BOOK REVIEW: Francis Chan - Crazy Love ( one of those 'read at your own risk' books)

Life in Scotland has been crazy BUSY the past 3 months - haven't blogged as much as I'd like... so I thought I'd share with you some of what I'm writing and wrestling through at Edinburgh Theological Seminary.  

Francis Chan writes Crazy Love from within American church culture to his contemporaries.  In this book, he seeks to wake up complacent believers to the glory of God, to the experience of grace, and to the absolute demand placed on our lives through the gospel.  He intersperses exhortation with testimony of personal renewal in his own life and in that of Cornerstone Community Church, a church he planted and which, at publication date, he had pastored for thirteen years.  His stated goal is to '...convince you of something: that by surrendering yourself totally to God’s purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next.'^[1]

From his opening words, 'We all know something’s wrong,'[2] Chan takes the direct approach and asks 'some hard questions,'[3] with the qualifier that his goal is not to bash but to spur on the church.  In chapters one to three, Chan addresses our perspective of God.  He paints a fresh picture of classic attributes of God; he reminds us that history is about God, not us; and he invites us to exchange performance-oriented fear for 'reverent intimacy'[4] with our loving God.  He goes for the jugular in chapters four and five, titled, 'Profile of the Lukewarm' and 'Serving Leftovers to a Holy God'.  First, Chan catalogues the traits of nominal Christians who, based on his reading of Revelation 3:16 'will not... [be] in heaven'[5].  Then he argues that offering God leftovers is not justifiable; it is 'evil'.[6]  With chapter six, the book turns a corner as Chan models the answer to lukewarm living: it is not guilt, but letting "God... help me love God."[7]  This love moves us from a life of comfort to one of faith-filled risk.[8]  Chan challenges us to pursue the exemplary traits of the "Profile of the Obsessed".[9]  Then he profiles twelve demographically diverse individuals, one family and one church who model 'crazy love'.  Chan shares these to '[eliminate] every excuse for not living a radical, love-motivated life.^[10]  He challenges readers to not simply noetically assent but to respond by walking in surrender.  This challenge is supported by three 'how to' steps from Chan's own experience: continually pursue Christ, remember the great cloud of witnesses, and rely on the gift of the Holy Spirit.[11]

This book's greatest strength is its clear, passionate and unifying theme, robustly undergirded by Scripture: 'let's take seriously Christ's call to heartfelt, no-holds-back discipleship.'   Chan's choice of language serves his purpose well: it is simple, compelling, and it carries the theme forward in a fast-moving, logical and emotive flow.   Chan's habit of careful Bible meditation comes through in his fresh insights into familiar Scriptures.  For example, commenting on Jesus' analysis of salt losing its saltiness, he asks, 'How would you like to hear the Son of God say, "You would ruin manure"?'^[12]  Francis writes to an audience he knows well, and he earns credence with them through his own authenticity.  He reinforces Scripture's injunctions with well-chosen quotes and with inspiring examples of ordinary people.  Finally, Chan calls for a strong response from his readers.

Crazy Love  is an important, well written message; what could Chan have done to make it even better?  He warmly expresses the truth of God's forgiveness and father-love.[13]  However, this foundational truth would have greater impact if Chan had proved it more thoroughly from Scripture rather than from experience, and if he had clearly expressed that the power to change is not only something to pursue on our part (e.g. 'swimming upstream'[14]) but also something to freely receive from God as part of the gift announced in the gospel.[15]   Additionally, Chan's declaration that the 'lukewarm' are damned begs at least a brief interaction with evangelicals who disagree, but he declines.[16]  In answering the 'Now, what?' question, his first prescription is 'to ask yourself, "Is this the most loving way to do life?" '^[17]   I suggest this emphasizes the human element in discernment, to the neglect of cultivating a dependant, listening ear for the leading of the Holy Spirit (though he is clear in emphasizing the power  of the Holy Spirit^[18]).  This appears to be his corrective to people using 'I didn't "hear God calling me" '^[19] to excuse their disobedience to Scripture; however I believe his approach divides something which God has joined together - the Word and the Spirit.

