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, we’ve 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, I’ll let the others speak for themselves and I’ll 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 didn’t 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 – both good and hard – 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 “normal” but the context was something I’ll treasure forever: “Beth, you know the only reason you’ve stayed normal?” No, Sir. I don’t. “You stayed in church.”
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 another’s families. He has also graciously invited us to continue to hold our Tuesday night women’s Bible studies here. I’m Pastor Gregg’s 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 you’ve 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 “so 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.” (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????
Wow! What an exciting time for all of you. My prayers are with you and all who will come to know Bayou City Fellowship as their home church.
Love in Christ,
Mary
eyes brimming…so grateful for your sharing what follwoing Jesus “looks like”…so helpful & encouraging. What a beacon to draw us all to our Lord…Jesus be praised !! Love you !!
Oh Beth my heart sings with joy for all of you. Bless you my sweet friend.When your son-in-law becomes your pastor you are blessed beyond words. My daughter became a Music Minister and to see how the Lord has grown her and the love her church has for her makes my heart sing and I am so thankful for this blessing and I know you are. Blessinf to you all and your new adventure.Life with Jesus is never boring.
My eyes just teared up as I read this post. I felt your deep love for God’s people at HFBC and my heart hurt for the goodbyes. But like others, I also rejoiced at what God is doing at BCF (sort of like FBC only not). I love hearing the obedient response from Curtis, Amanda, Keith and you. I can’t wait to hear how God is moving.
Much love and prayers to you all!
Miss Beth,
You make my heart smile. I pray to be half the woman in Christ that you are! You’re love for the Lord and His big haired, little haired, sometimes no haired, crazy, loving and passionate daughters of His Kingdom is something that blows my socks off! I love your sweet hilarious words sister, or should I say, siesta!? Keep on walkin’ that walk girlfriend!! Praise the Lord!
Tears in my eyes over “Well, old girl…” line. What a “love train” it will be!
Praying for BCF!
Thank you, Molly! We speak of you fondly around here and think of you guys often.
Hi Beth,
It was an absolute joy to pray for Bayou City Fellowship this morning and I gave thanks for the privilege as I realized that the Holy Spirit connects us and allows me to be a part of something HUGE even though a huge number of miles separate us geographically. You and your sweet family occupy a very tender place in my heart and prayers and I thank my God for you every time I remember you in my prayers. Beth, in your letter you spoke of your mentor being the first flesh and blood human being who demonstrated to you that it’s possible to fall in love with Jesus – well, you were that flesh and blood human who showed this recovering pharisee that it is possible to live and love in relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It thrills my soul to know that even now as I’m struggling to come up with words, as you’re on my heart, the Holy Spirit is Himself interceding with groans that words can’t express and He Who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit Himself intercedes for all the saints in accordance with God’s will. I love you.
By His Spirit,
Patti Hayes
I got distracted and erased my comment, but I’m going to take a risk and type it again anyway. I don’t know if you’ll actually read it, but I certainly hope so and I hope you’ll be blessed by it. In “Believing God” you talked about full circle moments and I have one that I’d like to call to your attention. That’s where the risk comes in because it is a full circle moment in your life, not mine. I seem to remember from the original “Breaking Free” that you described to us the first moments as you held your brand new baby daughter. I may not remember your exact words, but your message was clear and that was, for her, breaking free was worth whatever it cost. Now that sweet baby daughter who quickened in her mommy’s heart the desire for freedom no matter the cost will now be her mommy’s pastor’s wife. HOW ABOUT THAT INDEED!
I did indeed read this, Patti, and it blessed me so! YES, A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT! Thank you!
Beth,
Thank you for sharing. Like others, my eyes spilled over with tears and I felt great joy for you, for your family, for the things that God is doing and will do. God is good!
I couldn’t help but think about Luke 6:38, one of my old memory verses – “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This is the way I see you – always giving, to always get, to always give again. Thank you.
May the LORD bless Bayou City Fellowship beyond measure. In Jesus’ name . . .Amen!
Thank you Beth once again for showing me what it looks like to just take the next step. After the tears and goodbyes (to people, places or things) we get off our knees and step forward with Jesus.
Love your heart, love our God!
Theresa
Your story is one of joyful obedience. Waiting for the time and place of his call. Thank you for my heart with your encouraging words and faithfulness. May the Lord continue to reveal his plan for Bayou City Fellowship Church and its community.
Your story is one of joyful obedience. Waiting for the time and place of his call. Thank you for your encouraging words and faithfulness. May the Lord continue to reveal his plan for Bayou City Fellowship Church and its community.
