Truth Be Told

So, here is what has been going on around here over the past few months that I have alluded to a number of times in requests for our future.

At the end of August, after several months of prayer and seeking what God would have him do, my husband gave our Bishop his letter of resignation from his present position as Executive ArchDeacon.  There are several reasons, not the least of which is the state of the diocesan finances and whether or not this position will be able to continue much past the first part of next year anyway.  Trying to do three full time jobs has been exhausting to say the least and trying to do any of them well has proven to be a source of ongoing frustration for my perfectionist husband.   The real crux of the matter however, is that my husband's calling is to preaching and teaching, things he has had very little time for in the past couple of years.  While he can do the administrative tasks, his heart is still in the pulpit.  We have prayed and fasted and waited on the Lord and feel the right action has been taken.  Please pray for our diocese as they attempt to restructure so that this massive amount of work can still be done despite financial constraints.  Thank you.

Since three months notice of resignation is required, technically my husband's end date at work is the end of November, but it is very fluid, depending on what plans he, the bishop and finance committee are able to come up with and what sorts of changes my husband could stay and help get put into place.  Please pray for wisdom for all concerned.  Depending on what other work or ministry my husband may find, (or NOT find...eeek!!), he may be able to stay on for a month or two into the new year.  The Bishop is all ready thinking of ways to keep my husband employed in other ways so that he doesn't lose him from the diocese. Bless his heart that he is so sad to receive the resignation. They get along well together.

So, his CV has been updated, the letter of good standing from the Bishop that allows my husband to look for work elsewhere is in process and now, this culmination of all these weeks of seeking direction about my husband's position has become VERY REAL INDEED!  A time of possible unemployment is staring us in the face at an age where my husband's options to be hired are going to be limited.

This is about the third of fourth time in our life together that my husband has been led to leave a position well prior to him finding a different one to provide us with income.  Here we go again.....

However, there is a difference this time.  Since this is not our first time to throw ourselves upon the mercy of God, trusting in him alone for daily provision, our sense of peace has not been disrupted...at least not yet, haha.  (We are only human, so no doubt there will be days when our faith will waver as we wait for the next step.)  We both have joy that the Lord has made our direction to this point so very clear.  We are in total agreement between the two of us that this is the right step at this time.

So, is this a retirement from Anglican church ministry, or is it a time of transition that lands my husband in another Anglican position here or elsewhere?  Is it time for a new career selling hardware at the lumber yard to generate income?  Only time will tell......

(And yes, your prayers for our future are desired and muchly appreciated! Thank you!!) 

It feels good to be able to let our friends and family know more about what has been happening around here and what we are facing over the coming months.  Thanks everyone for your love and concern.  God is faithful and we admit we are rather excited to see what he comes up with next for us.