On the research side, the book's statistics are weakened by Chan's choice in one case to cite the sometimes-reliable Wikipedia (historical world population[20]) and in the other case, to provide no citation source (income comparison[21]).

As a discipleship resource I would give Crazy Love an eight out of ten.  I have benefited from it and I would share it with others.

Personally, this book challenged me to have a big and growing view of God and to love him with every fibre of my being.  While my coming to Scotland this year has involved massive steps of faith, reading Crazy Love made me realize how quickly I am settling for a safe life now that I'm here.  Chan spurs me on to eschew my preference for comfortable living, and stirs afresh a longing that my greatest steps of faith will not be in my past.   The biographical sketches in chapter nine gave me a vivid picture of Jesus as the treasure hidden in the field who is worth any price to gain.   One of the 'trust' questions raised for me is, 'How should my family approach "giving" now that we have transitioned from salary to zero "guaranteed" income?'  I think above all I hear in Francis' book a call to not to neglect that sweet place of worship and intimacy with Jesus where abandon to God flows naturally.

In my vocation as a preacher, Francis' model of pulling no punches in laying out the call of Jesus convicts me.  Sometimes I over-qualify the demands of Scripture with the result that their potency is diminished.   I found Chan's own testimony of struggles and victories to be helpful, and  I am encouraged to grow in the practice of personal transparency as part of teaching the Bible effectively.  On the home front, I am inviting my twelve-year-old daughter to read Crazy Love and I look forward to discussing with her how it applies to our lives.

Finally, here is my favorite quote from Crazy Love:

Giving up everything and sacrificing everything we can for the afterlife is logical. “Crazy” is living a safe life and storing up things while trying to enjoy our time on earth, knowing that any millisecond God could take your life.[22]

Crazy Love: Original edition (reviewed).

Crazy Love: Updated edition

Written for Practical Theology 101 - fall 2015 @ Edinburgh Theological Seminary.

---

^[1] Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2008), 20

[2]  Ibid, 19

[3]  Ibid, 19

[4]  Ibid, 57

[5]  Ibid, 83

[6]  Ibid, 91

[7]  Ibid, 104

[8]  Ibid, Chapter 7

[9]  Ibid, Chapter 8

^[10] Ibid, 163

[11] Ibid, 169-171

[12]  Ibid, 81

[13]  e.g. Ibid, Chapter 3, also cf. p. 110

[14]  Ibid,  95

[15]  cf. Gal. 3:1-5

[16]  Chan and Yankoski , 84

^[17]  Ibid, 166

[18] Ibid, 171-172

[19] Ibid, 169

[20] Ibid, 45

[21] Ibid, 89

[22] Ibid, 186

Scotland needs missionaries!

I wrote this for school last month... this is why we are here!   Pray for Scotland!  If God tells you to come join his mission, then get over here!

Scotland has a rich history of mission, reformation and revival.  However, today this kingdom of 5.1 million people has only an approximate 153,000 evangelical Christians, which is just 3% of the population; the country also has a growing Muslim immigrant population.[1]  The largest denomination, the Church of Scotland, has plummeted in its membership from 1.2 million in 1966 to 400,000 in 2013[2]; moreover, it is handicapped by much nominalism and liberalism and by the influence of Freemasonry.  Today, 42% of Scots say Christian faith is "not at all...relevant to my life".[3]  From a socio-economic level, Scotland is the "worst-performing Western European nation", a problem likely linked to the high instances of out of wedlock births (nearly 50%) and alcohol and drug abuse.[4] 

In 1910, the World Missionary Conference was convened to advance foreign missions. The host city for this conference was Edinburgh, Scotland.  To say things have changed is an understatement.  Have no doubt: today, in 2015, Scotland itself is very much a mission field.

In spite of the depletion of church membership, there are signs of openness in the culture and renewal in the church.  54% of people have a "very favorable" or "fairly favorable" view of Christianity; 83% think church is a "very... or... fairly favorable thing for a community."[5]   More young people than adults respect the authority of Scripture (36%) and say that faith "has transformed my life" (23%).[6]  Undoubtedly these evidences of the Spirit's work are occurring in answer to prayer.  How much more will happen if you also join the ranks of the intercessors?  In the New Testament, James writes, "you do not have, because you do not ask."[7]  Scripture commands us to pray for all people[8], to pray for God's kingdom to come[9], and to pray the Lord of the harvest will thrust workers into his harvest field.[10]  Do you believe these commands are for you?  Do you believe God will answer your prayers?  Do you believe God in his love longs to change Scotland, and he will, if his people pray?

