The View From Here (My 6 Month Experience)
February 1 will mark the sixth month since I pulled into Champaign in a Penske truck carrying everything I own and I must say that I have been abundantly blessed during this time. I felt it would be appropriate to share a few things that I have learned and observed:
1. Never underestimate the amazing blessing of dreaming and living on God’s scale of possibility. Less than a year ago I could tell you very little about the State of Illinois and for sure had no inkling of an idea that I would find it to be such a great home. In the last 6 months I have been blown away by the unfolding of God’s plan as Amanda and I were obedient to His call to lay our lives in His hands and follow His lead. God continues to accomplish things in our lives and in the life of Grace Community that we never even had the idea to dream of and I know that He isn’t finished yet.
2. Never underestimate the goodness and generosity that God has placed in the hearts of His people. Over and over since we’ve been here I have witnessed this church of relatively few people be used by God to minister in BIG ways because of the generosity and selflessness of the church. I am amazed as need after need is met due to the continual outpouring of those who long to help “one more”.
3. Never underestimate the value of being in a place where you never meet a stranger. The relationships that exist here are an amazing gift from God. My wife and I left pretty much all of the most significant relationships we’ve had in our lives up to this point in Texas but we have not felt alone for even a minute due to the warmth and love of people who were eager to take us into their lives and become part of our life. Whether it’s something as simple as a smile and a hug or having a t-shirt made with my daughter’s picture on it, we truly feel as if we are part of a community that is amazingly supportive and life-giving.
I could go on forever, but my space is limited so I will leave it at these three points and say that I am glad to be part of the special thing that God is doing at Grace Community Church and I hope that you are too!