How exciting! How can we help?
Beth,
You have such elegance and grace, always keeping your eyes on Jesus. You inspire me and always point me to Jesus, I love that. You are my mentor, even though we have never met we have been together in spirit, through television, through Bible studies. The first time I saw you on a stage in person you got down on your knees and prayed before hundreds, maybe thousands of women and I longed to have what you have with our Lord and Savior, our Father in heaven. Now I long to teach and share this love, the knowledge of His love for us with others just as you have and continue to do. May God bless Bayou City Fellowship and HFBC. Thank you Beth, for being such a beautiful, gracious and godly example of a woman after God’s own heart.
Wow, what an amazing adventure God is taking your family (and city) on. I pray His richest blessings for you all during this transition time and that He will hold you close!
Beth, my heart is right there with you! I am a pastor’s wife and must leave often myself. Though we want to be in God’s will it still hurts and is difficult at times. I pray for all of you at this exciting, new, joyous time in your lives. I pray for energy to do the work, sensitivity to God’s voice, hope and joy in watching the mighty hand of God be HUGE in this ministry. I’ll also be praying for your old fellowship of believers that their hearts will be mended and that soon the freshness of their loss will be filled with joy for you, and a new exciting, openness to what God wants to continue to do there in their lives at HFBC. Best love and many souls for the LORD, Carla
There is always excitement and joy in new birth… whether it is life or a life of new church! And an added bonus to serve with your children (all 4 of them)! We Siesta’s will be watching and listening at what God is doing through Bayou City Fellowship!
Many Blessings are in store for ya’ll in the days and years ahead… as well as growing pains and tears… that is just part of it, as you know!
Thanks for sharing your heart with us. You make me smile and encourage me with each post (even tho I seldom respond).
Love you and your girls because ya’ll have strengthened my already beautiful and strong relationship with my own daughter! We love sharing and doing the studies together as we lead our own ladies groups in different towns. In fact, we are looking forward to coming to Houston for the Scripture Memory Reunion in January AGAIN!
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)”And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Love you, Siesta Mama!
Janet in Amarillo
I know the heartache of leaving a congregation you love so deeply as I am a pastor’s wife. I loved how you said, “You are woven into my soul.” That is one of the many joys of serving a church- all the beautiful people you meet, the lives that will forever be changed, and knowing that distance may separate you but you are bound together by Christ forever. Prayers are being lifted up for you and your former church as well as your new body of believers. Thanks for sharing with us!
With tears in my eyes and joy in my heart, I say…YOU GO GIRL!!!!! God bless Bayou City Fellowship 🙂
Praise God! I asked God to bless all of you in your journey as I read your letter. What a wonderful opportunity!
I’d like to know where BCF will be….I might be in the market for a new church home….
A location is still yet to be determined. 🙂
My heart turned to mush while reading this post. I felt your sorrow at leaving, your joy at new beginnings, and your delight at having Curtis and Amanda as your pastor and pastor’s wife. I will pray for BCF and oddly enough an overwhelming desire to keep on serving at my local church. ( I had been asking the Lord if He was releasing me from a current position I hold) I know now He isnt.
Love
jill
My eyes have filled with tears because this post was just so beautiful, Beth! Truly beautiful. May God bless Houston, BCF, and use you in His MIGHTY powerful ways!
Oddy enough, the very first thing that entered my mind when I started reading this post was, “What about Kendall?!!” I was so happy that you mentioned her today and included the picture. She’s been in my prayers ever since you shared many years ago about her leukemia diagnosis. I lost my little brother to leukemia so I guess that’s why her story impacts me so.
Prayers for all you during this time of transition and new beginnings!
See you in Louisville!
Kelli
I love her so much. As Pastor was preparing to call me up on the platform, I reached back behind me and held her hand. I knew it was going to hurt and it nearly broke my heart in two. I had already been in pain over the thought of not seeing her but I was so sad at the thought that she’d feel it, too.
awesome …warmed my heart. I am feeling so lost and confused about “local” church right now. What I would give for a long chat over a cup of coffee with you. Guess I need to do it with Jsus instead. lol
Blessing ot you Beth. you are always a breath of refreshing air.
Hey There!
My mama is my pastor’s wife and I am blessed beyond measure to worship with both my parents on a weekly basis. You say ‘tiny’ church of 50?!?! We’d fall down with praise for that many, woman! We are a miniscule congregation of 12 happy LCMC Lutherans who do some big things in the name of Jesus. Keep us in your prayers, too!