Jesus' last command was to make disciples of all nations.[11]  God asks us how people can call on him to be saved unless gospel preachers are sent - the implication is, someone must go.[12]  When you pray, one of the ways Jesus will answer is by sending people to Scotland as missionaries.  He will speak to Christian men, women, and young people in Scottish towns and cities, in other parts of Great Britain, and in far off nations, asking, "Will you join the ranks of those fighting on the ground for the souls of Scottish people?"  Who does he send?  Ordinary Christians who are willing.  Today God is raising up an army to contend for his honor in the hearts of Scots.  You are not reading this post today by accident.  Will you invite God to place his love for Scotland in your heart?  Will you commit to praying for this nation as the Spirit enables you?  Will you tell God, "If you send me to Scotland, I will go"?

---

[1] Barna Group, "Scotland: Lessons for Effective Ministry in a Post-Christian Context, August 27, 2015," n.p., [cited 23 Oct 2015].  Online: https://www.barna.org/barna-update/culture/730-scotland-lessons-for-effective-ministry-in-a-post-christian-context#.Viji6X6rTb1

[2]  Ibid

[3]  Ibid

[4]  Jason Mandryk, Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation, 7th edition, 859

[5]  Barna Group, "Scotland"

[6]  Ibid

[7]  James 4:2, ESV

[8]  1 Tim. 2:1

[9]  Matt. 6:10

[10] Matt. 9:37-38

[11] Matt. 28:19

[12] Rom. 10:14-15

Crazy people

I received a crazy gift last week.  It almost seems wrong that they gave it, maybe that's why it touched me deeply and still does. 

Last Wednesday I discovered that the lock was broken and my bike was stolen from the garage next to the manse where we live.  I felt the predictable range of emotions - angry, unsafe, and sad that something my wife had carefully saved for and bought, something I had taken good care of and gotten much use and enjoyment from, was now some intruder's booty. 

I woke early Thursday morning with it on my mind.  I was choosing forgiveness, I was choosing to praise God, but I felt bummed.  I mentioned it over coffee at seminary that day, and I made a brief facebook post - "just found my bike was stolen L.  God is good J." 

By Friday I had moved on, but the secretary at school told me after lunch, "Come to my office, I have an envelope for you."  She gives me this envelope tagged "David Mitchell c/o Edinburgh Theological Seminary" and inside is an anonymous note of sympathy and 150 pounds. 

!   

I cannot remember who I talked to about the bike, but I'm standing in the hallway with tears in my eyes and all I can figure is some cash-strapped student has just made a huge sacrifice so they could send the message, "God cares."  I am so humbled when I think what they must have gone without just so they could communicate love, and expecting insisting on no recognition in return. 

Who does that kind of thing?  Crazy people.  I'm thinking, "you really should have kept the money.  I'll make it without a bike.  You probably needed it more than me."  But I'm also very grateful they did it, because of the bike, yes, but more, because of how I met God in that costly gift, and how their example summons me out of my own self-centredness, and into that kind of crazy, humble, faith-filled servant's heart. 

Friend, if you are reading this, thank you.

By the way, the 'crazy' tag is in my head because in Practical Theology (PT) class this month I read Francis Chan's book Crazy Love - I recommend it - a great read to stir your heart for Jesus.  PT is one of four classes I am privileged to take at Edinburgh Theological Seminary... how amazing to have a pit stop here to be equipped for the next season of ministry.  I'm also loving Church History, Old Testament and especially - Greek!  Agnes says I'm a geek.

