Change on the Horizon

It is hard to believe that it has been 6 years ago that we left Lexington, Kentucky and went to live in Southern Ohio. Saying good bye to friends that were like family to us was challenging. I will never forget the sorrow of the final hugs and tears of saying good bye. We enjoyed the time in Kentucky but figured it was a short 4 year season that God had given to us. Nathaniel and Julianna were both born in Lexington and so this city would always carry precious memories with us. Little did we know that we would be back 2 and a half years later. The time at the Refuge in Ohio was life changing. Tom Thompson poured into me like a spiritual father pouring into a spiritual son. We had no idea that there was coming a day when all the life lessons would be recalled by my stepping into similar places of leadership. Michelle and I learned lessons in Ohio that have made us better parents and have a better marriage. It was a gift from God to take a short season to improve ourselves and be witness to a ministry that would give us a framework for future ministry.

The day for that ministry has arrived. I resigned from Southland Christian Church on August 13th, 2009. My last day on staff at Southland will be October 30th 2009. The timing of God is now to focus my time and energy towards Refuge For Women. This ministry is from the grassroots and will reach out to Exotic Dancers leaving the Adult Entertainment Industry. I knew God was calling us to start a Refuge when we returned from Ohio but i thought it would be to similar men that we ministered to in Ohio. It was upon meeting Jani Lewis and her telling me about a ministry that she started called Bruised Reed that I began realizing this was the people group God was calling us to minister. It would not be men but women and children.

What a journey that it has been. I thought I was ready to start this ministry 2 years ago but it is amazing how God's timing does not always align with our timing. It has been filled with excitement, anticipation, questioning, frustration, divine appointments, and much much more. God is at work and that is the most important aspect of this journey. I asked a friend to create this blog for me so that those interested can watch the ministry unfold and we can all give glory to God together. It is all about Him and His love for these precious girls has not just begun but he has been preparing the people and places for many years. Glory to His name!!!

From the time I was a kid I loved reading missionary stories of faith. God would provide in miraculous ways during times it looked bleak. Many of the stories I am going to write on this blog will be faith stories. I have faith their will be faith stories. :) I hope that all of our faith increases in days to come as God shows himself faithful.