New News (as opposed to old news)

Well, this is an unusual blog entry. It is not intended to entertain, teach, stir your brain cells or anything like that. It is purely informational. Forgive me for stepping outside my norm. But here goes ...

On Sunday, October 14 Debbie and I will be at the First Baptist Church of Sheffield Lake, Ohio where I will be speaking in the morning service. That evening there will be a church-wide meal and then an open forum question and answer time during which the church will be able to ask me any question they like. I, in turn, will be able to pretend that I have all of the answers. They will be taking one week to pray, seeking the will of God, before voting on whether or not to call me as their Sr. Pastor on October 21st.

Sheffield Lake is a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. It is approximately 25 miles from downtown Cleveland and is situated on the shores of Lake Erie. The church has been averaging around 150ish during the summer months, give or take. They are debt free and own two buildings that, honestly, need some work. After many phone conversations with their pastoral search committee and spending last weekend with them I believe that they are a church that desires to seek and follow the will of God, regardless of the cost. They are flawed but so am I. (I know that is hard for you to believe but really, I am. Ask Debbie. No... don't.) I am grateful that they are willing to spend a week between my time with them and their vote as they commit themselves to prayer over the matter. There are only a couple of protestant churches in Sheffield Lake, FBC being the largest. The area is heavily Catholic. The opportunity for evangelical ministries to serve the community are limitless.

Obviously we are grateful for your faithful care, prayers, and support. I will do my best to keep you updated on any prayer requests as they arise. It has been an interesting year. I am sure the next month or so will be even more so. While Debbie and I do believe that this move is God's direction for our lives we realize that we are leaving family and dear friends. That's pretty stinky. In addition, if God puts this together, I will probably be spending the majority of the winter in the frozen tundra without her as she impatiently waits for our house to sell. Ahhh... the joys of home ownership.

Anyway, that's what's going on within the confines of our lives. This is not confidential information and you may feel free share it or to call the National Enquirer with the information if wish. I expect fifty cents from every dollar you make from the proceeds.

Seriously ... this is huge for us. Happy. Sad. Joyful. Sobering. Pick an emotion and it's there. But overall we are grateful to God for choosing to use us at His discretion.

Thanks for caring and loving us...
Ron & Debbie