I wish I understood the mind of God…

Our plans have changed. We are no longer going to the Creation Truth Foundation in June, as we originally had planned. And things were really starting to pick up for us in that arena, too.

Our support level had reached 65%. Our goal was 80% in order to join the CTF staff. Things were really starting to come together.

And then on April 17, we got “the phone call.” The CTF board met on April 16, and decided that we were not to be hired. After a week of prayer, we started contacting our supporters and notifying them of this change in plans. And we sent out a mass email to our church and many of our friends (which I have included below).

Needless to say, with just over a month to go until our transition to CTF, we felt, and still feel, like the rug was yanked out from under us. We are having a hard time understanding why we felt so strongly that God was leading us to CTF, only to change at the last minute. The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions as we struggle to comprehend just where we are in our lives, in my career, in God’s plan.

We rest assured that God has a plan. We are certain that he is in control, and is guiding us down the path he wants us to follow. Our ardent prayer is we could see just a little further down the path. It can be so hard to follow blindly.

And so I’m scared. Our world is so full of uncertainty right now. I’m not sure which way to turn. If it were just me, it wouldn’t be so bad. It wold still be scary, but it would be easier to follow.

But in my life now, the weight of responsibility on my shoulders is much greater. My decisions now affect so many more lives than just my own. My choices must be made with consideration toward the five other lives for whom I am responsible: my wife and four children.

I pray that they can see my faith more than my fears and failures…

For those of you reading this, please keep us in your prayers as we journey down this dark path. We know God is with us. But we’re struggling, trying to make decisions that honor him, and decisions that will help me best provide for my family.

Here’s the letter we sent out, including the written communique from Dr. Sharp:

As many of you know, we have been working hard for the last 18 months, trying to raise support to
allow us to join the staff at Creation Truth Foundation on June 1 of this year. This transition is not
going to take place. We will not be joining Creation Truth Foundation now or in the near future.

Below, I have included the letter from Dr. Sharp regarding this decision:

Christian greetings!

This brief note is regarding the decision of the Executive Board concerning your desire to join the CTF team. It is their decision that any further additions to the CTF ministry team be temporarily suspended, with very little exception, for the unforeseen future due to the economic downturn in the greater culture. They and I appreciate your dedicated work to raise funds for your immediate budget, however, there are many other expenses incurred in the hiring of an additional ministry worker not covered by these funds. This is their official position regarding their decision. God bless you, and we wish you God’s best for your future.

I remain yours in Christ,
G. Thomas Sharp

While this leaves us in a difficult position, we know that God is in control. It is obvious to us that God has led Eric to FCC; and, in turn, is leading us elsewhere. We are concentrating our efforts at finding another located youth/associate ministry to take. We have several promising options, but we would appreciate your prayers in this area. We will keep you informed concerning the details about our
future.

Many of you have already begun a partnership with us in this area of financial support. If you would like your gifts returned to you to invest into other ministries, please let us know. We would be glad to refund any contributions previously made. We appreciate your prayers and financial support as we have undertaken this journey; and we covet your continued prayers as we determine where God is leading us. Please pray for CTF and their staff as well. Make no mistake, just because we will not be joining CTF does not lessen our sense of urgency of the ministry that they are accomplishing. CTF is fulfilling a great need in our culture; a need that many people, even many Christians, have ignored for far too long.

Right now, it seems as if the road ahead is very dark. However, we know that we do not walk it alone. God is leading us, and many of you have come alongside us as we navigate this scary place in our lives. Please know that you are appreciated and loved. And we thank God for allowing us to be a part of this family.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. And thanks for keeping us in your prayers.