Broken, Grace, Worship

Edinburgh skyline 9 am

                                                    Caldercruix skyline 830 pm

So here we are in our little Scottish village.  We came with this huge sense of 'sentness', God calling, opening doors, clearing the way for a purpose.  Honestly it's very easy for me to take pride in that as if it was something particularly noteworthy in me that brought the 'call'.  God has his way of dealing with that.  Pride.  Funny/painful/humbling how God allows us to see what we are apart from him - this last week has been one of my hardest at being a 'good Christian' in a very long time... coming up over and over really short on the fruit of the Spirit.  Constantly having to confess my sin.  Right.  Whatever God is doing, it's all because of grace.  It's going to have to be because the raw material he has to work with here is just not going to cut it.  Ever. 

Man I love when he wakens my heart and mind to grace again.  It's all we've got. And there is more than enough.

So today my family is off visiting grandma, and I am filling the time in the evening  with a bit of mountain biking, and then picking up the guitar for a bit of worship.  I go to a seminary where we sing a Psalm a capella twice a day with incredible gusto, and today as we sang Psalm 100 - such beautiful music and rich words - I'm thinking, 'I can hear that going well with a bit of guitar.'  Now is my time to give it a go.   I start with a 4/4 rhythm but settle on a folksy 6/8.  I don't know what these folks here will think of me messing with their Scottish Psalter but it's doing my heart good to sing.

I finish up and I'm asking the Lord - so what are we here to do?  And I hear his whisper - 'you're here to worship me.'  I'm thinking, surely there are people here doing that already.  We certainly can join our voices with theirs to lift up the name of Jesus in our village.  But I hear him saying it again, 'you're here to worship me.'  And I feel the weight of 'mission' that in a sense I've put on myself being lifted off.  And I remember he just wants our hearts.  That the work he's begun in us, he completes it as we look to the cross, not as we see ourselves as oh so important and 'we'd better keep busy'.  And I remember that it was as the disciples worshiped Jesus that they heard that amazing word "go..." which launched the church into the nations and launched us into Caldercruix, Scotland.   I have a hunch that as we worship we just might become more like Jesus.  I for one need that.  And as we worship we just might hear him give us the next step.  Whatever comes, for us or for you, let him be given all the glory.  Because it's all his grace.

Oh - here's the song.  (wait 10 seconds till it starts:)). 

We're in Caldercruix, Scotland and guess what...God is here already

(Levi waving in front of the church in Caldercruix... it sits just beyond our front lawn!)

(above: our new home)

It has been good but challenging adjusting this week to live in a brand new place thousands of miles from everything and everyone familiar in Canada. 

Good because of the unbelievably thoughtful welcome from the church in Caldercruix, who - for us complete strangers - put effort and expense into renovating the manse we have moved into - all floors, walls painted, a bathroom fully renovated, garden updated, towels and curtain supplied.  And the retiring pastor who left much useful furniture for our benefit - couch, chair, wardrobes.  And Agnes' mom Effie went overboard getting the cupboards and fridge filled and buying and endless number of household essentials to make our landing here soft - beds /bedding/night tables,  dining table and chairs, dishes, dishsoap, shampoo, on and on.  And  Caldercruix is a beautiful little village of friendly people and kids who come to play in the churchyard in front of our house, renewing trails and breathtaking sunsets.

And challenging- missing loved ones, struggling for days just to get a cel phone working, learning we won't get home phone/internet til Sep 21, and feeling cut off from the world, jet lag, heading by train to the bank to open an account (two villages away) and forgetting my ID...   But today was special as we sensed the Spirit of God speaking his welcome to us.

The last song we heard in Comox was 'you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace.'  This was picked by a friend who unbeknownst to them, was singing the verse the Lord used to clearly, relentlessly call us on this adventure to Scotland.

We came to church late today, though we live 50 metres from the church door... missed the opening song but what was the first song we sung there - 'you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace.' 

When I shared with the kids on June 13 that God was giving our family a new calling, I first read to them the disciples' call narrative from Mark 1 where they left their nets and followed Jesus.  Another song we sung in church today referred to that same story.   

At the heart of our journey has been simply seeking to listen for the Lord's call on lives.  A couple days ago  I read the boys Samuel's call story from their children's Bible - a story which encapsulates that idea (1 Sam 3).  What was the preacher's message today in church about ?   Samuel's call.

And we had a taste of our home church this morning - one of our new Caldercruix friends was introducing the church here to Operation Christmas Child - a Bay tradition.

