Jack Hyles once said that it takes about six months to adjust to a major change in one’s life. I, and my family, have lived in Hope, Arkansas for six months today! I am grateful to the Lord for bringing us to this place. The fact that we have been here for half a year seems incredible to me! It has really flown by.
While the folks here have been so kind and loving to us, I still miss my “family” in Texas. I say family, because that’s what they were. We served there for almost three years, and it tore my heart out to leave. To pack up and say goodbye to a church and a town that I had truly grown to love was heart wrenching. We had walked those streets talking to folks about Jesus. We had fought many spiritual battles in that town, because the enemy is everywhere! We also saw God win some wonderful victories there. I remember our first VBS, our first ladies meeting and ladies Bible study, I remember the first soul that came forward to that altar to receive our precious Savior into her heart. I remember the anger that grew inside some people because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I remember the times we barely made it financially. I remember the birth of our fourth child in the tiny little city of Llano. I remember how miraculously God led us to Dr. Skylar Forrister, a Christian who gave us free medical care when we had no insurance. I remember God testing us, and always proving Himself faithful, time and time again.
We have fought a few battles here, and I expect there will be more. Not because of our location in particular, but because wherever you are, if you are trying to serve the true and living God, the enemy will not be happy. He will kick up a fuss. I see the work here as yet another opportunity to see God provide; to see Him win more victories!
Northside Baptist Church, I miss you. I can honestly say, however, that I have no regrets. I surely did not do everything right there, but I did the one thing that God requires: I was faithful.
Grace Baptist Church, I’m thrilled to be here. I look forward to many years of service in Hope. I’m sure I will make some mistakes, but with all that is in me, I desire to be faithful.