of blessings on your new adventure!
How about that, indeed! He is too much, Praise His Name!
I love you and will pray for you all.
Beth, I know that leaving a church home is hard. We left the church home we were a part of, first as lay leaders and later with my husband on staff, a little over 9 months ago to plant The City Church in our city. God gave my husband and I and each of our four daughters peace about leaving. And, even though we miss worshiping with our friends every week, we all are still totally at peace about our decision. We still only have 20-30 people, but we are praying to reach many more.
I will pray for BCF, and any prayers you can spare for your church planting Siestas would be more than welcome.
Beth, I remember well being in the audience in Baltimore as you filmed The Patriarchs. Abraham had a call on his life that pulled him away from the familiar and set him on a path of faith. When God calls, we know there’s no other way but the way He is leading us. Oh, how exciting this is! I know it seems so hard to let go of the familiar. I will be praying for you and Keith. I truly know God has a plan. Be so open to Him as He opens doors for this new adventure. He can do so much with just 5 loaves and 2 fish. I pray that your hands will feed those He brings to you…with Living Bread. Gird your loins, warrior. Raise that Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and give Him some glory!
Love and prayer,
twinkle
Dearest Beth,
I have been toying with the idea of writing to you, and now seems exceedingly appropriate. You see, next Sunday will be our last Sunday at the Church we started 15 years ago. My husband and I have been missionaries here in South America, but now the Lord is leading us to a ministry to Hispanics in the US. Last night, the Church ordained a new deacon, we had a baptism, and then we celebrated the LordĀ“s supper. It has been an emotionally draining time, but we see how the Lord is leading. Its time to trust God to bless our people in our absence. Its so hard as we feel a great bond with these people, most of whom were saved under my husbandĀ“s preaching. Tomorrow IĀ“ll teach my last ladies Bible study. I hope I can get through it without bawling. I am going to speak about the fact that God is always with them and how they donĀ“t really need us, they need Him.
God bless your new ministry. Church planting is so exciting!
I can’t imagine what a difficult decision that may have been to make. I bet it was exciting too. I am thrilled for you all as you embark on this new endeavor.
Boy o boy is God gonna do something BIG.
See Friday night in Louisville!!
Former church planting wife here. You’re going to rock it, sisters! Can’t wait to follow your journey!
Rejoicing with you and your family as you embark on this new adventure and watch God’s plan unfold in this arena of your lives. Your letter was so gracious to those God has put in your own path along the way as He prepared you for the plans He had for you. Blessed be His name forever and ever for all He has done. Can’t wait to see how the story unfolds at Bayou City Church:)
Sweet Beth, Amanda, Curtis and Family,
Your presence with us will be missed greatly at HFBC!! We wanted to give you all hugs yesterday, but didn’t want to hold ya’ll up any longer. The annointing God has on Curtis is so evident and we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is going to do HIS thing through your family!! We can’t imagine the details of starting a church from scratch, but know there are a few:) We pray God’s guidance, strength, peace, patience, and courage on you as you trust Him for each step in this adventure.
In His Great Love,
The Hajovskys
My Goodness, dear one. May our Lord’s Kingdom come and His Mighty River of Grace pour over you and your dear ones- may you be completely surrounded by God’s mighty army of angels. What an adventure for His Kingdom! God Bless You with an abundance of security, love, joy, delight and Holy Adventure. Wow Em for the Kingdom- Can’t wait to hear more about the journey- thank you for sharing with us. In the name of Jesus our Lord, your Siesta Kathy
Beautiful. What love. I’ll be praying for you all. What a wonderful blessing and life adventure for you and your family, the church body and for the community/world you will be serving. God is up to something BIG (as always)! Glory to His name.
Hugs and love to every single one of you.
oops, I was caught up in all the excitement and forgot to wish you Happy Birthday. My birthday is today (I’m 62, ouch) but it did remind me that you celebrate a June birthday also- so Happy Birthday month and may you be blessed in a measure beyond what you have blessed all of us- yes, we love our local churches and how lovely that we are from so many different traditions- our Lord’s love just keeps growing….
God used my husband and I to plant Calvary Chapel Port St. Lucie (in FL) seven years ago. It has been an amazing journey. Will be praying for you as you embark! Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord!
Also trusting that your church plant will be an inspiration to you for some much needed “pastor’s wives” resources. Amanda is blessed to have her whole family as part of their new venture!
God bless you all. Looking forward to watching God do amazing things in Bayou city.
Beth,
Never underestimate that strong connection to a
God serving church family.
Prayers for all of you, and thanks
for making me laugh out loud while
crying!
Beth~My heart and prayers go out to you. Ten years ago, we were forced to leave the church of our love. There isn’t anything like the heartache of leaving the presence of the bodies and building you call home. We later planted a new church in the same city. There isn’t anything as faith-affirming as watching God move in those first precious months and years. We all serve the same God and He takes great pleasure in working out His Will in each of our lives personally. I will enjoy watching the future of Bayou City Fellowship as He lays out the path before you. And I will cherish watching you grow as you begin your new adventure. May God bless you each as you begin a new block on the quilt that is “The Bride of Christ”. Much love!
Oh LORD, thank you for letting us be a part of your work and praying for this new church. We love you LORD Jesus
I love it and am so confident that God will bless the vision, leadership and love residing in the hearts of those planting BCF. What a great way to start…by meeting the practical needs of the people of Houston! I pray for unity, creativity, an ever-present God-confidence for your new pastor’s wife ;), absence of fear, fullness of joy, giftings, anointing…may your fellowship lack nothing, may you share all things in common and may you be continually filled with and renewed by the Holy Spirit. What an exciting new adventure!
So excited for you all! Planting a church is such an amazing blessing! Prayers for you all.
BTW, your posts are such a blessing and always, always bless me with laughter (which I always seem to be in need of). I just love you asking the children to be your friends, talking of your big hair and your excitement that your daughter is your pastor’s wife! You make me look at each day in a different light! Thank you!!!!!!
Oh Beth! Thank you so much for this post. God is moving me along, too. From one women’s ministry at my church to another. This Monday is my last night and I’m sure there will be tears galore from me. How much I have loved this group of women! Thankfully, I’m serving in the same church so the separation won’t seem so horrible.
When God made it very clear to me that He was moving me (and after I pitched a royal fit then decided that I’d rather die than disobey Him) I remembered you. You said you never wanted your life message to be Breaking Free. I don’t know if this ministry is part of my life message, but if it is, I’ll throw my head back and laugh. It is nothing I ever, ever, ever would have sought on my own. In fact, I’m pretty sure over the years I told Him I’d never do it.
You see how far that got me.
God bless you on your new journey. What an exciting time when God gets ahold of us!!!!
many lives will be touched in this new community church. I pray that each of you hear our Lords voice clearly and step out in faith where he leads you.
A pastors wife is the first person in line to pray for the churchs pastor. Hopefully, the pastors mother -in- law will support the pastors wife.