I was reminded to keep telling my story and to keep telling His story–the story of Christ. When I got saved in 5th grade, I never would have imagined this church. I was just afraid of going to hell. (the falling in love with Jesus has been a journey)
Jesus continues to change me, mold me, encourage me and correct me. When Brian, my husband and I were teaching high school (before we ever entered the ministry) we got up early every morning to have a quiet time. I cannot tell you how much this practice has helped me. Yes, sometimes it has seemed dry, but words of life come back later when I need them.
When we started the church, Brian’s parents thought it was OK. Then he left his teaching job and retirement and they thought we were crazy. It turns out it was the right decision. We have tried to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and to follow God and where we think He is leading us. Year after year. Month after month. Week after week.
We have gone from meeting in a home (the whole church), to Apollo High School, to a strip center on Thunderbird, to a complex at 43rd and Olive and then to our property now on 63rd and Peoria. There have been great times and hard times, but God has been with us through all of it. We have had many wonderful leaders and have been stabbed in the back by others.
We have seen thousands of people saved and baptized. We have seen marriages put back together and people set free from addiction. We have seen eternity change right before our eyes.
Years ago, John Wimber, the leader of the Vineyard movement at the time, said, “Don’t do this(church plant and pastor) unless God won’t let you do anything else.”
God wouldn’t let us do anything else.
I encourage you to try various ministry areas and find out what you are “for.” Even if you try something and it is not a “fit,” you are a step closer because you now know one thing you are not called to do.
Blessings,
Thora
Thank you for this! 🙂 I quite literally just wrote out my story for a group. It was incredible what God just showed me through my own story. I’m so grateful for you and Brian listening to your calling. VC has been such a huge part in my story and I know it will continue to be.
We have been to a few churches here in AZ. We have never had such dedicated, I suppose obedient and well balanced pastors as you are (including the pastoral staff). I appreciate your story, your upbringing, and all God continues to do in and through both of you. We, and I know the rest of the congregation, are so blessed and grateful. You guys just go and go and go like the energizer bunny.
How amazing to think that so much of your story is our church’s story too! Thank you for your faithfulness and obedience. I have to say I am SO SAD people have stabbed you in the back. No fair. = (
I am one that is so thankful God wouldn’t let you do anything else. VC has been my church home for 27 years. I can’t imagine my life without this.
I too am so thankful to be blessed by yours and Brian’s story and ministry here at Vineyard. ❤