The Revelation of the Next Phase

(entry written by Kristine & Josh)

Hi Guys,

Welcome to the blog page of Josh & Kristine! Since you are here, then you've probably already heard about some new & exciting things taking place in our lives. We thought it would be cool to blog about the amazing journey God is about to take us on. I don't think we even know the least of it at this point. But we are ready to do this! Come visit us here from time to time & leave a comment or even just a 'what's up!' So here goes...

Below is our first entry of many. It was actually en email that Kristine sent out - and explains the 'behind the scenes' of what has been transpiring. We love you, and pray you will be blessed by the pathway God is leading us upon. It's a new place, and there is an excitement growing on the inside of us like you would not believe! So let's get started.

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About 6 weeks ago God started stirring in Josh's heart in a big way. An undeniable way. We went to Olive Garden for dinner, and for over an hour he poured out what seemed to be an ocean to me. He told me God was doing something - and that God was imparting unto him a huge multitude of thoughts & ideas that he struggled even finding words for. He knew God was saying something and he was doing his best to tell me. I listened to everything, and afterward he said "We just need to pray." As soon as he said that he started to cry... the kind of crying you don't want anyone to see - especially in the middle of a restaurant. He sat there with his face in one hand, as I held the other, beads of sweat on his forehead. I had never seen Josh like this before... there was a heavy heavy burden on his heart. With tears in my own eyes - and not even wanting to consider the remote possibility of ever leaving New Hope - I wondered what God was moving us into.

To make a long story short, over the next month we opened our heart, prayed and had many confirmations. We met with Pastor Grant December 2nd, and on Sunday, December 14th we tearfully announced to the congregation that after 18 years we will be leaving New Hope Ministries and starting our own church. Our last day will be Wednesday, December 31.

18 years ago Josh & I met in the New Hope youth group ... we were 14. New Hope is all we have ever known. So, to say the least, it has been a very emotional 6 weeks of praying, thinking, and deciding. We never EVER thought we'd leave our church. Our home. But God had different plans for us all along, and has been gently teaching, training, and shaping us for such a time as this. He knew it all along, and now it's clear to us as well. It's like the veil was lifted as he showed us what Josh's 10 years on staff were all pointed unto.

We love Pastor Grant and Susan and the staff of New Hope with all our heart. God has given Pastor Grant an incredible vision. God has also planted a unique vision within Josh and I, which is what he has been revealing to us in a powerful way. The vision is for a new generation and a brand new culture... for the lost, and the unchurched.

Although we have shed many tears, we are also extremely excited about what God is going to do. We'll be planting the church in Naples and seeking out an exciting & new venue.

It's crazy... just when you think you've got it all figured out, God throws a curve ball. You just never know what He has planned for your life. It is such an awesome & exciting adventure. A couple weeks ago Pastor Grant preached about Jonah refusing to hear God. Josh and I don't want to be like Jonah. We've heard God, and we're going to run in the direction he's called us to with all of our heart.

We love all of you and we will be continuing to keep you in our prayers, and ask that you please do the same for us. God is going to do something awesome, we just know it. Every church has an awesome plan. We will always consider New Hope our "home" and look forward to visiting everyone as often as we can. Please, please e-mail & call us often, you are our family. This journey we're stepping into is going to be long and challenging, and we will need the encouragement and support of good friends. We love you so much and treasure each of you so dearly. We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for each and every one of you. Thank you for understanding, and for cheerfully urging us forward. May God bless you above and beyond what you could ever ask, think, or imagine!

Committed to the cause and united together with you in this race,

Kristine & Josh