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Friday, November 30, 2007

...the deal...

big news in the hambrick household--- we're moving! it's official.  we are heading to georgia to church plant through Riverstone (our home church) at the beginning of june.  MANY emotions and thoughts about this entire transition and decision- so many that it's overwhelming to even process them or begin thinking about how to share them on this blog. i will say that on one hand, this change is very exciting.  steve will be able to work with tom tanner again, as well as other men he respects greatly.  it will also allow us to be near family, which will especially be good for the girls.  they have always lived at least 7 hours from extended family.  for me, this whole church plant thing is REALLY scary.  i've heard horror story after horror story about how incredibly difficult church planting is, and what a tremendous strain it can put on a marriage and a family. i do believe that the model we will be following at Riverstone will help with all of that, though. we will move there in june, begin building relationships with people from the community we'll be planting in, build up a core team to plant with us, and then begin meeting independently from Riverstone in 12+ months.  it won't be easy, but it will be good. we know we are being called to this, so we are being obedient.  i really do trust that god will bring provision in every way. i'm banking on it.
we told the wesley leadership team on tuesday night, and the rest of wesley yesterday.  we will truly miss wesley, and are incredibly sad about leaving.  wesley has become family for us, and the thought of leaving is a bit heavy.  we have some good friends in orlando, and it will be hard to move.  we've been dancing with jesus in one direction for 5 years (steve has been in college ministry for 10), and now he's changed directions on us.  we know the future will be fulfilling and fab, but steve and i will always look back on this season with much affection.
i would love for you to be praying for us.  more than that, we NEED you to be praying.  we have so much going on-- with trying to sell our house in one of the worst markets in the nation, deciding exactly where to move and plant, beginning the process of finding someone to fill steve's role at wesley, helping our girls deal with the impending move (anna katherine is already a bit distraught about it), and all of the mental wrestling that goes on with a huge life change like this.
so there it is.  the latest. thoughts?

12 comments:

brad said...

Well, well, well. I am sad in a sense, because it must be really tough to move after investing so much in a place as you have.

On the other hand, I am really excited about this for you guys and for us. I have been pushing you guys to a certain someone for a while now and I am believing for incredible things through this move. God is doing some incredible things in these days and I am always overjoyed when people like you heed the call.

Maybe you can come back to camp and take a kickboxing class.

Unknown said...

WOW! i'm not gonna lie, i'm really excited for you guys! both of us are! we will definitely be praying for your transition. that's so exciting to hear!

Anonymous said...

Well, my reaction is completely selfish! I never got the wonderful experience of coleading with you in WOW! I was serious when I mentioned that to Anna in passing. I wish we had had the opportunity to be better friends. Again that is truly selfish, I am not sure I have much to offer you, but I know you have to teach me.
I feel like I have taken two incredible Christians for granted. I love Steve's teachings, I should have more of an effort to get to Wesley just to hear his messages.
The church in Georgia will be incredibly blessed!!! I will be praying for all of you. I pray that God is even now preparing the hearts of your team. I pray that God is moving before you, moving in all the details.
You guys will be incredibly missed!!!
Love, April

ManUtd17 said...

Exciting news! I've been wondering who the next team would be. I'll be praying for the house selling. See you soon. June will be here before you know it.

WhitneyB said...

Wow. That's big. I'll be praying for you guys.

Anonymous said...

Wow! I didn't see that one coming! You guys were such a great fit for Wesley. You will be greatly missed!
But, what an adventure you have before you! I admire and respect your obedience. Know that we've got your backs in the prayer department! Blessings and hugs!

the crazy armstrongs said...

Wow! Congrats on the new adventure! I'm praying for your house to sell .. you don't want to be in our shoes! You will be missed! I'm so excited to see what God has in store for your family!

Tyler R. said...

Ummm... you know us Reagin folk are excited. Hurray.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I am feeling a little guilty about my comment. I am happy for you, especially about moving closer to family. I know what a blessing it is to live close to family.
I know God will bless this new phase in your life!

clay kirkland said...

We are PUMPED, AMPED, JACKED, etc that yall are coming back! Steve and you are good for our souls - may we return the favor...

AnnieBlogs said...

Ummm... yes and yes. Booyah.

Boggsy said...

I am with Clay totally in that I am pumped yall are coming back up to Marietta! Can't wait to hang and minister together again!!