Voting Day!

This past Wednesday, March 10, 2021, was a historic day for our family and our new church family in Nipomo. The proposal we had sent just a week prior was officially voted on and approved–unanimously–by the members of First Baptist Church of Nipomo. We plan to move into the parsonage (located on the church property) the weekend of April 17, and my official first day will be Sunday, April 18. If you like details, read on.

Our family went down to Nipomo for our first church service with them on February 21. The kids quoted Scripture for the service and everyone took us to lunch afterwards. They loved seeing all the kids and getting to meet Katie. Madison took notes on everyone’s names and how to remember the ladies they all met. Pastor Tom and I talked about the next step being a proposal they could vote on, so I sent an 18-month proposal to them on March 2 which included details about timing, finances, and responsibilities.

The primary item I think we all saw included in the proposal was HOPE. Hope that God would be able to restore some life and energy into faithful believers. Hope that their prayers for the community around them will bear fruit. That tired hands will be lifted up. My family sees hope that we can be part of a renewed Gospel presence in our new home and community, to the glory of God and the building of his kingdom!

We visited again on March 7 and some of the ladies had purchased little toys, coloring books and crayons, and other fun things for the kids to do during the Bible study and church time. That was super sweet. In the service, the kids quoted Psalm 37:25-26, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.” I preached a message on Caleb, a man with a vision from God that was fulfilled when he was in his eighties. May God bless these older saints at First Baptist of Nipomo in a similar way!

After our first potluck lunch in over a year, we were able to talk for awhile and then tour the parsonage. Though it is great need of repairs, it has a very functional floor plan and will allow us to have a dedicated guest room, so make plans to come and visit! Check out the Help Us page for ways you can be part of this journey with us!