So the day we arrived in Missoula, the LORD blessed us with perfect weather. It was warm and sunny as we moved all of our stuff into the apartment. It was so great! However, since then the weather has taken a bit of a turn for the worse. Every day this week, other than Monday, has been on the cold side with grey skies and rain drizzling intermittently. So the vibe in Missoula, Montana this week has been kinda chill. We have had the type of weather that is perfect for curling up with a book and a cup of your favorite hot beverage and just relaxing. By God's grace I have had the opportunty to a bit of that as I await my start date in my new position.
But in the midst of the grey skies and dreary weather, we have had nothing but bright moments and the forcast looks even better! Today we took the kids to visit their new school. All three of them will attend Hellgate which is an Elementary and Middle School combined. That is so perfect because the kids will all get to go to school together for their first year in this new place. The school is broken up into three buildings; One for K-2nd, one for 3rd through 5th, and the other for 6th through 8th grades. So we've got a kid in each building. Today we got a tour of each building and the kids got to meet their teachers and see their classrooms. I could see the excitement in their faces. I love it because, as skeptical as they were about the move (specifically about leaving their friends), they have shown a lot of excitement about being here. They will start their first day on Monday and, after a tour of their school, a little bit of the pressure is off. If you check the pictures scrolling on the right hand side of this site, you can see pics that Kristi took of each kid in front of their school building.
Tomorrow is our first service at Remedy Church and we're so stoked! The LORD has given me great affection for the people of Remedy even though I haven't been here. I have been involved with Remedy staff meetings and vision casting and lots of behind the scenes stuff from afar, so as I had the privilege of doing those things, God was really uniting my heart with Remedy Church. So tomorrow I will get to meet the people I have heard about, and see and meet the people I have been praying for. That is really exciting! Another exciting thing is that my first weekend at Remedy is also the first week of our Sunday Service launch. You see, Remedy started out with just a Saturday night service, but as we want to provide more opportunities for people to be in church and hear the gospel, we are launching a Sunday service. I think a Sunday service will bring a different crowd. I think Saturday night church goers, and Sunday morning church goers, for the most part, are two totally different types of people. So starting this Sunday service will give us the opportunity to minister to a new group of people, while also providing some flexibility to people who may be busy on a Saturday night to attend a Sunday morning service. We are excited. If you are in Missoula, we would love to see you at Remedy. If you are anywhere else, we would love for you to visit us at Remedymissoula.org. You can see what we have going on, listen to and download the messages, and support the ministry through online giving if the Lord would lead you to do that above and beyond your tithe to your local church body. You can also find us on Facebook at Remedy Church Missoula, or follow us on Twitter @remedymissoula.
Other than that we are doing really well. Kristi is on the job hunt. Continue to keep her in prayer. We had a great night of fellowship with the Remedy staff tonight! Peter cooked us all dinner, and then Nate hooked up some coffee and tea and we just sat around and laughed and joked and the kids had a blast being kids. As I eluded to earlier, I have had some time to catch up on some reading. It has been really nice. I have been reading "He is not silent" by Al Mohler, "Lectures to my students" by Charles Spurgeon and "How long oh Lord" by D.A. Carson. All three books are really good and have been sitting on my shelf calling my name for some time. I'm glad to have some down time right now. I want to make the most of the time that I have before starting my new job, and teaching my soul more about the gospel and growing in my understanding of God is the best way that I can think of to spend my time.
We should be able to update some video blogs and pics soon, so keep checking back! We love you and covet your prayers. Keep us up to date on what is going on with you and how we can pray for you. Grace and peace.
Issac
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Radical Submission and Radical Provision
One of the greatest challenges to moving my family to Missoula was
leaving stable jobs in an unstable economy, and trusting that God
would provide jobs for us. I know that many that love us were
concerned about how we would be provided for. Someone that I met with
in Santa Fe shortly before I left asked me what hapens if I don't find
a job. My response, by God's grace, was that not finding job was not
even a thought in my mind. I have been so confidant that God was
bringing us to Missoula that I could not imagine Him not providing for
us once we got here. You see, we are so "independant" at times that I
think we tend to forget that God is our provider. I think some of us
have forgotten how to trust God and depend on Him for our "daily
bread". This move has really challenged us to remember that and live
it out. I can't tell you how encouraging it has been to trust God
against all odds and see Him come through in greater ways than we
would have imagined. Yesterday, on my 2nd day in Missoula, I was hired
at Directv. In a time where people go months without work, I show up
in a brand new place and land a job in 2 days. That is the grace and
favor of God. That is good proving to me, and to you, that He is fully
trustworthy and capable to do more than all that we could ever ask or
imagine. God is using the things that He is doing in our lives to
encourage all of us to trust Him. But our trusting Him doesn't stop
here. My wife still needs a job. But what kind of a fool would I be if
I had seen all that God has done so far, and still didn't trust Him to
be faithful to provide for us? He wants us to trust Him step by step.