We are where we need to be, and God will be and will give all we need.  God help us to remember that, and to be grateful for his plan and his call.  It's going to be good.

THIS IS IT! 3-1/2 Days to Scotland

Saturday, August 27, 2015

Dear friends and family,

Four months ago we were settled and comfortable in Comox, BC where David grew up and where we have spent our entire 14-1/2 years of marriage.  Mid-May God called us clearly to finish our ministry with the amazing family we call Bay Community Church and move to Scotland for study and mission.  In three days we will be on a flight to Glasgow, Scotland to begin a new chapter in the Mitchell family. 

David is doing a 3-year theology degree at Edinburgh Theological Seminary to be better equipped to serve the church, Agnes is taking a 2-year Gaelic diploma to relearn the heart language of her Highland kin, we are continuing to homeschool... and in it all our family has this deep sense God is calling us to join his mission over there. 

Words are inadequate to express our appreciation to so many people who prayed, counseled, and prophesied in the discerning stages, and to so many more who have served meals, painted, caulked, put money in our hands, hauled truckloads to the dump and the thrift store, cleaned, installed lights and a whole new ceiling, packed, built crates and loaded pallets, babysat, researched, loaned vehicles... and on and on.  Our dear friends have virtually carried us along as we have sold house and possessions to follow an adventure we feel privileged to pursue.

We cherish each memory and friendship from these precious years in the Comox Valley.  We are so encouraged that in spite of, and perhaps through our brokenness, God has allowed us a small part in his work here.  Thank you to each and every one of our friends and family, from the bottom of our hearts, for the role you have had in our lives.

As we go to Scotland, it feels like we are walking on water.  Our house is not quite fully sold yet, and it's been complicated (though we have great buyers and realtor!), but God has said "do not be afraid, only be still -I've got it." (Ex. 14:13-15)   We are stepping out in faith way beyond our financial means, but God has said, "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."  (Mt 6:33).  We are grieving the separation from so many friends and family, but God has said, "my grace is sufficient for you." (2 Cor 12:9).  And we are longing to share in the fresh harvest of new disciples God is bringing about in Scotland, and we hear God say, "those who sow in tears will reap with joy."  (Ps 126:5).

We would like to ask you to stand with us in faith as we go, however God leads you. 

Most of all we need your prayers, that we would walk closely with Jesus, stay strong as a family, see God's provision and his kingdom come, and walk in the calling God has for us.  To receive a regular or quarterly intercessors update, let us know.

We want to stay in touch - Facebook, email, Skype - don't be shy!  And we have been ridiculously blessed with a large house in Caldercruix with room for guests so start planning your visit now - seriously!

We are grateful to be sent to Scotland by a Canadian mission agency, Into All the World.  It's not our desire to place a burden on anyone, so we'll just say if God prompts you to join this adventure through financial giving, contact us for details of our needs and how to give, or go to www.iatw.ca (gifts through IATW are tax receiptable).   Most of all please pray, believe, and thank God with us for his perfect provision - whether through paid work, supporters, or miracles.

We love you! 

David, Agnes, Acacia, Elijah, Andrew and Levi

new email address: davidandagnesmitchell[at]gmail.com

In honor of the great leaders at Bay

I shared this with the incredible leaders of Bay at what I thought was my last board meeting... we came up with another board meeting since then - lol.   Much respect and appreciation to some beautiful people.

June 22, 2015

Dear Bay leaders,

These days I find myself grasping for words rich enough to give substance to the gratitude I feel for each one of you.   Some people feel sorry for me when they hear I am a pastor.  Others have horror stories of pastoral ministry.  I would be lying if I said the journey as a whole has had no challenges.  But I am deeply glad to say that serving alongside each of you has been one of the richest blessings in my life.  I love my job, and you have made pastoring Bay such a joy. 

This month as I looked back on fifteen years at Bay, I have wept tears of gratitude as I thanked God for you.  Thank you for giving your time, your money, your prayers, and your love.  Thank you for walking with God.  Thank you for making disciples.  Thank you for making Christ's mission your mission.   Thank you for standing in unity.  Thank you for all the things you do in secret for God that no one knows but him.  He will honor you richly.

