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Today I want to share with you a piece of our story… something which I have not blogged about yet. In the whirlwind of having a baby and trying to stay afloat in the midst of this “storm,” I haven’t found the right words to share it.
Earlier this year, Tad began to sense from God that it was time to move on from his current ministry position as a youth pastor, and into the direction of planting a church. He entered into a residency program at a nearby church where he would be trained to go out and plant a new church in the next 1-2 years. When he entered the residency program, we were still serving at our current church.
Over the summer, he began to fund-raise support for his new ministry (church planting) since the residency was unpaid. At the end of the summer (August 25… the week before Jude’s due date), Tad resigned from the youth pastor position (on good terms) with three months of pay/severance. We had faith that God would help us raise the rest of the needed funds for the residency program over those three months.
The following week, Tad was released from the residency program (not due to any sin or failing on his part) and told that he would need to wait a while longer before reentering the program. The leaders at the new church wanted us to be a part of their church for a time (to observe a healthy church plant, serve, etc.) before being in the residency.
In our eyes, the timing could not have been worse. I was one day overdue with our third child, Tad was suddenly unemployed from two churches within two weeks, and we had no idea where to go or what to do. We had so, so many questions, and so much hurt and anger.
Even now, I can’t write this without the tears flowing again.
Today we receive our last paycheck from the severance package, and our insurance runs out this month.
I wish I had a neatly tied-up ending for you. But right now, we still don’t know what God has in store for our future ministry.
Currently, Tad is doing online freelance writing, virtual assistant jobs, computer repair, and waiting tables at a restaurant. He’s working so hard to take care of our family (9+ hours/day, 6 days/week), and we are grateful for the work God has seen fit to give him. We pray that God would continue to provide for us and grow Tad’s freelance work opportunities.
These few months have been tumultuous. I’ve at times felt seasick from the ups and downs of the storm and being thrown across the deck of the ship. It has been impossibly hard and we never saw it coming.
BUT. We know that GOD is our anchor, our firm place, and our refuge.
He is working good in our hearts and in this situation, and He is leading us, ultimately, to a place of total dependence on Him. He is our trust and we know He will be faithful.
We didn’t plan on leaving vocational ministry this year, but God has allowed this to happen and is using this storm to refine us.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that God is the anchor of my soul.
“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:17-20), emphasis mine.
*Positive comments allowed and appreciated; all negative comments will be deleted.
I am so sorry. I know how you feel Aliesha, truly!! so if you ever need to confide please do not hesitate to call or reach out to us. While you were able to leave WEBC on good term (so to speak), it still does not make the situation any less hard… and we all know that where you served was far from easy as well, despite your graciousness throughout it all.
Pastors and their families go through some of the most spitural warfare type situations. It almost seems as if everything is against you all at once. From your finances, marriage, children, house, everything. There have been moments in our lives where I honestly almost lost all hope that we’d get through it… and yet despite it all and despite my doubt, God was faithful!
He pulled us out of the pit from WIlliamston and being thrown out on the street so to speak… by so many we loved… and gave us a place of healing and refuge… and even though the process in that was HARD and gut wrenching, to relive so much and work on our marriage in a way we never thought we would (since we were in such a place of leadership in churches), God saw the need and gave us all of it…
We are in that moment of waiting again and even tho things are tight, God is faithful in providing for us, may it be through my photography or gifts from others. It happens.
I don’t know what will happen with y’all… all I can say is seek the mentorship from those who are older, and have been through this… reach out to those at your new church… and be honest! Being real genuine about struggles is key to community, growth and survival really.
Lord wants us to be real…. authentic. Not prideful or putting on fronts. Im not saying you are either of these btw 😉 – just letting it flow right now.
Love that I can be who I am now and know that wherever the Lord calls us to serve in ministry … I don’t have to pretend any more.
Love you! I hope you all enjoy your amazing cooking!!! I hope that Jude gives you good sleep and that those girls stay out of your make up and any other element that may make a mess, hehe.
God will provide… it just may not be the way we would have chosen… hang tight.
So love you all – praying that God’s grace and direction will surround each of you! grammy
Praying for God’s leading and continued provision for your family!
So much love to you guys in this tough time. I feel deeply for your situation as my family has also experienced unexpected financial hardship. I’m confident that God is working in you to cling tightly to Him, ever deepening the roots of trust and humility (meekness! -Psalm 37). May the Lord heap His promises of provision on you guys, may He guard your hearts from bitterness, and may He ever be the Treasure that you seek. “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” – Psalm 90:14. Grace and Peace to you guys!
Praying for you and your family. During my recent storm, the Lord showed me some scripture that brought some comfort, peace, and strength.
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17
I am sorry to hear this. Though I have not been in your exact situation, I have been in ones where I did not see any way out, –financial ones, health ones, life circumstances ones–and God has always, always worked a way and brought me through. My family is currently working through one such time, and I believe we are starting to see the way again. The narrow path is not an easy one. Discipline and training in the Lord’s army are hard and a lot of work. Waiting and walking by faith is so, so hard. I’ll be praying for you.
Praying for your family.
Aleisha, I am praying for your family. God has wonderful things in store for you all. I am so glad you are holding on to your anchor. Let your roots grow deep into his word at this time. He revives, He refreshes.
I am sorry! Life is just so hard sometimes, it will get better but it may take longer than you think you can manage, I do know God is in control and you will all be fine.
I don’t know how I missed this post, Aliesha! I was searching through your blog for other posts today and noticed that for some reason, I hadn’t seen your latest updates. I’m not sure what I can do, other than pray for God’s provision for you. It’s so good that you have some seriously frugal skills! Drea is definitely full of wisdom on this kind of situation. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.