Your girls are your legacy, sister, and they bless me and all the siestas just as you do.
Much love and prayers to you all!
I know this has got to be so bittersweet for you. I can’t imagine! But what a gift Amanda and Curtis are receiving by getting your and Keith’s complete support. And this letter was beautifully and gracefully written. SO much love to your sweet family.
That is so awesome Beth, to be at the start of your own child’s birth of a church. I know the Bayou City Fellowship will be so blessed that Houston will not know what hit! I will be praying for this church, as well as your old church and for you as you transition. Amen!
I was getting “goose bumps” as I read this, how exciting !!!
luv the comment about Amanda being your pastor’s wife 🙂
My dear Beth,
As I read this, I was recalling the very first time I had the privilege of hearing you speak at HFBC. It was at the very first, First Place leaders retreat, and your mentor introduced you. I remember her saying after your words pierced our hearts, “Ladies, God has special plans for my sister, He is going to use her and her life in ways beyond comprehension”. And boy, has He ever!!!
I have praised my Maker for you so often throughout the years. Thank you for sharing what the next step of God’s journey is for you and your family with us. May all of you feel our prayers and may God bless BCF.
Bound by His Love & Grace,
Peggy
Beth,
I totally understand the huge fountain of feeling flowing out of your heart today. I just left my home church of 21 years when I moved to Texas. I haven’t really left them though, a little of each one of those precious ladies I fell in love with are living here in Texas with me. Last week, my first Sunday here, I visited a church down the street from my house. I joined a small group of ladies for Bible Study only to find out we were doing Living Beyond Yourself which is the study I had planned to do this summer since we weren’t doing a SSBS. I took that as God saying “Yep Jan, this group of ladies is where I want you to bloom!” Life goes on. I will share my heart and faith with them and they will do so with me. We will both grow spiritually right here where God has planted us to serve our great little town.
I know you will bless that new church body beyond belief and they in turn will bless you. You have blessed me over the past 3 years and I am forever changed.
Thanks,
Jan
What a moving letter I am a teary eyed mess thank you for sharing with us.
Loved the saying at the end Amanda will be your Pastor’s wife.
Will be praying for BCF that God will bring the hungry and the thirsty for a cup of fresh water.
What a blessing that you and Keith are coming along side Amanda and Curtis.
I will be praying and I am excited for you all.
How else can we help you all on your journey with the Lord?
Carol
Beth,
How do I say this without sounding corny? I am so excited to sit back & watch! The Lord has so adamantly revealed to me that one day we will have to say good-bye to our home church because our (future) Son-in-Law’s family will be planting a church…and we will be called to follow & be a part of that. It is one of the oddest things my mind never conveived of! Though I have not a clue when, where, or why…I am certain of it.
I will love hearing your stories. Curtis Jones has been on my mind specifically for about the last month. Been wondering what God was up to with he & the family.
I am just so excited for all of you & I will most definitely be in prayer for Bayou City Fellowship (did I get it right?). Much love to all of you!
I feel compelled to tell you that sometime last week-ish (I don’t have my prayer journal with me to say the exact day) I had the overwhelming urge to pray for you and your family while I was journaling! I have that urge a lot of times about seemingly to me random people and I have found that I just need to take the time right then and pray for whoever’s name pops into my head. I rarely ever know why or what a situation may be, but I figure God does and so I pray. I hope that my prayers would have joined in with others for you and brought you comfort during this transitional time. It sounds like you all are going to have a blast!
So excited to see what God does through this church plant! Many blessings to the Jones, Moore, and Fitzpatrick families as well as the others led to be involved!
P.S. They’ll get used to your hair and will be grateful to have you love on them. 😉
Beth:
There is nothing more amazing that watching your babies become His daughters and then get to come along for the ride to see them grow in the Spirit. I recently saw my daughter, son-in-law and precious granddaughter rededicate themselve to the Lord. Remembering this a rebellious, contentious “I’m going to do it my way” teenager to hearing her calling talking about her faith and ways to build her walk with God, I am just overwhelmed with His Love and singing His praises. How awesome for all of you. Blessings from our church family in Rancho Cordova to our “little sister” family in Houston. 🙂
Well, this got me all misty just thinking about how you must be feeling. It is hard to imagine leaving my church, and I’ve “only” been there 17 years. But if it was my son-in-law and daughter, as pastor and his wife, it would be a reason to rejoice, INDEED!