More personally, thank you for being friends and being family to me and to my family.  This move to Scotland is exciting, an adventure, dreams fulfilled.  It's also hard to make, and one of the biggest reasons isn't the stuff we leave behind - it's that we are saying goodbye to such good people.  If it were just up to me I wouldn't want this to end.  But going is God's will and I know his will is good - in fact, best - so I wouldn't have it any other way.  One consolation is the hope that we will come to know people in Scotland  who are perhaps nearly as good as the folks we leave behind at Bay!

It might be scary or odd, anyway, to carry on for a season without a senior pastor.  I am trusting our Shepherd Jesus to lead you well.  I am asking Christ to release an extra measure of leadership gifting among you which makes you more than equal to the task, as you rely on him, the Head of the Church.

My family and I are deeply grateful for your prayers and support as we take this new step of faith.  We are trusting God for greater fruit in our lives and in our beautiful Bay Community Church family as we each follow Jesus into the future he has prepared for us.

As you press forward together to know Jesus and make him known, let me encourage you to cherish the fellowship you have with one another.  In the words of Dietrich Bonheoffer,

"Therefore let him who until now has had the privilege of living a common Christian life with other Christians praise God's grace from the bottom of his heart."   (Life Together).

And in the words of Jesus,

John 17:20–21 (NIV)

²⁰“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

He has started this good work in you, and he will finish it (Phil 1:6).  Glory to God.

Invitation: House Facelift Party @ The Mitchells July 25!

A family we know needs some help, and I am asking you to consider pitching in.  The family is us - the Mitchells! 

We need your help to sell our house.   We are having a Facelift Party for our house and you are invited!

As you know, God has called us to Scotland this fall.  I'll be starting three years of full time study and we'll be joining the mission of Jesus over there and reconnecting with Agnes' family.  And God has told us to sell our house as one part of financing this new calling.  It's been on the market three weeks, lots of showings, and the common feedback is "too much work."  The truth is, our house is older, it's very "lived in", and you may be aware, while I try, I am not much of a handyman.  lol.

Our realtor told us we need to drop the price and give the house a facelift. 

We are evaluating the price, and praying and trusting God that the house could sell any day.  And we are trying to do our part to make our house attractive to a buyer! 

If you can, will you help us?

Saturday July 25, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm is our House Facelift Party.  If you want to help and you can paint, haul junk to the dump, clean, pack, fill cracks,  or just do whatever needs done, you are invited!  Come for an hour or come all day.   Come at lunch and we'll make sure you're fed!

You don't need to RSVP but if you could that would help us with planning for that day.

We will have a list of jobs - you can pick ones that suit you.  If you want to see the list in advance, let us know, or if you want to come on a different day to help out - that would be amazing too.

It's humbling to ask.  But we are family and so we're not ashamed to just let you know we have this big need we really can't take care of by ourselves.    We need to ask for your help to follow Jesus where he's taking us.  No pressure, but if you are able to help, that would be amazing!

Pray for us, as we pray for you.

With our love,

David, Agnes, Acacia, Elijah, Andrew and Levi

PS. God's provision for us has been amazing so far - getting accepted in seminary just in time, receiving a house in Scotland for a fraction of normal rent, and we are trusting he has this in his hands too.  Thanks for believing God with us on this journey.

The Mitchells are Moving to Scotland!!!!!!!

Note: this Sunday Agnes and I announced our family’s call to Scotland.  Below is my letter to you about this journey.  Would love to connect personally this summer and after we go, stay in touch as God leads each of us on our journeys.  We are here for another 10 weeks!

June 13, 2015

Our dear Bay family,

This may be the hardest letter I have had to write.  Words cannot describe the feelings behind it.

Fifteen years ago the clear call of God led me to become part of the ministry of Youth For Christ Comox Valley and Bay Community Church.  Two years later you confirmed God's clear call on my life to pastor this amazing church family. 

I have always been committed to Bay for the long term and imagined spending the next thirty years serving here and probably retiring in Comox.  I did my growing up here, many of my closest friends are here, and I love this church and this Valley. It probably would take nothing short of a two by four to jar me out of this comfortable place.

