Bittersweet

The feeling is bittersweet.  We just purchased one-way tickets back to the States for January 9.  As many of you know, we announced in September that we will be ending our ministry in Buff Bay, Jamaica at the beginning of the year to begin a new season of work and schooling.  Our plan is to live in Ocean City, NJ until early August when we will move to Louisville, KY where I will begin full-time studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Last weekend we said goodbye to our last short-term team (from Sovereign Grace Chapel in Massachusetts who are faithful partners in the Gospel) and are now in full transition mode.  Selling off our stuff and packing our lives into barrels and suitcases will take up a big chunk of our lives.  In addition to the packing and selling, we will be spending the upcoming weeks sharing quality time with dear friends and continuing to teach in the churches while handing off ministry responsibilities to faithful saints.

Over the next several weeks we expect to be hit with a wave of emotions.  Jamaica has left an indelible mark on our lives, and God has used this ministry in so many ways to grow our faith in Him.  To be honest, the saints (and folks around town) have served and loved us well.  As a result, our goal is to leave well.  One way we will do this is by trusting the Lord to build His church.  There are many needs, but God has not and will not forget Jamaica.  Pastor Allen continues to be a tireless minister of Christ, and the saints are growing in and around Buff Bay!  Our leaving will create a gap, but we believe this is only for a time.  Jesus is building His church and He will provide all that is needed.

Please pray that we will remain focused and use our time wisely.  Pray also for the transition in ministry areas such as - preaching, youth fellowship, choir, and leading mid-week Bible studies in the circuit.  Lastly, pray that we will trust God with the work we have done over that past three years to accomplish all that He has planned and that He will continue to work until Jesus returns!