When faced with choices, how does one decide which choice is right? How do we sort through the options to determine which path we should take? Life is filled with what we might refer to as forks in the road, at which we must decide which direction we will take. Is there some magic formula to use which will result in showing which fork is the right one? What if we take the wrong fork? How do we know, after making the choice and heading in a certain direction, that we have, indeed, chosen the right path? One doesn’t have to live very long before coming upon such a fork.

Teresa and I have chosen a new path. It was not that we all of a sudden came upon a fork at which we needed to make an immediate decision. No, this particular fork in the road has been in sight for quite a long time (for more insight on this topic, see my blog entitled “Things They Are A’changing” published on Feb. 4). You reach a certain point in life at which you begin to realize that you need to be making plans for the future. That point began to take focus for us approximately ten years ago.

It was at that time that Teresa and I began to look to the future. Not that we were looking to make an immediate change – as a matter of fact we knew that what we were beginning to envision was for a future time, and the exact timing of that was not at all certain. As we began to pray, dream, discuss options, and narrow down all the possibilities, we began to get excited about the prospects for our future. At the time, we were completely satisfied with our place in life. I was pastor of New Horizon Community Church, and was completely confident that NHCC was the place I was supposed to be. And, up until about a year ago, I knew that I was to be right there.

But then, God began to move in my heart and spirit, and I began to realize that my tenure as pastor of this great church would soon be coming to a close. I still didn’t have any idea exactly when this would happen, I just knew beyond any doubt that God was leading in this direction. I began to share with the leadership of NHCC that Teresa and I felt that it was time for us to begin the process of helping the church prepare for this coming transition. During this time, God also led us to begin making plans for our lives once our time with NHCC would come to a close.

Well, that time has now arrived. Through the providence of God, and the prayers of God’s people, NHCC has now called their next pastor. I have had the great pleasure and privilege of serving this church family for more than 12 1/2 years. I have so many cherished memories that I will now carry with me as Teresa and I make plans to say our final goodbyes to our friends and family. Now, please understand that we will continue to maintain contact with NHCC, but no longer as an active part of the congregation. My time as pastor of NHCC has come to a close, and Bryant Blakley is now privileged to serve in that capacity, and he doesn’t need the former pastor looking over his shoulder.

Teresa and I now have a new home, a new ministry, and a new mission field. We are praying for God’s guidance in seeking out new opportunities of ministry for our future. We are asking that you would pray with us and for us in this matter. I will certainly welcome any opportunity to fill in on Sunday mornings for pastors who need a supply as they are out of their pulpits on any given Sunday. I will be available for revivals and Bible conferences, as I have been privileged to share in these ministry opportunities in the past. And, the one area of ministry that Teresa and I are most excited about is the possibility of leading in marriage retreats for churches that are looking for a renewal weekend for their church families.

Would you please join us in prayer for the NHCC family as they welcome their new pastor, Bryant Blakley, his wife Kristen, and their children Brynlee and Carter. Would you pray for the transition period as he begins his duties. I know they would be greatly appreciative of your prayers.

And, finally, if you live in the Lancaster area, why not visit NHCC and see what God is doing with this great church family. I know you would be blessed.

In future blogs, I will be sharing with you occasionally what God is doing in our lives as we embark on this new adventure in our life journey. In the meantime, let me encourage you to seek God’s guidance as you look to your personal future. It is always an exciting prospect as we travel through life with God as our Guide.