Moving and a new job

On Feb. 3, I wrote this in my journal:

"... Shari and I are thinking this is where God's leading. We are to prepare to stay here at this church [Wenatchee Valley Praise Center] for ?? years. He will provide a job. While we are here, we are to volunteer for John [the youth pastor], learning to care for adults (parents and volunteers) even while staying involved in the youth ministry. In this way, God will continue to allow us to work with teenagers, even while learning how to be an associate pastor."

Well, apparently, those "years" should have had a decimal point number next to them rather than a question mark. A month after writing that, our home church in Moses Lake called. Doug invited me to apply for the position of secretary/receptionist there. Long story short - after two interviews, a skills test, and lots of praying on both sides (there were some other great people applying), God led the GHC leadership team to hire me. I'll start soon after Easter.

This is amazing to me on so many levels. First, just the way God opened this door is... well, it's God at work. I had no idea the job opening was there, and Doug invited me to apply as an afterthought. Then there's the prophecy we received so many years ago, that we would be returning to GHC eventually. In addition, our goal and prayer is that this would eventually move into a pastoral role, though that's years down the road, and we're still praying about what that will look like.
When I went down for my second interview, I swung by the real estate office for our former landlord, Gary Mann Real Estate. I didn't expect to see Gary so much as just see what was available, and what the market's like down there. I ran into Gary right inside the door, and he not only remembered me, but immediately drew me aside and let me know that he wants me in a rental he owns, and he'll work with me to get me there if I get the job. God seems to even be preparing the right house for us. Update: Somebody beat me to the house, but God still seems to be working there. I'll keep you posted as we go house hunting. Went yesterday, and going back tomorrow (Monday).

Shari and I are very excited to be moving back to our church family. We're going to miss our family here at WVPC, though. They've provided us with so much healing and care over the past eight months. They have embraced us deeply, and we have felt tremendously wanted here. In fact, many didn't know how to pray, wanting us to stay so badly, yet wanting God's blessings and provision for us, too. Thank you, God, for some amazing friends that, hopefully, will continue to stay connected long after we leave.

So, once again, we've seen God not only provide miraculously, but also in spite of our best efforts. It seems that He was just waiting until we gave us so He could work things His way, and for His Glory. We're expecting some amazing opportunities for ministry as we move back into Moses Lake.

God, please help us to go in with our eyes open, recognizing that GHC isn't perfect, and things have changed tremendously over the past three years. Help us to love people well, and watch for ways to make disciples. Thank you, God for your provision.