last post from michigan

I know people get sick of hearing that you're doing the "LAST" of this or that. About 3 weeks ago our family decided to stop using the phrase, "Well...this is the last time we'll ever...(drive on this road, eat from this Chinese place, sit on that park bench)." You get the point. However, this really will be the last time I write from Faith Church in Lansing.

Yesterday at church, it was so touching to hear stories of how God has impacted people's lives over the years. It is really encouraging to know that this church is going to be more than just OK. They're going to be great. The leadership team is doing a fantastic job through this time of transition. And the date has been scheduled for a pastoral candidate to come and go through the "show pony" routine so everyone can "kick his tires". Faith Church is in the same position that Tuscaloosa First Wesleyan was in earlier in the summer. They've identified who they believe God has divinely appointed, and are now going through the final stages of that search process.

Meanwhile, I've been hearing great things from Alabama. The spirit of enthusiasm and unity has been rising like a Crimson Tide!!! It is crazy to think that I will soon be on site as a pastor of one of the greatest churches in the South. First Wesleyan is not great just because of its location, facility or size. It's not even great because of its storied history or its celebrated leaders (although those are certainly undeniable factors). First Wesleyan Church is great because of its dependence on an amazing God.

It will take us a while to get settled in and to begin the process of evalutation and really getting to know and trust one another. But I have the sense that there are thousands of people in Tuscaloosa who need a touch from Jesus, and this is the church that has been uniquely called to be their connection point with God.

Schedule of Events

Today at noon is the closing on the sale of our home. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the long-distance closing on the purchase of our new home down there. Please pray for these transactions!

The moving truck arrives tomorrow, first thing in the morning. Depending on how everything goes, we hope to be in our new home by the end of the week (although we'll be there for as long as a week before the truck arrives with all our stuff). The kids are excited about camping out in a house without any clothes, furniture or personal belongings. It will be an adventure. I'm not sure when I'll be able to get up and running with the next post to this website.

We can't wait to see everybody at First Wesleyan this Sunday on Labor Day Weekend. And I am SO much chomping at the bit to get on the platform to teach for the first time on September 9th! We're going to be exploring one of the most likely causes for the lack of spiritual power in the life of the average Christian. If you're in the area, come and check us out.

Have a great week and we'll see you this Sunday at First!