Super big crazy news

Well.


We have been praying for a while now (about a year!) for a way that we can serve together. A couple weeks ago, we heard a sermon that really spoke to both of us.

We spent the drive home talking about how we could be more intentional in our serving. How we were really stuck in the "comfort zone" of our neighborhood and our life.

What were we doing to further His kingdom?
A weekly bible study?

And what were we doing to show Zac the power of Jesus' love?
Praying before dinner?


We emailed our Sunday School pastor about Apartment Life.

And God took over from there.



Apartment Life is a ministry in which two people become a Cares Team, and they live on an apartment property for two years. The Cares Team serves the property as a form of resident retention - they build relationships with residents, provide events at which residents can build relationships with each other, and maintain communication between the residents and the staff. Cares Team members still work regular jobs, but also plan about 4 activities a month for the residents of the property. Fun things like passing out breakfast at the gate, or a pool bbq. They also do things like birthday cards, new resident visits, etc. Just make residents feel welcome and loved.



In a matter of days, we were encouraged and assisted in completing an extensive application/interview process and were already interviewing with an apartment property.

But, we still had our home. We would need to rent it out, but were unsure about how that would happen. We emailed TWO people, and in TWO hours, we had TWO sets of three single girls from church that wanted to rent our home. The first 3 that came wanted it. We barely knew what we were going to ask in rent!



All that said - WE'RE MOVING!

We leave in a couple of weeks! And we're REALLY excited!!!!



The Lord provided an opportunity with a really nice apartment property (actually the 2nd one we interviewed with), and we love the management there. The current Cares Team is a couple with 2 young children and one more on the way. We didn't know for sure until tonight, but we pretty much confirmed everything. Our apartment has a garage and a pool view. We think all our stuff will fit in there (barely) and it's a great location. Above all else, it's painfully obvious that it's where He wants us, so we said, Okay!


Cares Teams also "work" on behalf of the church, through relational evangelism. Meaning, we don't hand out pamphlets on Jesus or hold prayer meetings. Instead, we are out on the frontlines. With people of all sorts of different walks of life. Living life with them, building relationships with them, loving on them, and earning the right to be there for them. It encourages us to live our lives in a way that shows others what Christians *should* be like. Because our testimony will be shown in the way we live. And when opportunities arise, we'll be there to share the Lord to those who might not know Him.

(On a sidenote, one of the most beautiful parts of this interview process was when Brian and I got to share our testimonies. It was such a sweet moment for both of us. We have such different stories -but both very powerful!! We should share them on here someday!)


Long term, we will move back to our home. Being a Cares Team is a two year commitment, so we'll be back before Zac starts 1st grade. We are close enough to still stay in contact with everyone, go to the rec center classes, MOPS, bible study, PTA, all the stuff that will keep our family connected to our friends here - especially for ZZ.

It's like we're going on a (local) mission trip! :)


Now, I'm going to say a couple of things that Brian may or may not censor when he reads this. ;)

(I can just hear him saying "uh-oh..")



As we began this whole process (literally just like 2 weeks ago), we had told a few people, hoping to find support and prayers. We were a little hurt by the initial responses of some. Not all, but some. "Why can't you just do that in your own neighborhood?" "Well, if that's what you want to do." Others just looked with blank stares.

It's not what WE want to do. It's what HE wants to do using us.

It didn't deter us because we felt led strongly enough by Him, and thank goodness for that. But that also leads us to be in prayer for some of our fellow Christians.

(And we were very appreciative of those who immediately were excited with us, volunteered to help us move, to help with Zac, to be at some of our events, and just honored our decision as something led by Him.)

It's a very safe walk to be a Sunday-morning-Christian. To give in the offering plate and pray for those with cancer.

We want more.

We've heard it said, "Don't just GO to church. BE the church."

As we work in this ministry (because that's what it is for us), we hope to just show LOVE. We want Zac and Selah Grace to SEE and LIVE what it's like to simply LOVE. Love on others the way Jesus loves. Unconditional. Non-judgemental. Joyfully and cheerfully serving and giving. And in the end, receiving the blessings that you can only receive when you answer His call.


Thanks so much for your support and prayers about our new adventure!