Prayers and love for this new journey for the whole family!!
Melana 🙂
Ever since Amanda’s first blog post about this journey of faith, I have felt such a tug at my heart to be a part of this new church. I have heard Curtis preach several times at HFBC and oh how the Lord speaks to me through him! I mean, the last time he taught, I chewed on that scripture and message for weeks. I’m so excited to see what the Lord is going to do next!! Can’t wait to learn more about Bayou City Fellowship!
Beth,
That is awesome. Your family is so blessed. May God richly bless Bayou City Fellowship.
Angela, Mansfield, TX
Oh Beth, I just love you so. I too changed churches a few years ago. I was lead to leave the church I attended with my parents, sisters, niece and nephews. It was a hard decision, but one I knew was the right one to make. I love the church I’m a member of now, and will be praying for your family and this new church of yours. God bless you to the fullest. **laughing at the comment about the kids staring at your big hair….bless their little hearts–and yours**
The love train! You make me laugh!
Love you and prayers too!
Beth, I knw you had tears of joy and tears of saddness, there is noting like a church family. that will love you and support you when you need it. Through encuragement and prayer. I know your church family will be praying for you and your family plants the seeds that will be harvested. I think this is such an awesome thing for your family to do together! It made tears well up in my eye.I will be praying for you and your family as you start a new adventure in growing the kingdom of God! Much love and Prayers
God is amazing, isn’t he? Thank you for sharing this amazing journey with all of us. It reminds me of the precious people I have found in my own church body AND to pray for this courageous new baby church! Awesome stuff!
Wendy-miss you all
Mrs. Beth,
You love so BIG. I want to open my heart and love BIG.
I am praying that BCF will grow with His abundant BIG love!!!
Sincerely,
Mary
That is so exciting! I know this is such a bitter-sweet time for you, but how wonderful to know your children are in the center of God’s will and that you have the awesome pleasure of taking part in it all!!! I am still praying that my children will come back into a solid and healthy relationship with the LORD, and soon! Congratulations to all of you, and can’t wait to hear all that God is doing at Bayou City Fellowship Church.
boy, how awesome is this! How hard it must be to leave…i’ve had to do that a few times…..but how exciting it is going to see God at work, building His church. I will be praying for all of you. We have no time to lose in this dark world, I am looking forward to the posting of results, rather answers to prayers and blessings…..I will pray for all of you that God would give you unshakable faith, physical stamina and an arsenal of prayer warriors as the enemy works on a strategy in how he can stick his nose in. I love you
Beth…that letter to your church was so beautiful and tender hearted. I pray that as you help Curtis and Amanda begin this new church that all of your lives will be blessed as you bless so many others.
Can’t wait to hear what God does through this new chapter in your lives!
Well, some of us (me) thought being the busy mom of 2 goreous kids was enough work for 1 person, but then to now be a pastor’s wife! Looks like the apple doesn’t fall far from the extended tree… like mother like daughter… busy is her middlename and overwhelmed, her new title (offcial or not). 🙂
Congrats to Amanda and Curtis!
God bless you and Keith!
Loving all the joy that will mulitply in all your lives!
“The LORD gives stength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” Psm 29:11
Praise God none of you will walk this new advenure alone!
My, oh, my, Miss Beth,
HUGE is barely a “big enough” word for this change in your lives, is it ???
I had a difficult enough time being “called” away from dear HFBC myself in June 2004, after having only worshipped there for a year and a few months. Of course, I had my baptism in Christ Jesus there in May 2003, as well, so technically, it was and always will be “my first home church” [and fellowship with my small group-Summit at Water’s Edge] in Christ. And, yes, I cried a lot, too.
Our Lord simply called me to move back to my “home state” of Wisconsin, to be with my family. However, I truly and honestly felt like “a fish out of water” for quite some time here, but He has guided and directed me all of the way . . .
And, I am still able to listen/watch Pastor Gregg preach online every now and then, too.
However, setting up a “brand new” church with your dear son-in-law and pastor, Curtis, will be quite a new adventure for all of Y’all . . . And, I am sure that the members of HFBC will help Y’all as much as they possibly can !
I heard Curtis preach a few times before I left Houston, and he challenged me in and through God’s Word, so I know that he will make a wonderful pastor for Bayou City Fellowship, wherever it may “land” . . . God’s blessings !
Love, in Christ Jesus,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
You just make me ache for more of Jesus Beth! I can not wait to hear you this weekend in Louisville!
Much Love,
RaeLeen