Life has taken some crazy turns these last few years. The last couple of months have been no exception. In fact, the most recent turn of events has left us in deep processing and prayer with the Lord - in ways we never expected. We have been waiting and wading through tough decisions, and desired
some precision before moving forward in communication. Upon reading the
following, we think you will understand:
As most of you know, we have been on this road “to Rome” a long
time. God has moved in us, shaped us,
reoriented our hearts, and made us more like Him. We have learned so much these
last few years.
At the end of April, after much discussion and prayer, we
decided to no longer pursue moving to Rome. This has been a disheartening and
difficult decision. There were many reasons for this, and we desire to share a
few key-players with you.
- The last couple of years have
grown and stretched us in remarkable and foundational ways. However, along
with growth, we have experienced brokenness and burn out. As a result of
the Lord's guidance, we believe we are not currently in a position to lead
a team. Instead, Shay and I would like to look at the option of joining an
already established team under established leaders. It would be beneficial
to have someone pouring into us, mentoring us, and leading us while we
serve.
- Rome has been an incredible
part of our journey, but right now it is not the destination. It has
taught us to follow the Shepherd with perseverance, to rely on Him as He
molds and mends us, and to cherish the Caller before and over the call. We
want Jesus. That's all. It would have been amazing if it looked like Rome,
but right now, it looks like blindly following Jesus in faith as He leads.
It isn't easy, but it is right.
- The Lord has asked us to be
faithful to Him. That means, being faithful to one another. Shay and I
believe we need time to pour into and strengthen our marriage, our first
ministry. Currently, Rome would not be the best place to do so. As we have
sought God's heart concerning everything surrounding this area of life, we
believe Rome is not the place we need to be in order to thrive right now.
Haley and I long to thrive in our walks with the Shepherd individually and
as a couple so He can best use us for His Kingdom.
We want to say a huge, "thank you" to each of you for
walking with us these last three years. Your prayers, love, and support have
been an absolute essential part of our growth.
Although we are no longer pursuing Rome, we are looking at other overseas options with ITeams. Wise council from IT brought a couple places to our
attention that have immediate need. Each place has strong leadership and areas
where our gifts and passions would be utilized. Both locations are also 2020
Vision communities (like Rome), where they desire that no one is invisible and everyone has
access to food, freedom, and forgiveness - the wholistic Gospel. We want to see
these lives and communities transformed by the power of God as we bring people
together to help the oppressed. There are some amazing things happening in both
communities with some remarkable people.
The first option is Masatepe, Nicaragua. A few weeks ago we chatted with the leaders, Brandon and Hannah, about the 2020 Vision work
happening. After hearing about what the Lord has been doing there the last two
years, we wanted to check it out for ourselves. We just returned from a weeklong
vision trip. It was an incredible time
away with the Lord. Feel free to watch this beautiful story about Nicaragua on Brandon and Hannah's blog: http://www.ourmissionstory.com/one-life-sara/
The second option is Mzamomhle, South Africa. This team was
established within the last year. They minister to a township where discipleship
and unity are desperately needed...along with so much more. Shay and I are
planning to take a vision trip to SA at the end of July. Following is a link to a spotlight on Mzamomhle done by ITeams:
We long to see and experience both places as we seek where God
is leading: where We can thrive and be best spent for the Kingdom. We are aware
that through these trips, He may ask us to stay stateside for the time being.
Simply put, we are praying through all options. These last three years have
taught us that God's timing and plans are seldom ours. Therefore we hold it all
loosely as a sacrifice to the Lord. He alone is in control and we long to
relinquish it all to Him.
These next several weeks will be crucial times with God and each
other as movement is created. Please pray with and for us: that He protects our
hearts and marriage from Satan, that we are discerning to His spirit, and aware
of His voice. Pray that Haley and I feel the Lord leading in the same
direction.
We desire you to continue being a part of our lives and this
journey. There are, no doubt, many questions you may have, so please feel free
to ask! Some may not be answerable until we finish these trips, but we would
love to start the conversation with you.
We are incredibly thankful to each one of you for your
willingness to support us over the last three years we have been on this
journey. We cannot express our gratitude enough.
Love,
Shay and Haley
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