However I have rarely taken to time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to reflect on the new experience as it is happening. Well, here goes.
Moving from one church to another requires a physical move which means you have to secure the cooperation of your wife. In this case I couldn't have had a better partner in relocation than Julie. Although her health does slow her down she does a great job of getting households relocated. We haven't always agreed on move but this time God convicted us both at the same time. This is such a blessing. You know it is.
Besides this greatly need logistical enterprise in the physical realm there is a greatly need enterprise in the spiritual realm. The church I was leaving were so kind and supportive of us in the transition. The El Cajon Blvd Church of Christ (ECB) showed a lot of love to Julie and I while we ministered with them but showed us as much love as we left them. I have never moved from a church where I was showed so much love and consideration. I can't mention everyone but I do want to mention Chris Delgado and Garey Castle, the elders of that church, who are two of the most godly men I have known. Our churches could do with a lot more brothers as these two.
As a preacher your spiritual life is so intertwined with your work life that it is almost impossible to separate the two. You can and you need to, but it is difficult. It is so much better when the church is a source of spiritual encouragement and inspiration. God blessed us with such a church in ECB.
The church we have moved to, the Glendale Church of Christ, in California has welcomed us with open arms. I don't just mean that they have been friendly and "nice" to us. I mean that they have opened up their lives to us in so many ways. Admittedly we did know many of them from before but their I am still blown away by their extravagant love for us. Some of them are still trying to figure out this crazy Australian but they are doing so with a lot of love and patience.
I also mean that they are opening up their lives for change as God touches their hearts through His Word, the Holy Spirit and opportunities. So many of them are eager to once again put their shoulder to the wheel. Faith with eagerness. Now, that is a healthy church. And do you know what happens to healthy churches? They grow. They can't help but grow.
Don't think it has all been plain sailing. Satan (he who must be named) is attacking us. He is working hard on the weak of the flock but the strong will not let him take them. He is trying to confuse us with his subtle deceptions but with the clarity of God's word and true faith in Jesus we will resist him and he will flee.
God is good. All the time. And all the time, God is good.
