He has encouraged us along the way with his words, prayers and finances. God has really used him and Mrs. Rose to give us just the encouragement that we need to make this big transition. Myron and Bro. Jeff planned a trip for some of his people from Hilltop and some from our home church to go see the work and get a greater burden for AZ. We had a group of 12 people and we had the best trip!
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| From L to R, Jonathon and Kaitlyn Johnson, Alan and Corann Harper, Myron and Julie Scott, Jeff and Rose Jones, Mike and Karen Woodard and David and Tina Williams. |
If I were to be completely honest, the last time I left Arizona, I left with tears in my eyes and a big whole in my heart. I knew that there was a big chance that this was God's will for us to move there, and I just didn't know how in the world I could get use to such a big change! However, if this trip was for anyone, it was for me. God knew that I would need this trip to give me the encouragement and push I would need to face the big move in June.
He encouraged me through the sweet people that came with us! It was such a blessing for them to see Heritage Church like we do---a needy place with limitless potential that needs to be rebuilt again! We loved seeing their faces and hearing their remarks as we toured the church and the city---they caught the vision for Heritage that we have! I felt like we weren't alone. We now how had a team of prayer partners who had seen our mission field and who would know how to specifically pray for us. Their excitement fueled my own excitement even more.
My fears were replaced by hope, joy and courage. This trip was worth a thousand words to me. It helped me to lean more on the Lord through this change, and to learn how to eliminate the devil's thoughts of fear and worry that he brings to me daily!
One of the many exciting times of the trip was the hearing the good report from the canvas teams! On Wednesday, the group went canvassing right around the church! These people were ready to knock some doors and talk to others about Jesus...BUT not before a great lunch at In-n-out and some shopping at the Arizona Mills!
On Wednesday night, we had a church-wide Valentines Banquet at Heritage! The banquet was held in their gym and the ladies did an awesome job cooking the meal! They fixed grilled chicken, baked potatoes, green beans, rolls and salad! They even made SWEET TEA just to cater to us Southerners!
After the Valentines Banquet at church that night, one of the secretaries told me that they were so excited because they had received a call from a family that we had talked to that very day while door knocking! This family wanted to bring their kids to their Awana program on Sunday night! Gilbert is filled with SO many families that desperately need the gospel!
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| Bro Jeff taught on Building a strong Home. |
This was the first time that I had been with the church people since we made the decision to come. I loved meeting all of the families and hearing about which ministries they are involved with at Heritage. They would excitedly come up to Myron and I and tell us how they can't wait until we move, and that they were ready to work with us! We even met three families that night that were visiting--all of them were great prospects and promised they would come back in June when we arrive! I really am excited about serving with these people and working side by side as we watch the Lord grow His church!
We had such a great time sharing our vision to the team about Gilbert, but now it was time for some fun and breathtaking sights! Next post is all about our trip to the Grand Canyon and Sedona!! It was beautiful!!
