For the past few months the congregation as begun to pray that two families would consider moving to McKinnon . Two families would provide labour, constant encouragement, and a witness to the surrounding community. We were asked to consider being one of those families.
So for the past few months we have been praying, thinking, and talking about what we should do, where God is leading us.
The McKinnon session asked us what it would take for us to move up there. Last night we sent them a reply laying out our thoughts, concerns, questions, etc.
Here are a few things to pray about.
1. We would desire to go up with another family (or single person). The McKinnon congregation consists of one family and 8 (or around that) other members over the age of forty. It would good to have two new families for labouring purposes and for the extra encouragement. We are also praying about what we should do if no one else wants to go (which as of right now there is no one). Should we go up alone or stay?
2. Financial needs. Housing prices are even higher in that area due to the high demand to get into the McKinnon school system and the proximity to the Melbourne inner city. Renting would cost another $400/month to what we are paying now if we get the cheapest there is. Buying is not really an option seeing as though house prices start at $350,000. The average selling prices is around $500,000. If we are to go we know God will provide in this area as he has so many times before.
3. Are we the ones? Just because we are putting our hands up doesn't mean we are the best ones for the job. We would pray that the McKinnon session would be guided in this decision.
We have become a bit disheartened with the absence of another family. This can play on our thinking. Praying that it doesn't cause discouragement.
4. Keeping our hearts in neutral -see below
In all of this there is a struggle to keep our hearts in neutral. I would say we are fighting the urge to remain in our comfortable state and let someone else do the moving. Comfort can be such a hindrance. We have a house we are comfortable in, we are settled in friendships, in our church, why change? I am not saying any of that is bad, I just think it can sometimes make us (B and I) lazy when considering our Kingdom work.
If we do this it will be hard. We will be leaving family again. We will be starting over socially. Our kids will have no one their ages to be around. Aside from that one family at McKinnon we will have not know anyone close to our own age. Financially our saving up for a house will be put on hold. God has provided in these ways once before, he will do it again.
-In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Prov 16:9
Dave Long was here a few weeks ago and preached this sermon at Geelong's morning worship service.
It gave us some serious things to think about but also served as a great encouragement.
3 comments:
Sounds like some really tough decisions. We'll be praying for God's guidance and direction in your lives!
Thank you for your post, Meg.
I will be praying for you and Brandon.
God bless your family.
In Him
Tamara Rose :)
These are tough things. I was always mistrusting of my motives and now wonder if I really made the right decision on a number of issues. I did what I thought was right at the time after prayer, etc but as I look back I still wonder. I guess I'm not nearly as sure about these things anymore. Maybe one of the good things about growing old is that I probably don't have any more big decisions left to make. I sure wouldn't pretend to give any advice on these matters. I just don't know...
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