After two years in Arkansas, I'm heading EAST!
For the past few months I have been praying and seeking God's direction for an opportunity to help my friends Mike and Ashton Santiago continue a church plan in city of Apex, North Carolina. They are growing healthy and have extended an invitation to direct the areas of worship, production and creative experience within the church.
As many of you know I left Florida 2 years ago to serve one of my best friends in life, August Ortiz and his wife Monica. They took over a youth pastor position at New Life Church in Cabot, AR one of the main campuses of NLC. I stood out in faith leaving everything I knew to pursue the responsibilities and the journey to build up, pour out and serve this next generation.
Towards the beginning of this year I knew that God was going to make a few changes that will begin my next season in life. He was doing the same with August and Monica. Since we all live together, we knew this would affective all of us. They prayed and I prayed and we prayed together, seeking God's direction on our lives.
After much prayer and mentoring it was clear that the time to move was this Fall. August and Monica moving to Colorado Springs and me to Apex, NC. August and Monica will be pursuing of the the desires since they've been married to experience the adventure of marriage and family and I will move on with ministry serving the community of Apex, NC and stretching myself to help with people experience God's presence and power within the church.
Both of these moves have been strategically planned by God, I know that he has specific plans for each of our lives. It's no question that within these seasons are life lessons to be learned that will help us operate in our gifts and callings and fully trust the Lord in His ways.
It's been quite a journey and I've had a blast serving and loving this community, building strong life relationships, serving the church and living life together with best friends who have always been like family to me.
It's bitter sweet, NLC is awesome and God is going to do some amazing things in Cabot but I have to move aside and allow the next leaders to step up carry forth the plans he has for this church, I'll be watching, praying for this family of believers and supporting them from afar! They will always be a part of my life.
As for August & Monica, my family away from family, they will truly be missed. When God called me to Arkansas I knew it was to mainly serve this couple. To pray for them and lift up their arms, to assist, equip and faithfully be by their side. It's not going to be easy watching them leave the drive way but I know this is what God wants and I am excited for their next season and can't wait to see what God will do! We will always be family and our relationship is for life. My love for them is deep, SO I have no doubt we'll be running into each other in the future ;-) for now, it's see you later.
To everyone at NLC, you all have been a blessing to me. I have fallen in love with your hearts. To those that took me in as there own and have been there through the toughest moments, I thank God for you! Shout out to the Westlakes! This family took me in, fed me and loved on me! I cherish their friendship, family and support! To the Bennett Clan! I love y'all! Pastor. James is a real pastor. transparent and loving. His discipleship to me will forever change how I do ministry and life with one another. I am thankful for Him and his family and the representation of true church leaders! Finally, to the Real Life crew and family! Thank you for allowing me to be your youth leader. I am so proud of the many students I've gotten to mentor, lead and watch them grow into the man or woman of God they are becoming. I know God is about to blow the top off Real Life Cabot! Great things are to come, carry the torch, be the light and lead this generation to Jesus! You all are champions and I love all of you very much!
Well, there you have it! I will officially move by the end of this month and head towards Florida for a few weeks with the family before I start my new life in North Carolina. Would you take a few moments and pray for us? Pray that God will provide and open every door that needs to be open and close the doors that need to be shut? Pray for God's protection and favor. We want His will and not ours, we want His ways, for He is the only one that knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper and not harm, plans of Hope and a future!
Thank you for all of your support and love. I hope to be updating you soon from North Carolina giving you all of the details of my new place and community!
Much Love!
Josh
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