He wants every step we take to be in faith in His provision. So we
will continue to do that and continue to report of God's faithfulness.
But God has blown our minds so far! He has paid our 1st 4 MONTHS of
rent up front so that we don't have to pay rent till September. He has
provided me with a job. He has provided all of our meals for this
week. He just continues to pour out His grace upon us. I look forward
to seeing what He will continue to do. But before I end this blog, let
me ask you a few questions. Have you forgotten that GOD is your
provider? It's easy to say it, but do you really know it and believe
it? Is there something that God may be leading you to do that you
won't do because you are not trusting Him to provide for you?
Sometimes God calls us to do radical things that require a radical
trust in Him that may not make sense to the people around us. But as
we step out in faith, and do what God calls us to do, He proves
Himself faithful and glorifies Himself in our lives as well as the
lives of all those who are watching. Don't let fear of how things will
work, or how you will survive prevent you from doing ANYTHING that you
feel God calling you to do. God will meet all of your needs. Put
yourself in radical submission to God and trust Him for His radical
provision.
leaving stable jobs in an unstable economy, and trusting that God
would provide jobs for us. I know that many that love us were
concerned about how we would be provided for. Someone that I met with
in Santa Fe shortly before I left asked me what hapens if I don't find
a job. My response, by God's grace, was that not finding job was not
even a thought in my mind. I have been so confidant that God was
bringing us to Missoula that I could not imagine Him not providing for
us once we got here. You see, we are so "independant" at times that I
think we tend to forget that God is our provider. I think some of us
have forgotten how to trust God and depend on Him for our "daily
bread". This move has really challenged us to remember that and live
it out. I can't tell you how encouraging it has been to trust God
against all odds and see Him come through in greater ways than we
would have imagined. Yesterday, on my 2nd day in Missoula, I was hired
at Directv. In a time where people go months without work, I show up
in a brand new place and land a job in 2 days. That is the grace and
favor of God. That is good proving to me, and to you, that He is fully
trustworthy and capable to do more than all that we could ever ask or
imagine. God is using the things that He is doing in our lives to
encourage all of us to trust Him. But our trusting Him doesn't stop
here. My wife still needs a job. But what kind of a fool would I be if
I had seen all that God has done so far, and still didn't trust Him to
be faithful to provide for us? He wants us to trust Him step by step.
He wants every step we take to be in faith in His provision. So we
will continue to do that and continue to report of God's faithfulness.
But God has blown our minds so far! He has paid our 1st 4 MONTHS of
rent up front so that we don't have to pay rent till September. He has
provided me with a job. He has provided all of our meals for this
week. He just continues to pour out His grace upon us. I look forward
to seeing what He will continue to do. But before I end this blog, let
me ask you a few questions. Have you forgotten that GOD is your
provider? It's easy to say it, but do you really know it and believe
it? Is there something that God may be leading you to do that you
won't do because you are not trusting Him to provide for you?
Sometimes God calls us to do radical things that require a radical
trust in Him that may not make sense to the people around us. But as
we step out in faith, and do what God calls us to do, He proves
Himself faithful and glorifies Himself in our lives as well as the
lives of all those who are watching. Don't let fear of how things will
work, or how you will survive prevent you from doing ANYTHING that you
feel God calling you to do. God will meet all of your needs. Put
yourself in radical submission to God and trust Him for His radical
provision.
Consider:
Proverbs 3:5, Psalm 111:5, Matthew 5:25-33, Philippians 4:19, Matthew
28:19-20
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
We arrived!!
I can't believe it. Roughly 6 months ago, after much prayer and
seeking God as to what was next for us, we decided that God was moving
us to Montana to join Remedy Church; a 1 year old church plant. We
decided that 6 months was a good timeframe to prepare to move. It
seemed like it would take forever, but in reality, time has flown and
now we are here. We would not have been able to make this journey if
it were not for the countless prayers of our family and friends, as
well as the financial support and blessing that we received from many
of you in order to help with the moving and rental costs. Through many
of you, as well as the money that we had saved up, the LORD provided
almost five thousand dollars! (which due to an unfortunate
circumstance went completely to the apartment complex for move in
costs) We have been so blown away to see how God has provided for us.
