Here's why:
Justin is the new Student Pastor at Persia Baptist Church in Rogersville, TN! His primary emphasis will be on youth, grades 7-12. He will oversee the children's and college ministries, too. This is an awesome church, and we are so blessed to be a part of that body of believers.
Here's when:
Our official moving date just got bumped up---we'll be in our new home on May 16! This is a week earlier than we had planned, but God had a different plan. And His is always better! We are finishing out this week at our current jobs, and then we will slowly start moving next week. It's going to be crazy!
Here's where:
The church is providing us with a parsonage! Rogersville is in NE Tennessee, which is a 3 hour drive from Richmond. It's about 45 minutes from Pigeon Forge, and 45 minutes to an hour from Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol.
Other stuff:
The youth group averages around 25 students on a weekly basis. The students seem to be very spiritually mature. We will be joining them on their trip to M-Fuge in Birmingham the last week of June... we're pumped! There is also a fantastic group of adults that work with the youth group. The youth team will continue to offer support and assistance as we also step into leadership roles. The church is discipleship-based, which we love! We really couldn't ask for a better situation!
I will hopefully get my foot in the door in the education system in Rogersville, as well. There are a few strong connections that we will have, but nothing is certain. Join with us as we pray about my employment, and remember that the LORD always provides!
Also, Cherokee Lake is about 5 minutes from our house! Justin loves this part! It is absolutely beautiful.
The hard part:
In order to be obedient in this matter, we must leave our family, friends, church, youth group, and home. While we are excited about the new chapter in our lives, we are certainly upset about all that we will leave behind. I am having an especially hard time with this. I have never really lived anywhere other than Richmond, and there are some dear friends and family members that I will really miss seeing on a regular basis. I know that 3 hours isn't so far away, but it just won't be the same. So, the only option is for our family and friends to visit us often! We will have plenty of room, so please stop by!
The next few weeks will be crazy, I'm sure. Hopefully soon I'll have more pictures of our new home, as well as some new contact information. Until then, please keep us in your prayers as we seek to follow God's will for our lives.
P.S.- Last night, Justin got to baptize his brother, Austin! It was such a beautiful blessing. Congratulations, Austin! We're so proud of you!
5 comments:
Ashley,
I could not be more proud of you & Justin. What an amazing journey you are allowing the Lord to take you on.
Believe me, as someone who had to leave the only place she knew, it is SO hard to leave your friends, family, church, etc. But know the Lord provides and your church family becomes your "family."
I can't wait to see your new home!!
Way to go Austin!!!!!
Yay! I already knew all of this, but I couldn't help getting chills and fighting back tears as I read and again thought about how God is using you and Justin! We love you both SOOO much and are so very proud of and excited for you all! We will definitely keep you in our prayers, and PLEASE remember to let us know when/how we can help! Hopefully we'll see you next week!! :)
Ashley this is fabulous! WOW!!! What an amazing thing. I am so happy for you and Justin and I know you will have an easy transition. I'm sure your church will fast become a family for you and help you with your move there. But WOW! You will be soooo busy, but it will also be so much fun!
Take care!!! :)
Yay!! It is almost here! I just love the house that you all get to stay in... it is too cute! If you need anything let us know! Our prayers are with you during this time of transition.
I don't know why I marked that as anonymous... its me... ur crazy friend Kristen!
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