The Journey

We're Here

I know that it has been several days since my last blog entry.  I didn't have a computer available--but now I do.  We left Granite City about nine in the morning on Monday, January 28th.  The trip to Manhattan was uneventful, except for the high winds that knocked the truck around a little bit.  We arrived in Manhattan about six in the evening.  A very nice lady, Nelda, from the church welcomed us into her home for the evening.  On Tuesday morning Angela and I closed on the home while a small snow storm hit Manhattan.  God's blessings were upon us and the snow ended as we began to unload the truck.  People from the church were so gracious to help us.

Without doubt Angela and I know we are exactly where God wants us to be.  We are at home.  It feels good.  Although we miss our former congregation, we are confident that God will richly bless and keep them.  Now we begin our new ministry--and we are so excited about what God has in store for us and the wonderful people of Manhattan First Assembly of God.

Concluding Thoughts

It is almost five in the morning.  I am in my office at Tri City Assembly of God.  In a few hours I will conclude my ministry responsibilities as pastor of this Granite City church.  It was six years to the day (January 27, 2002) that I began my pastoral ministry here--six years of shepherding a congregation of believers--leading them in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  Now, it is almost over.

As I reflect on this moment, what advice should I leave with this group of Christ-followers?

1. Always keep Christ as your priority.  Jesus must be the object of affection, the focus of life.  The Apostle Paul declared: "I want to know Christ!"--and that should be the desire of the church as well.
2. Love one another.  People are more important that plans, timetables, and agendas.  Especially during times of transition, you need to be careful to maintain the unity of the Body of Christ.
3. Honor and respect those in authority.  Pray and encourage rather than criticize those in leadership.
4. Don't forsake the assembling of yourselves together--be faithful in attendance, giving, and praying.
5. God has a plan for the church, so seek Him with all your heart.

My prayer is that the church of Tri City Assembly of God will experience the peace that transcends our understanding and experience the joy that is unspeakable, full of God's glory.  Thanks for a wonderful journey together.  God bless!

Crunch Time

Well, it's crunch time. Angela and I are working hard at packing all our stuff--and we have a lot of stuff. It is amazing what four small children accumulate. Right now it seems that we are sooooo behind--but I am confident that everything will be done on time. We are going to load the truck on Sunday afternoon. Then on Monday we will head on out to Manhattan, Kansas. We are really excited about the next chapter in our lives, but we are sad to go as well. We have made many friends over the last six years.  However, God is sending us to a great church with wonderful people.  I am looking forward to what God has in store for us all.  Praise the Lord!

Latest on the Home

I want to show you a couple of pictures of the home we are contracted to purchase.  Although the house is   thirty years old, the owners did a great job in making it look new--with new carpeting throughout and an updated kitchen.  We are scheduled to close on Tuesday, January 29.  There are still a few hurdles to overcome, especially scheduling the VA appraisal and passing inspection.  I'll keep you updated on our progress.

We Got a House

It looks like we got the house we were wanting.  Angela and I will be signing a contract tonight.  Keep us in your prayers!  Praise the Lord!  As soon as we get more information I will post some pictures.

The "Joys" of House Hunting

As we begin the transition from Granite City to Manhattan, Kansas, Angela and I are discovering the ups and downs of house hunting.  Last Friday we spent seven hours looking at homes in the Manhattan area.  I must confess that a trip to the dentist office would have been more enjoyable.  Our goal has been to find a home that we can grow into as our big family grows up.  In addition, we want a home we can entertain in and have various church groups over for fun and fellowship.  We found a home that seems to meet our needs, so now we are in the negotiation stage.  How fun!  Keep us in your prayers.

I also want to add how proud I am of the Board and congregation of Tri City.  They are adjusting well to my departure.  The transition is doing well--and I believe God will bring a wonderful pastor to lead them.  Although we find it difficult to say goodbye to so many friends, we are so excited about our new ministry assignment.  The people of Manhattan First Assembly have been so kind and have sent words of encouragement and peace.  I give all the glory to God for sending us to such a great church.

Preparing the Family for a Move

The Walker family is moving!  That is the easy part.  The hard part is saying goodbye to so many good friends from Tri City Assembly of God.  And, the hard part is packing.  Packing--the thought gives me such "joy"--actually it gives me an overwhelming feeling of "can I get this done?"  Yesterday we spent time working on the boys room.  The funny thing was that the faster Angela and I packed, the faster the kids unpacked.  Angela's mom is supposed to join us next week to help with the kids. 

Also yesterday, Angela had the kids pray.  Amariah prayed for the church that we are going to--Manhattan First Assembly of God.  Ethan prayed for the church that we are departing--Tri City Assembly of God.  McKenna prayed for her eight-month old brother, Matthew, that he would make "right choices." 

Well, this Friday we will be in Manhattan looking for a new house.  Keep us in your prayers that God will give is favor.

A New Chapter

Today I announced my resignation as Senior Pastor of Tri City Assembly of God.  It was a journey that began nearly sixteen months ago when God spoke to my heart that Angela and I were to prepare for a change in ministry.  This past week I humbly accepted the invitation of Manhattan First Assembly of God (Kansas) to be their pastor.  This will be a new chapter in my life and ministerial journey.  I am excited, but it is hard to say "goodbye" sometimes.  My last Sunday will January 27, and then the family and I will journey westward to Manhattan.  As I look back over the last several months I am amazed at God's love and presence in my life.  I give Him all the glory!