God is in Control

I can admit I am a bit of a control freak. I like to know exactly what is going to happen in advance with no negative surprises. I want to do God's will but I want Him to let me know in advance what His plan is and exactly how to get there. It does not exactly work like that though. Not an easy thing to accept for us control freaks.
3 months ago I would have never said we would be where we are now. The thought of Farmingdale Baptist Church merging somehow to becoming Crossroads Church of Long Island did not seem like a good idea. All I had heard were the negatives of so called church mergers.....and we were supposed to be "planting" and in Levittown, not Farmingdale.
There again, I forgot to remember that God is in control. He gives us a road map but we forget that He can change the direction, location, and speed at any time. We have to continue walking and seeking every day, ready for His next signal. God had a plan for Long Island long before NAMB, or FBC Katy, or The Edwards came into the picture. He saw a great church in Katy willing to support financially and send God's man to Long Island as pastor. They chose a strategic location in Long Island.....Levittown. God saw a precious flock of His struggling in Farmingdale, a church body doing everything they knew to do to stay afloat. A group of devoted faithful followers giving their all. Little did we know that God would answer two prayers by uniting us together to win Long Island for Christ.
FBC Katy and The Edwards thought Levittown and if it were not for sending us to Levittown, we would not have met some amazing individuals interested in the gospel.....who happen to be able to commute better to Farmingdale. God is good. Farmingdale is actually 4.3 miles from Levittown, (in the 5 mile radius FBC Katy planned to reach)
Farmingdale had looked at many different options but none of them God's plan.
Over the past 3 months God began opening doors we never thought possible. We began seeking His will on this matter and not our own. He began giving us a vision and a great love for the flock of Farmingdale. Not by accident...but by grace and His divine plan. We love the people so much and they love us. I can not put into words how much they already mean to us. They are special. Immediate family. They are excited about all God is going to do in the future as Farmingdale Baptist Church closes its door and they become charter members of Crossroads Church of Long Island. There is an excitement that is so refreshing and so encouraging. You have to come visit to experience it because we just can not explain in words how much God is in this place. Fresh Wind Fresh Fire!
We know it won't all be easy. But when you know you are in the will of God, then you can count on His strength and wisdom to carry you through any circumstance.
God called us to Long Island to reach the lost and begin a new church. We made a different turn than initially expected, but the road map is still the same.

Macy's Santa Clause!

My favorite Christmas movie is the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th street. When I was little I remember watching it and thinking how amazing it would be to meet the Santa Clause at the famous New York City Macy's Department Store. I had no idea until this week just how extravagant visiting Santa at Macy's really is! It is truly unbelievable. It is like a ride at Disney World...without the ride....if that makes any sense. You entered a door that looks like the entrance to Santa's Workshop. The pathway leading to Santa Clause is amazingly decorated. Giant decorated Christmas trees, a life size Santa Sleigh filled with toys, polar bears ice skating, reindeer's eating, a train that circled all the way to the top of a Christmas tree, and elves greeting you at every point! It is a winter wonderland. The girls loved it! Sterling and I loved it just as much! It was so much fun and so unlike any other Santa visit I have ever seen! We went on the perfect day! No long lines. I want my niece and nephew to see it so much, but I can not imagine how long the wait will be the weekend of Christmas! We will definitely have to try!

Missionary Kid!

Growing up in church, I spent a lot of time learning about Missionary Kids in GA class. I remember our class making cards for them during the holiday season. It is hard for us to think of ourselves as missionaries. We are not in a foreign country.......although Long Island is somewhat foreign than what we are used to. We have given up some things to be here, but not anywhere near what most missionaries give up. We are not risking our lives or putting ourselves in danger like some missionaries do. None the less, we are considered church planting missionaries. That makes Madison and Emma MK's!
Over the past two weeks, Madison has received 12 letters from across the US, from other kids expressing their thanks for her and encouraging her as a MK. Decorated and handmade cards and letters from kids her own age. It has been so neat and so unexpected. NAMB did an article on Madison last month and I guess that is how churches have the information about her. The letters all came from kids who are apart of a missions organization in their church. California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina to name a few. Madison......as she put it..........is very popular!
It has been a great encouragement for her and a reminder as to why she is here! She will replying back to each of the girls this month!
Continue to pray for Madison to be light!