Entering Into Rest

Over the last several years we have pursued Sabbath keeping. That is, heeding God’s Word to take one day of rest in our week. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)

When we have ordered our life to enjoy and keep Sabbath, we have experienced its rich benefits and blessings. We have greater joy, peace and strength when we enter into His rest.

Our upcoming Sabbatical is an extended time of rest. The demands of ministry are unique. The challenges, crisis, and conflicts that life delivers does not take breaks or come at normal and predictable hours/patterns, so when they come, at all hours, we often get the call. And because of this most holy calling in this precious church family the measure we give in serving the Lord goes far beyond physical exertion and office hours…there is a giving of our hearts, our prayers, our labors, and our emotions at deep levels.

We absolutely and totally love what God has called us to do. We love, love, love leading and serving you and our hope and desire is to do this for many years to come. We already sense the Lord focusing us for the fall season and preparing us for new things!

So, we are taking this Sabbatical, this extended time of rest, to refresh and rejuvenate.

It will be a special, sacred time for our family—a rest from having to carry the weight of this wonderful ministry.

You are dearly loved and for this reason we are leaving you in trustworthy hands. We are leaving you in the Lord’s hands first and foremost. You belong to Jesus and He will continue to shepherd and lead you in our absence.

We are also leaving you in the care of a faithful team of shepherds. The LORD has truly blessed our congregation with many leaders who love you and love Jesus. You will be shepherded well while we are away.

Thank you for paying for us. Thank you for continuing to serve and support His congregation at Shepherd’s House. Thank You for learning to love and trust Jesus more.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your blessing upon this time. Thank You for the good times of joy and celebration You have ordained and planned for each of us this summertime. In Your Name and for Your glory. Amen!