Wow! I am excited as I anticipate beginning a whole new journey with you in ministry! There are many moments where it still hasn’t sunk in that God has called us to start Life Church. I never anticipated that He would bring us back to church planting this soon. I can see, however, through the many experiences we have faced in the last 11 years of ministry how God was preparing us and bringing us to this day – to bring LIFE to the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan (a place neither one of us would’ve selected on our own).
We’ve had so many amazing opportunities to partner with God and see lives changed forever! Those individual lives are what I set my sight upon as we venture into a new ministry. I know that He will be faithful to draw the lost to Him. I look forward to seeing the ripple effect! I think of names like Matt. We met Matt when he was finishing up college. He was just coasting through life. Doing his best to support his single mother and younger brother. He crossed paths with you and God whispered to his heart, “There’s more for you. Follow Me.” He did just that! He was baptized and began actively serving and giving. He eventually became your volunteer assistant. Matt took ownership of his walk with God. He grew in knowledge and began living out his faith. He is now serving as a youth pastor! This one life that was changed under your spiritual authority is now rippling to change multiple other lives for eternity with God’s prompting. And that’s just one example! Think of the ways the world now and heaven in the future will be changed because you continue to say “Yes” to God!
We have certainly had our shares of ups and downs in the last 11 years of ministry. The past year in particular has been one of the hardest we’ve ever endured. I am so thankful that by the grace of God, neither one of us has become bitter or walked away from the mission of the Church. I know there have been questions and doubts along the way. I deeply admire how you’ve embraced those moments and grown in patience to see what God has laid out as the answers. We have gone through the fire and come out the other side exclaiming in our hearts, “Jesus is enough!”
One of the traits I appreciate about you the most is your willingness to continue to learn about how God has wired you and the ways that affects your leadership style. You are always willing to grow and change to be a more effective leader. I know that the many challenges that have been faced in the recent past will further equip you as the leader of Life Church. In fact, without those previous experiences, Life Church would not be here.
I am sure there will be a fair share of critics and negativity as our baby church goes through birthing pains. It may be tempting and easy for you to listen to and believe in lies that the enemy uses to attack you. I want you to know that, through it all, I am by your side. I am praying over you, your mind, and your leadership. Most of all, I am praying that you remember the truth of who you are! God will never give up on you. He sees you for what you can become. I have written these words to you before, but I want to remind you once again of how our all powerful God sees you:
He sees you through the eyes of divine potential.
He sees you through the eyes of a kind-hearted father.
He sees you as a son in whom He is well pleased.
He sees you as a loving, caring husband and father.
He sees you freed from your sins.
He sees you healed from your wounds.
He sees you liberated from your fears.
He sees a new and tender, regenerated heart which beats for righteousness.
He sees you serving your family, the body of Christ and the world.
He sees your motives purified by love.
He sees you as a real man.
He sees you like His Son, Jesus, the only real man who ever lived.
God looks at you and says, “What I see about Jon is the truth about him. Because I can do it, want to do it, and will do it!”
I love you and am excited as we go on this new journey together!
Forever yours,
Amber
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