An Important Announcement - and A Poem

 

 

It is with mixed emotions that I bring you today's post.  For those of you who were unable to attend this past Sunday I bring you this news. 

Pastor Jim and wife Elaine are resigning, effective at the end of September. 

 

 

This is not a BAD thing, or a SAD thing - rather it marks a time of growth for both Jim and Elaine, and for our church family. 

Jim and Elaine stepped in to be our Pastors at a time when our church was going through a traumatic and painful time - just over a year and a half ago.  Our church was haemorrhaging  and we were either going to have to close down or find someone who could come in and deal with the crisis and pull us through to a place where we were not only healed but ready to move on to the next step.

When they  walked into our lives, they walked into a group of emotionally wounded people who were shell-shocked.  We wondered how we might trust anyone to tend our flock - we were afraid and hurting and wanted to be sure not to make a mistake in this important choice.

This said, when Jim and Elaine came to us - their hearts of LOVE spoke directly into our pain.  They did an awful lot of simply listening as we talked about our experiences and hurts.  They were so real, so caring, so ... THERE for us. 

Because of their patience and willingness to stand with us and willingness to step into the mess we were in - with prayer the Lord allowed each of us to trust them.  They  have come to mean so much to us.

In the same way that they have come to build us up again, to teach us, direct and walk alongside of us, in this way they are now ready to respond to the next emergency that is brought to their attention.

Both Jim and Elaine are always furthering themselves with University courses in the ministry and Jim is working on his doctorate.   Their hearts for missions is for Trauma Counselling and Crisis - exactly the sort of thing they did when they responded to our needs.  It would be selfish of us to hold them back from doing what they do best - helping and healing.

Jim has had past experience working as a paramedic with the Ambulance service  as well as being Pastor for the RCMP.  Elaine has worked in Emergency Preparedness as well, so they know their call is in helping people  and churches during the stages of distress.  Once they assist with the 'rescue' then its time to move on. 

We are so grateful that we have been blessed by their call and we will pray for them as they go forward. 

If you should have any questions they will welcome your requests.  I'll keep you updated here and Elaine has promised a 'formal' post later on towards the end of the month.  Understandably they have a lot to look after between now and then. 

What will happen to our church?  WE ARE NOT ALONE!  We have another church willing to put all our  heads and hearts (and sharing resources)  together to keep our church going.  We are eagerly anticipating the ministry to evolve, build and thrive.  This is an exciting time for our church and we look forward to new journeys. 

And so my friends - women of Osoyoos Christian Center - we have an opportunity to really come together at this time.  Its times of change when we take a second look at those who we interact with - in a totally new light.  In a light of appreciation that we share a bond that will rally us to meet all challenges with a gladness of heart and hope. 

Stay tuned for what's happening in our church over the next weeks!  Please pray for our church and for Jim and Elaine as they prepare for where the Lord leads them next!

*****

 

Thank you to Felicia who shares this poem which she found at a client's house recently!  Please send more! ;)

 

A Prayer For You

I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard-
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke now word!
I didn't ask for wealth or fame
I knew you wouldn't mind-
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that He'd me near you
At the start of each new day
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small
Bit it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all!

Author unknown

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