This isn’t Good-Bye

This is a bittersweet day.  Three and a half years ago I encountered my first day as a staff member at Grace Family Church (GFC) and today, it’s my last.  For a recap of why this is my last day, click here.

The feelings I have are polar opposites.  I’m excited to begin my new adventure with Fellowship Technologies (now known as ACTIVEnetwork | Faith).  I’m sad to leave my many friends and colleagues at GFC.  It’s weird to feel in such opposite ways but a friend just recently reminded me that Paul also encountered this mixed emotions.  In Romans 1 Paul expresses his desire to be with the Roman people; you see he is sad that he can’t be with them.  Paul is also excited for them and what God is doing in their lives.  I am sad that I can no longer be with my GFC friends and colleagues but also excited because I know what God is doing in my life!

As I leave today, I know with confidence that I’ve accomplished my mission at GFC.  I was hired to bring their network infrastructure from a “home grown” like status to an enterprise level.  We now have Windows Server 2008r2, we have VLAN’s, we have a virtual server infrastructure, we have FAST internet, we have a 50/50 ratio of Macs to PC’s, we’ve migrated Church Management systems, and so much more!

There are so many to thank but no way to mention everyone!  Off of the top of my head:  Pastor Craig for leading strong.  Pastor Chris for always challenging me.  Pastor Joe for empowering me.  Greg for making me think and plan.  Bonnie & Bill for your sincere friendship.  Russ for being a light and a pain :-). Rivas for being a tremendous partner in crime.  Tami for showing me that with effort and encouragement anything can be accomplished.  Jeanna for your support in all things Fellowship One.  Helene for giving me a comedic outlet on which to spew my dry humor AND being reason for the I.T. Helpdesk.  Mauricio for being an example of going the extra mile when serving others.

When I announced my transition a few weeks ago, another friend mentioned that she admired the faith that April and I have when making decisions of great magnitude such as the one regarding this job transition. I tell you this to encourage you.  It is easy to make decisions of great magnitude when you are in tune with the One who guides your every decision.  I keep being drawn back to  Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers. When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul, I will make my self available to you…

God knows me.  God hears me.  God is available for me.  All I have to do is seek Him.  It’s because of my relationship with Him that I can hear His voice.  I know what He wants for my life.  I know that He wants me serving churches all over the United States of America (and possibly beyond) through the implementation of the Fellowship One Church Management System.  I know that He wanted me at Grace Family Church for the last three and a half years.

Grace Family Church… Thank you.  Thank you for accepting me into your fold.  Thank you for allowing me to serve.  Thank you for allowing me to lead.  Thank you for your confidence in me.  Thank you for impacting the lives of me and my family.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

This isn’t good-bye… This is Hello!  Hello to God’s will. There’s no other place I’d rather be than in God’s will.