Share in Suffering

Gathered with close friends to celebrate the holiday over the weekend, Michelle and I watched our children swim and engaged in conversation with those nearby. Though we have done this for several years, this time took on a new meaning as we spoke of having less than two weeks before moving to New Orleans.

These are more than friends. They have become family.  A few are even giving of their vacation from work to help move us to the West Bank community of Marrero. When nearly everyone’s phone alarm went off at 5:52pm, we stopped what we were doing and prayed for our family and the people of our new city.

As we embark on this adventure God has called us to there is a sense of both sadness and tremendous joy. We are incredibly grateful for the memories and friendships He has blessed us with over the last five years in Florence and anticipate those to come in Marrero and beyond. We are already profoundly blessed with the support of other church planter families who have already been serving on the frontlines of this difficult context.

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

While our warfare is of a spiritual nature (Ephesians 6:10-12, 2 Corinthians 10:3),  we share in a type of suffering as we leave those we love behind to fulfill God’s purpose in advancing His Kingdom among the people of greater New Orleans. It would have been easier to remain in Florence close to friends and family in a safe, familiar environment.

But our aim is to please the One who enlisted us.

Marrero has over 36,000 people with only two or three Southern Baptist churches to reach them. While God has called us to physically go, God has also graciously invited you to join Him alongside us in reaching these He loves so deeply.

Will you commit today to pray, participate, and provide for us before we move July 18th? We are still in need of over 30 prayer partners who will stand with us daily. We are looking for teams form your church to join us on the ground throughout the year. We are also short $2300 per month of our monthly goal of $7000 that will both provide for our basic needs and help to saturate Marrero with the gospel.

By simply reading this week after week, you are a tremendous encouragement to our family. Thank you for your continued support.