Week One

We pulled into Fort Collins the city illuminated by the headlights of our Uhaul truck filled with our accumulated possessions, Josiah and our dogs riding with my parents in car following us. For so long Fort Collins was a place we visited, read about, dreamed of and prayed for. Driving down Mulberry to our home we saw the city in a new way. We've eaten at many of the places we pass by and traveled the same roads, but never like this. Now we're from Fort Collins.

Our rent house has now started to feel more like a home. Now with most of our boxes unpacked and moving behind us we look ahead.

Over the past several weeks God has deepened our understanding of how he works and just how connected we all are. Our lives and experiences have led us and prepared us for this calling. We are so thankful for all of the overwhelming support and prayers.

Livin' On A Prayer

I think Bon Jovi says it best...

"WHOOOOOAAAA, we're half way theeeeerrrre. WHOOOA-OH! We're livin' on a prayer!" (That was for you, Joe and Latricia Sutton!)

Tomorrow half of our ministry team -- the Suttons -- packs the last of their things into a moving van and travels to their new home in Fort Collins.

Chris and I will follow in August, so we just say, "We'll see ya later." But for our families and closest friends, goodbyes aren't too easy to come by.

We knew when we began to consider a church plant in Colorado that it would mean sacrifice for us, but the sacrifice is huge for our families that we leave behind. We ask especially that your pray for them. They'll need the comfort and assurance that God will take care of us and peace though our families are spread miles apart.

Please also pray for safe travels for the Suttons tomorrow, and perhaps patience as they have a toddler in tow!

Where's My Water-Proof Mascara?

A recount of today's events from Randi's perspective:

Of all the days to forget water-proof mascara... what an overjoyed mess I've been today!

This morning, Chris led the congregation in worship as he played guitar and sang, something he's done countless times. But this morning was different -- I was watching my husband, the love of my life and best friend, now as the music pastor of our new church. Following him in preaching was David. I've listened to him teach a thousand times it seems since we were in high school Bible study together. But I couldn't help but see him in a new light, too, as I listened to him preach now as the pastor of our new church. Shoulder-to-shoulder I stood with my best friend Laura as we held hands and dabbed our eyes, completely overcome with pride in our husbands and amazement of how God is setting His plans into motion. Oh, how I love my friend. After the service, they had our team stand in front of the church to recognize us all and allow for everyone to come and greet us. The handshakes, hugs, words of wisdom and teary-eyed well-wishes were enough to make a heart swell ten times its size. I've never felt more supported in my life.

This evening, our guys were honored as they were ordained by our church. Our pastor, Robert, explained that ordination is the church's formal recognition of God's calling for Chris and David to do ministry. (As a side note, he also explained that we're ALL ordained for ministry.) The ordination involved the guys being examined individually by Robert and then together by all of the deacons. They were then brought before the congregation who was given a vote to ordain, of which they voted yes.

There were a few testimonies given on behalf of Chris and David. The word used over and over again to describe each of them was "integrity", which is so evident to Laura and me. Then the congregation was invited to come forth and pray for us - the guys seated in front of the congregation and us wives standing behind them. Our present and past college students came first, followed by family and close friends, then the deacons and finally the pastoral team. The prayers offered up on our behalf were things our team has prayed since we began dreaming of a ministry in Fort Collins. It was so affirming to hear our prayers echoed by such wise, Godly people. I admit I opened my eyes and peaked a few times. I just wanted to soak it all in. We were surrounded by our own personal heroes of faith.

A reception was held in our honor following the ordination service. The room was packed! It was such a sweet time that we'll never forget.

We're so grateful for our church family. Their influence has played a significant role in who we are and what we do. We're so appreciative of all that Colonial Hills has done for our families and plan to take anyone who is willing to Fort Collins with us. Thanks to all of our family and close friends who came to celebrate with us on our big day!

Thank You!

“Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can't quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you!” Colossians 1:3

Words cannot express our gratitude for the support and generosity shown to us by our family and friends yesterday at the Flapjack Fundraiser. Over 60 families were represented, 15 volunteers cooked, served and cleaned, and more than $3,500 was raised. To put it simply, we are overwhelmed and humbled. Thank you!

We'd also like to say a special thank you to The Diner who graciously allowed us to host this event. We appreciate you so much, Lloyd and Tresa Nichols! (And if you're reading this and you've never eaten at The Diner, you don't know what you're missing!)

To see more pictures from our event, please click here: Flapjack Fundraiser Pictures.

How Great Thou...Art?

So we figured we should give you all an opportunity to preview the photography that will be available for silent auction tomorrow night at the Fort Collins Flapjack Fundraiser. All photographs are framed and matted. The size of the photo is indicated next to the picture.

Starting bids for the photographs are:

$15 - 8 x 10

$25 - 11 x 14

We hope you all enjoy the photography.

Southwest Colorado

(11x14)

Great Sand Dunes National Park

(14 x 11)

Creek, Buena Vista, Colorado

(14 x 11)

Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, Colorado

(14 x 7)

Aspen Tree, Rocky Mountain National Park

(8 x 10)

Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray, Colorado

(10 x 8)

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

(8 x 10)

College Street, Fort Collins, Colorado

(8 x 10)

Open Mall, Fort Collins, Colorado

(8 x 10)

Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray, Colorado

(10 x 8)

Ephesians 3:20-21

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we think to ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Provision

I have been completely humbled and overwhelmed by the ways that God has been working to get us to Fort Collins. First, in March, He opened doors for David and I to rent a little house in the perfect neighborhood. Even though we didn't have jobs yet and couldn't prove that we would make our rent, the landlords decided we would be good for their house and took a chance by letting us rent from them!

Then, in May, I started getting my resume ready for job openings. I knew they would be posted soon and that most principals would want to hire before the end of school. So, I checked the website daily for specific positions that I could apply for. One Wednesday I checked and there was nothing. Then, all of a sudden, the next day there were 12 positions at 8 schools that I was qualified for! I was excited and worked late that night to prepare cover letters and my resume to send to those schools. I had my sights set on one position at Bennett Elementary, though, and emailed the principal at 8pm. At 8:23, he called me! He said he was only calling because I went to Texas Tech and he was FROM WEST TEXAS! I was amazed and was so thankful for that connection. I have also already taught at a school with their same, and very unique curriculum. Another connection!

The next week, on Friday, I interviewed for a Kindergarten job at Bennett over the phone and found out the following Monday that I did not get that. The principal said they were still interested in me and that the Kinder team was pushing for me for the 1st grade job, which was the one I really wanted in the first place. Well, long story, short- I did get to interview for it on Thursday and on Friday, I was offered the job!!!! I was (and still am) in complete shock! I mean, I hadn't even met them! For all they knew, I could have been a complete crazy person!!! :)

On Monday the 24th, the principal called and told me I needed to go to training June 3-4, so David and I packed a little and went to our new home! And, that's where we began to feel the full impact of how God provides! As if we weren't already in awe, God continues to show us that he has been preparing us for "such a time as this" for many years.

It's midnight and we are driving back to Tyler. I've written enough for now. It's all so amazing! I'll write more tomorrow about God's provision that I didn't even know was going on!

Mark Your Calendars

There are some exciting events coming up that we would like you to know about. We would love for you to join us if you are in the Tyler area. Your support is SO important to us!

June 6:
David is preaching at Calvary Baptist Church in Tyler at 10:15am

June 6:
Pancake Dinner and Silent Art Auction
6pm, The Diner in Tyler
$5 per person (all proceeds benefit the Fort Collins church plant)

June 13:
8:30 and 11am -
David and Chris are leading both services at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler

June 13:
6pm -
David and Chris are being ordained at Colonial Hills

Thank you to our friends and family for making these events possible! We are blessed beyond measure to have such enormous support as we embark on this new adventure.

Please join us for one or all of these events, especially if you're in Tyler!