We pray that God richly bless all of you for the part that you played
in that! So we are here and excited to see what is to come. Since we
have been here we have been so welcomed by the members of Remedy
Church! Each night this week someone from the church is bringing us
dinner. Part of the bitterness of leaving Santa Fe was leaving such a
GREAT church body. However, God didn't delay in showing us the how
great of a church He has given us the privelege of serving. We are
blessed. Here are some things you guys can pray about: I had a job
interview today and have a 2nd interview with the same company
tomorrow. Pray that I get this job. Also, my wife is in need of work
as well. Pray for her. Also, pray for good scheduling and pay for us.
Pray for God's continued provision for us as it took almost every
penny we had to just get out here and into the place we live. God is
faithful! The place we live is great. It is a beautiful and quiet
complex with lots to do. The kids have already started making some
friends in our complex. As for the gospel...the LORD has already
opened some doors to us for the gospel. A couple teenage guys in our
complex volunteered to help us move in yesterday, and so after working
and sweating with them for a while, I told them all about God's love
for them in sending His Son. Today Peter (one of the Remedy team
memebers) took me to lunch down by the University. After lunch we took
about 2 steps on campus and the LORD opened the door for us to talk to
and share the gospel with several college students. Peter was able to
really minister to to many Atheist and Agnostic students with answers
to their tough questions. I was encouraged by his wisdom. He has a
passion for college students and I witnessed today that his gifting
matches his passion. I believe that constitutes a calling. Well, that
will be all for now. If there are typos in this, forgive me. We don't
have internet yet and I've sent this blog from my iPhone. I'll be in
touch. Much love and God bless.
seeking God as to what was next for us, we decided that God was moving
us to Montana to join Remedy Church; a 1 year old church plant. We
decided that 6 months was a good timeframe to prepare to move. It
seemed like it would take forever, but in reality, time has flown and
now we are here. We would not have been able to make this journey if
it were not for the countless prayers of our family and friends, as
well as the financial support and blessing that we received from many
of you in order to help with the moving and rental costs. Through many
of you, as well as the money that we had saved up, the LORD provided
almost five thousand dollars! (which due to an unfortunate
circumstance went completely to the apartment complex for move in
costs) We have been so blown away to see how God has provided for us.
We pray that God richly bless all of you for the part that you played
in that! So we are here and excited to see what is to come. Since we
have been here we have been so welcomed by the members of Remedy
Church! Each night this week someone from the church is bringing us
dinner. Part of the bitterness of leaving Santa Fe was leaving such a
GREAT church body. However, God didn't delay in showing us the how
great of a church He has given us the privelege of serving. We are
blessed. Here are some things you guys can pray about: I had a job
interview today and have a 2nd interview with the same company
tomorrow. Pray that I get this job. Also, my wife is in need of work
as well. Pray for her. Also, pray for good scheduling and pay for us.
Pray for God's continued provision for us as it took almost every
penny we had to just get out here and into the place we live. God is
faithful! The place we live is great. It is a beautiful and quiet
complex with lots to do. The kids have already started making some
friends in our complex. As for the gospel...the LORD has already
opened some doors to us for the gospel. A couple teenage guys in our
complex volunteered to help us move in yesterday, and so after working
and sweating with them for a while, I told them all about God's love
for them in sending His Son. Today Peter (one of the Remedy team
memebers) took me to lunch down by the University. After lunch we took
about 2 steps on campus and the LORD opened the door for us to talk to
and share the gospel with several college students. Peter was able to
really minister to to many Atheist and Agnostic students with answers
to their tough questions. I was encouraged by his wisdom. He has a
passion for college students and I witnessed today that his gifting
matches his passion. I believe that constitutes a calling. Well, that
will be all for now. If there are typos in this, forgive me. We don't
have internet yet and I've sent this blog from my iPhone. I'll be in
touch. Much love and God bless.
Issac
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Driving, Driving, and More Driving
So, we haven't had much time to update because we've have been driving
all day, literally. Yesterday, we had many people over to help load
the big Budget truck and drove away from friends, family, and
eveything we know and love to serve our AWESOME LORD in Missoula. I
am currently in the Super 8 Motel in Billings, MT awaiting some Taco
Bell dinner with burning eyeballs (I think it's a combo of make-up and
staring at the road for the past 10 hours). It was a mostly beautiful
drive today, with only a couple spots of random snow/rain and some
wind. If you look at our Twitter updates, you will see that we try to
let everyone know what we're up to. Tomorrow will consist of some more
driving, roughly 5 more hours, and moving into our new apartment!
Please continue to pray for us. We definitely appreciate it!!
all day, literally. Yesterday, we had many people over to help load
the big Budget truck and drove away from friends, family, and
eveything we know and love to serve our AWESOME LORD in Missoula. I
am currently in the Super 8 Motel in Billings, MT awaiting some Taco
Bell dinner with burning eyeballs (I think it's a combo of make-up and
staring at the road for the past 10 hours). It was a mostly beautiful
drive today, with only a couple spots of random snow/rain and some
wind. If you look at our Twitter updates, you will see that we try to
let everyone know what we're up to. Tomorrow will consist of some more
driving, roughly 5 more hours, and moving into our new apartment!