The two by four hit me last month while I was worshiping in chapel at Regent College in Vancouver.  I thought I was there for a theology class, but I was there to hear a call from God.  The voice of God has been persistent and strong since that time.  The call has come clearly through Scripture, circumstances, open doors, a multitude of godly and prophetic counsel from people close to us, and the redirecting of our hearts.  As my mentor Barry Falk said when I told him my story, "This is one of the clearest calls I've seen in my life."   While it's hard, it's also exciting, and we can't say no to Jesus.  The truth is I thought at first I could put it off a year, but God has made it so plain that the time to go is now.  In fact he has been blowing the doors open to make this happen.  It has taken our breath away.

God has called me, Agnes, and our family on a new adventure.  He is leading us to Scotland, where Agnes grew up and where she and I met at Bible college.  Hindsight is 20-20, and we can see a masterful tapestry of providential care that has prepared us for this step.   We will be heading out at the end of the summer.

It will be incredible for our kids to get to be part of Agnes' family and culture during this new season in our lives, and very sweet for Agnes to live in her homeland again.  We have a sense of calling to mission as we go, that perhaps in some sense we're being led in the ministry footsteps of Agnes' father, Rev. John Ferguson.  Agnes is quite a preacher and I wonder if she won't be preaching again.  We're hearing God say, "There's a spiritual battle going on here in Scotland, and I'm calling you to join the ranks."  Previously, I had set aside aspirations of doing significant further study; now God has awakened that dream and is opening a door for me to do a 3 year theology degree at Edinburgh Theological Seminary, starting in September.  I believe God's purpose is to increase the tools in my toolbox, preparing me for a new season of ministry. After that, we trust God will lead us, and we pray we will be ready and faithful.

We love every one of you like family and it has been such a holy and joyful privilege to live among you.  You have loved, served, invested, honored, and shared yourselves with us in such a wonderful way; we have been humbled and blessed over and over.  Our cup has overflowed.  What an incredibly faithful, nurturing and affirming church family our kids have been able to grow in.  What models you have been to us of faith and faithfulness, prayer and sacrifice, mission and obedience.  I see Jesus so strongly in this church and I am very proud of you in the Lord.  I am so excited about how God is at work in Bay.  I have great faith that even with all the great things God has done in Bay's past, your best days as a church are waiting for you to discover in the very good future he has planned.    We are praying for you and we are confident.

It will be so hard to say goodbye to you!  As your pastor my heart is absolutely torn, but I know it will be okay.   I want ask you to bring me joy by doing these things: walk closely with Jesus, keep building a community of disciples, and live the mission for the sake of the lost and the glory of God.   Trust God to lead you in his way and time in choosing a new pastor who has a heart after God and will help you to grow in grace and truth, faithfulness and fruitfulness.  Honor, pray for, and partner with him and his family as they serve you.

I have been honored to support many of you through life transitions.  Now we are asking for your support. 

Above all, please pray for us.  This whole adventure was initiated by Jesus, it is for him, and we can only walk it through intimacy with him.  Pray that we would stay rooted in the grace and presence of Jesus, and strong as a family.  Pray for all the preparations - there are a lot of details to walk through in a short timeline.

If you have wisdom about international moves with children, share it with us!   If you catch us crying, offer a hug.  If you feel led to drop off a meal or help us sort through fifteen years of stuff or get our house ready for transition... come on over!  

We are going in faith - God has clearly called and we are fully confident in his provision.  Once our house sells, we expect to have 40-50% of the funds needed for the three years ahead.  We are prepared to work part time as God leads and opens doors.  We are trusting God to move hearts of people to support us if that is his way.  Coming this far this fast has been a miracle, and we are thanking God in advance for the miracles he will do.  We would value your prayer that we will walk strong in faith and see God provide in his way and in his time.

We would love to connect with you personally before we go - give us a shout and let's get together.    We hope to have space for guests in Scotland - start planning your visit nowJ.

Jesus is coming.  After we're gone, if we don't see you again here, we'll see you there.  Let's bring along as many as we can.

Philippians 1:27 (NIV)  Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.

All our love, respect, prayers, and gratitude,

 David, Agnes, Acacia, Elijah, Andrew and Levi