11 Apr IAC Announcement

Christmas 2003: I was crying in church. I wanted to run away and never come back. It was over! I met with a friend after church and she released me. “It’s time for you to go,” she said.

January 2004: I was resolved to find a new church. I didn’t know how to do this mission. I attended a few churches downtown, but nothing fit.One evening, I was talking to my assistant about my dilemma and mentioned that I was searching for a new church. She knew of one that met at Shove Chapel.

I went there the very next week and was blessed beyondmeasure. I had found my church and even saw my friend that first week! I was renewed! Met lifetime friends. Joined small groups and served as a reader and wrote the reflections for years. The list of memories is long.

I bought kelly to IAC and Ken and Sallie attended our wedding. Dan was my best man. Gerrit did a blessing at our ceremony. Boy did he bless me many times. I considered him my pastor.

Kelly served with me for years until she was hurt. She didn’t come back but encouraged me to stay with IAC until God called me elsewhere. I appreciated that.

And then…

I was in the hospital when Jesus called again.

It’s time for you to leave IAC.

I don’t want to.

You must. Write it down.

I can’t because that will make it true.

You must write it down.

No!

It took me a hour to write down “I’m leaving IAC.” I cried. I fought. Kelly told me that God was commanding me to write it.

I finally did and it was the most freeing thing I have done.

After that….God has done awesome things in my life. All the praise and glory goes to him. Unlike January 2004, I know where I’m going. Jesus has called me to either New Life Downtown or Tri Lakes United Methodist.

I can’t wait to see what He does next!