Pastor-in-Residence: Taking the next step

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to teach a Sunday School class at a local church, on the theme of confidence in the Scriptures.  It is part of entering the second half of the Pastor-in-Residence program: to begin to get my feet wet with ministry activities.  I’ll do it again this Sunday, at the request of a friend (and former PIR participant). 

We also had the chance to visit a place called Restoration Farm, in Crewe, Virginia.  It is a farm run by a missionary couple, for the purpose of giving struggling missionaries a place to debrief—to do what the PIR program has been for us.  We were not there for restoration—but to help with construction.  We dug out, poured concrete, and laid block for a basement entrance to the guest house.  I did some electrical work, while others helped in other parts of the farm. The four families that went had a delightful, but exceedingly busy and tiring week.  We are glad we could do it. It turns out God has many ways to restore his servants—and physical work is one of them. 

Please do pray for us in the coming months as we have many decisions to make. We had hoped to sell our house, and move close to our “refuge church,” but God seems to have other plans.  We are still trying to sell the house (or rent it—if you know someone looking for a good, affordable house to rent northwest of Reading, let me know); but have made a Plan B (for us; for God there is only Plan A!) to remain here longer.

Meanwhile, I have begun an informal course by Ken Sande on “Relational Wisdom.”  You can find out more at rw360.org.  It is a biblical approach to what, in the secular world, is called “emotional intelligence.” It has been very helpful to me in processing life’s emotions.  I pray that I will be able to take what I am learning and share it with others in the future.

My electrical work is our main source of income, and we are still holding our own on that score, by God’s grace.  Still, if you would like to support us in spending more time focused on preparing for future ministry, our “refuge church” accepts tax-deductible contributions toward our PIR program.  Send your contribution (with “PIR program” in the memo line) to Community Evangelical Free Church, 52 S Brick Lane, Elverson, PA 19520.

And do continue to pray for us.  We have a great God, and pray that he will be glorified in us as we are restored.  Thanks for reading!