On Feb. 25, I reached a milestone in my life. That was the day I turned the big THREE-OH. I felt no different then I did the day before. In fact, I felt the exact same as I had for the past few days. Turning another year older did not have the impact on me that I thought it would. Despite the phone calls, birthday cards and cake, the whole event was marred by the fact that I was about to tell the church that after five years of service, I felt it was time to go.

It was a few weeks prior to my birthday that I had informed Dr. Wilson of my decision. I was very well aware that very few changes have taken place in the past few years, but I could not stay in a place because of “job security” issues when I felt that God was calling me away from Lower Hainesville. Dr. Wilson reaffirmed my fears. This year would be another year when very few changes would take place.

The day of Feb 26 came, and I informed the church that as of the time of pastoral changes, I would no longer be their pastor. If just getting those words wasn’t hard enough, the great souls of the Lower Hainesville church has pre-planned a 30th surprise party for me following the Morning Service…after I made my announcement. For the very first time, as I finished opening my gifts, a sense of insecurity came over me. What had I done?

I still felt that God was calling us elsewhere. I have never once, since that day, doubted that. I did, however, have doubts about His plans for the Whittier clan. I’m not a big fan of an uncertain future. I really do not think anybody is. Yet I was still clinging to the hope that God has something in store for us.

Prior to Ron Mercer coming to candidate at the church, I had considered talking to my vice-chairman, and say that if things didn’t work out with Mr. Mercer, I wanted to withdraw my resignation. Deep within me, I knew I just couldn’t do that. So I sent resumes to different churches, different denominations even to “real jobs” in hopes that something would pan out.

I was supposed to have an interview with a certain restaurant chain as an assistant manager job, but the Sunday before the interview, the transmission went in our car. I never made the interview. I have talked to different churches on the phone and email, so for nothing has panned out.

This past weekend (April 22,2006), Melissa and I met with the District Board of Ministry with the Church of the Nazarene about potential ministry position available. We’ll find out more about that on May 4th or 5th. Until that day arrives, we sit and wait.

If nothing comes about for us in the ministry field, Melissa and I have been planning. We have decided where we would go, and work out what we would do. It would be foolish to leave this place without a plan. We are, however, praying that all will work out.

For now, we sit here in “pastoral limbo.” Over the past few weeks the church has been singing the chorus “The Only Real Peace.” In that song, one line goes, “In all life’s frustrations, I need you.” How true that is for us. In the middle of not knowing what lies in store for my family and myself, all we can do is proclaim to Him just how much we need His protection and peace… and a job!