Please continue to pray for us. We definitely appreciate it!!
:Kristi:
Thursday, April 22, 2010
John Piper - If God wants me happy why do I suffer?
Christian, have you ever wondered about the love of God for you? Have you ever wondered why God would allow so much suffering and hardship in your life? Have you ever wondered if God cares ANYTHING about your happiness, and if He does, then why does He allow you to endure SO MUCH? One of my heroes in the faith, John Piper, has some awesome insight from the Word that I believe will prove beneficial in giving us a biblical perspective on God's love for us, His desire for our GREATEST joy and happiness, and the purpose He has for suffering in our lives. I hope you are blessed by watching this.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
.....and we're back!
Well, it's time to start using this blog again. It has been a long time, but now that we are pretty much gone, we want to keep in touch with all of our family and friends back home, as well as our new church family in Montana.
It's Monday the 19th and we drive out of Santa Fe with all of our belongings in the back of a 24 foot truck this Saturday the 24th! Things are a bit crazy as we rush to pack our house within the next 5 days. I've gotta tell you it has been a challenge to trust God to provide for this move, but despite my faithlessness and doubt, He has remained faithful and has blown our minds so far. We have seen Him act through His people to provide for us through their generosity in such big ways! It's been amazing to experience God's love and provision like that, as well as be encouraged by the support of our family and friends. We have been humbled by the love and support we are receiving from Remedy Church in Missoula. Many that we've never met personally, (as well as some that we have), are reaching out to us with prayer and supporting us in ways that we would have never imagined. I look forward to serving such wonderful people when I arrive in Missoula.
So with that, keep us in prayer! Pray that we would have wisdom and diligence in all that we do. Pray that God would meet our needs. Pray that we would have safe travels with no road hazards or car/truck trouble. Pray that we would have all the help we need to load up the truck, and help clean the house before we leave, as well as sufficient help to unload the truck in Missoula. I have an interview the day after we arrive. Kristi is still yet to get any "bites" regarding the applications she has submitted for work. Please pray that the LORD would provide us with jobs rather quickly so that we can easily transition and not fall behind on any bills. Also, if you would like to help us and contribute financially to help us get to Missoula so that we can get settled to serve the LORD, you can comment on this blog to let us know that you are interested. If you know someone that might be interested in following the work that God is doing in our lives and joining us in prayer, direct them to our blog! We would love as many people interceding for us as possible!
We hope to keep you all updated with what's going on in our lives with the move, and with all that is going on with the church. Look up Remedy Church Missoula on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and/or visit the website at www.remedymissoula.org. We look forward to what God does in ALL of our lives (that includes YOU) and how He uses ALL of us for His glory!
~ Issac
It's Monday the 19th and we drive out of Santa Fe with all of our belongings in the back of a 24 foot truck this Saturday the 24th! Things are a bit crazy as we rush to pack our house within the next 5 days. I've gotta tell you it has been a challenge to trust God to provide for this move, but despite my faithlessness and doubt, He has remained faithful and has blown our minds so far. We have seen Him act through His people to provide for us through their generosity in such big ways! It's been amazing to experience God's love and provision like that, as well as be encouraged by the support of our family and friends. We have been humbled by the love and support we are receiving from Remedy Church in Missoula. Many that we've never met personally, (as well as some that we have), are reaching out to us with prayer and supporting us in ways that we would have never imagined. I look forward to serving such wonderful people when I arrive in Missoula.
So with that, keep us in prayer! Pray that we would have wisdom and diligence in all that we do. Pray that God would meet our needs. Pray that we would have safe travels with no road hazards or car/truck trouble. Pray that we would have all the help we need to load up the truck, and help clean the house before we leave, as well as sufficient help to unload the truck in Missoula. I have an interview the day after we arrive. Kristi is still yet to get any "bites" regarding the applications she has submitted for work. Please pray that the LORD would provide us with jobs rather quickly so that we can easily transition and not fall behind on any bills. Also, if you would like to help us and contribute financially to help us get to Missoula so that we can get settled to serve the LORD, you can comment on this blog to let us know that you are interested. If you know someone that might be interested in following the work that God is doing in our lives and joining us in prayer, direct them to our blog! We would love as many people interceding for us as possible!
We hope to keep you all updated with what's going on in our lives with the move, and with all that is going on with the church. Look up Remedy Church Missoula on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and/or visit the website at www.remedymissoula.org. We look forward to what God does in ALL of our lives (that includes YOU) and how He uses ALL of us for His glory!
~ Issac
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