announcement

When I started this blog, I wanted it to be a way for you all to gather insight into our lives. Of course, I wish I could only report all positive things. But that's not reality. And as much as I won't report the gory details for the sake of our privacy (over exagerrated...the gory part...i'll always stick to the privacy part), I do want to share realistically what God is doing in our lives. I do this not for our sake, but for whose I'm undecided. If you are like me, I often feel so alone in trials- like I'm the only one who has or ever will go through ______(fill in the blank). So for those who have gone through, are going through, or will go through trials...this blog is for you. You are not alone! And although our trial may be different...a trial is a trial. I believe Satan wants to isolate us as believers, and fill our minds with shame, depression, insecurity, and doubt, so that we don't truly find the fellowship and support of believers and experience the unity and freedom in Christ.

So all that being said: David resigned this past Friday from the youth ministry at Hilo Missionary Church. Does that mean we are leaving? No. We believe that God called David to step out of professional ministry, with the confirmation of many of our leaders. Our desire is to still serve the kids as youth leaders as the transition for the next youth pastor is being made. So, no, we arent leaving the church, and in fact, we have been blown away by the support and love we have experienced from the majority of the church body. As expected, questions are being asked, conclusions drawn, and sides taken. And here's our response (or God's response):
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
" I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisons among you and that you are perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another "I follow Apollos"; another "I follow Cephas"; still another "I follow Christ."
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, no with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be empited of its power."

Simply put, I believe God is saying: Don't focus on leadership, focus on Jesus. And that's our heartbeat. Leadership will come and go, drop the ball, disappoint...but if we focus on Jesus we'll be a unified Body of Christ that won't let Satan have a foothold into the Kingdom of God. So our desire now: Is to walk and talk purposefully bringing unity and focus to Jesus. We know that God has a bigger plan than any of us can imagine. We know that God is in the redeeming business (sidenote: David did not have any moral failure to bring about a resignation, but recognized he had a lot of room to grow in and not at the expense of the youth).
We hold true to the verse (and this verse stands true for anyone who knows Jesus and is going through a tria)l:
Romans 8:28-30
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

When Job went through his trial, his friends counseled him in trying to understand "why". Ultimately, God concludes that He's in control and it was a way for Job to see that God was in control and He's Big enough for any situation. Even the most junk (a Hawaiian expression). And what did God do after Job was refined to the point of understanding that God is in control and so Sovereign that nothing escapes Him...he was blessed.

God is in control! He knows what's best, and we believe this is a refinement for us, our marriage, and our relationships with other people, ultimately drawing us closer to Him.

We continue to appreciate your prayers and support. We'll continue to be here in Hilo for as long as God allows.
David needs to find a job (we do appreciate your prayers in his efforts).

Love,
Kelsey