SPLIT-FAMILY!

 

Stephanie and I love what we are doing and even though we are a SPLIT-FAMILY for a while with her living in Bluffton during the week and me down here in New Castle, we are really enjoying getting to know the people at SMDCOG (South Memorial Drive Church of God). But as I began reading the first chapter of Philippians today, it reminded me of the people we have left behind. Besides MISSING our family, daughters, grandkids, etc., being spread all over the country from California to Mississippi to Northern Indiana, We also miss our CMA family and the people in our discipleship groups. I kind of think of it as a SPLIT-FAMILY just like Stephanie and I are SPLIT right now. 

I got a call last week from one of my group members and have text a couple of others. The rest we are watching through facebook and social media. I know how social media can get ugly, but we thoroughly enjoy staying connected with my spiritual family through this means. It is so good to continue to stay connected and we praise God he has provided technology for us to continue our connections. I have also been able to stay connected with the LADIES AT GRACE & MERCY and HANNAH's HOUSE. Although I didn't spend as much time with them, they are special to us and hold a dear place in our hearts. We miss them as well!

I realized that Stephanie and I had spent nearly 25% of our lives with our CMA family in Fort Wayne. Sure, some of the members have moved on to other stuff, but the core is still there. These people have helped us grow as a servant of the Lord. I ABSOLUTELY credit this group of people for TEACHING us how to reach out to the LOST and how to get out of the PEW to SEEK those who do not know the Lord. 

SO, I can relate to Paul's writings to the Philippians:

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-8, NLT)

Those that are reading this from SMDCOG I do not consider myself to be imprisoned here in New Castle! LOL! I love it that Paul had such a large group of people he was discipling all at one time. I feel like Stephanie and I are in the same boat. We have made so many connections and pray that we have had impact on people all across the world. Just like a parent I can have the same kind of DEEP LOVE for my NEW SPIRITUAL FAMILY as I do my FORMER SPIRITUAL FAMILY in CHRIST.

I praise God that he has chosen us to join with fellow believers in such a variety of ministries and locations. I absolutely LOVE where we are and this new SPIRITUAL family. I miss our former SPIRITUAL family and continue to PRAY that GOD will use them in mighty ways. I know they are praying for us the exact same way!