we are joining the Community of Hope

Brothers, Sisters, and Dearest Friends,

It has been three months since we last e-mailed. We asked for your prayers, words of encouragement, and words of caution. We received all of these. Thank you so very much for those who did write us regarding helping with the church plant in Nashville. Most of you were very encouraging and some were very cautious. All of your words were wise and we have thought and prayed over them. I would like to especially thank "superman" for his unbelievably uplifting words. I cried tears of joy and companionship as I read your e-mail. I appreciate so much your passion for Jesus and how that has played out in your support of me and my family.

We have decided that Nashville is indeed the direction God wants us to go. He has given us confirmation of this fact in many ways both expected and unexpected. We are excited and fearful all at the same time. There are many unknowns which lay ahead......job, house, medical insurance, etc. However, we do know that God will provide all we need to feed and clothe ourselves as we answer the call to His purposes (Romans 8:28). There is also a peace that comes with stepping out of the boat and into the crashing waves. The peace of God touches our hearts when we focus our attention on Him. It does not matter where He leads us. As long as we keep our eyes and hearts turned towards Him, His peace comfort us. Hopefully we will indeed keep focused. I am sure there will be times in which we glance away from His presence and look to the chaos around us. We will begin to sink just as Peter did. That is human of course, but God will lift us out of the water with His grace even though it is our fault for looking away. That is Love.

There are so many things to do. I am currently looking for a job in the Nashville/Clarksville area. I am willing to drive a little if need be. If anyone knows of good employment opportunities please drop me a line. I have a lot of experience in management and leadership roles in various arenas. I am willing to learn and start from scratch if needed. We are also looking at houses in the area. We do not want to live in the city. We were going to, but I want some land for Caleb to be able to run and play and develop an appreciation for God's natural creation. So we are looking in areas outside of Nashville but within 30 minutes or so. We are selling our two lots on Lake Cumberland. It has been a great investment for us, doubled in value in about two and half years. We need the money to help with purchasing a house. We are thankful that God provided this investment so that we can use it now.

Please be praying for us....job, house, peace of heart and mind, the move down to nashville, and just that He would give us the wisdom and assurance we need to make and follow through with all of these big decisions. In all things we strive to glorify Him. We do not want to allow our own wants and desires to interfer with all of this.

Please pray for this new church - Community of Hope. Pray that God guides us all, works through us, and touches the lives of many who do not know Him yet as well as strengthens the faith of those who already do.

His, emman