Well, we'd like to apologize for dropping the ball on this blog. It's interesting how much of a challenge it can be to make something a habit. What's also interesting, is seeing how God is shaping us, chipping away at our bad habits in the effort to make us a new creation that resembles Him more. It can be painful and unpleasant at times when we get a true glimpse who we are and how desperately we need a savior. Lately, Caleb and I both have been realizing exactly where our time goes...and unfortunately, it's not always in the most fruitful of places. After a long day of work and school and interning, sometimes we opt for watching movies instead of having a devotional together. There is nothing wrong with movies--yet they should never take the place of time with God. They should never be more important than Him. So, we wanted to confess this to you. We have been misusing the time God gives him for "rest and relaxation" instead of finding that rest fully in Him.
As for life in Columbia, it is about to get rather busy for us. When we first moved here, we had to find an apartment quickly, and not knowing the area, we decided on the place we are living in now. For a while we had thought about breaking our lease, to find somewhere more affordable, but with school in full swing and me getting promoted to full-time, the idea of moving seemed very much like a headache. Now our lease in coming to a close and we have decided that it is necessary to move somewhere more affordable. Unfortunately we will still have to break our lease, but we have decided that in order to start saving, it is essential we move. The past couple of days of apartment hunting have been overwhelming with work and school mixed in, but we have finally found a place that will be a great fit for us. And what's more, there is a friend from my work that lives there that has started coming to Karis, so it will be great to be in community with her to further disciple her.
The end is in sight as far as school goes! Caleb has fall semester and, unfortunately, one class for the following spring. We are excited that he is so close to finishing! Of course, the light at the end of the tunnel hasn't made this semester much brighter. He has had a heavy load taking two heavy theology classes, Greek and Hebrew at the same time, and a couple other courses (it makes me thankful that I'm done!). But he's being a trooper and hanging in there. I'm able to quiz him on his languages, which hopefully has helped!
As for the internship, we are both learning so much about shaping our daily lives to show Christ. Caleb has been able to see what the life of a church planter looks like, and in turn, I've been able to see my role as his wife. We both feel this internship has grown us as a couple tremendously. We are challenged to grow together. We are looking forward to warmer weather and have already reconnected with some of the kids we ministered to in the park. They seem eager to hang out again, which is exciting. Our Columbia Community Group has grown since we multiplied in January and has been such a blessing for both of us. Since Caleb is leading the C-Group in Moberly, to disciple to students, it has been so wonderful to be a part of the group here. We pray that we are both an encouragement and support to our leaders, Mike and Crystal. They are wonderful people (soon to have a little one!) and we love them dearly. The Moberly C-Group is going well, though definitely a different dynamic. The students (some of whom attend Karis) are eager to learn and grow and gladly accept Caleb's leadership. At times they remind me of when I was a student, in need of that personal discipleship and unsure of direction. I'm grateful Caleb has been given the opportunity to be in their lives in this way.
I want to thank all of our supporters. Your prayers and financial support have been a major blessing. As there are a lot of changes coming up for us, we ask that you remain in prayer. Our God is mighty and good and can do wonderful things, but He wants us to come to Him. He wants us to ask. Here are some things that you can be praying for:
-Our upcoming move. There is a temptation to worry about money and resources. Be praying that we continue to trust God through this process, and trust that He will provide for our needs regarding the move and finances.
-Finals! Pray for Caleb's peace of mind during the ending of the semester, and that he will have focus to finish out his classes in a way that shows God's glory.
-Ministry at work. Please continue to pray for the people that I have been ministering to at work and the students Caleb is discipling at school. Mindy is the girl that has just started coming to Karis. Pray that God captures her heart entirely.
-Wise decision making. This entails a few things. As school comes to an end, we are thinking about the future. and what it will be for us. And more presently, there are management opportunities being thrust at me and some tough decisions to be made. Pray we make wise, Christ-centered choices.
-Pray that we continue to grow closer to God daily.
Again, thank you for sticking with us, even through our two and a half month silence. We will keep you updated on the move and everything else and hopefully have some pictures for you.
Cheers and God Bless,
Kelly and Caleb
<3 good luck!
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