God is leading...we are following

Rachel and I have been praying as God has been tugging on our hearts over the last 9 months and we knew He was up to something. His plan begain to unfold as an incredible opportunity was put in front of us as a seed to pray about. That opportunity required a move and we would be ministering to a different congregation. While we had been praying about what to do, we never had a peace about leaving St. Joseph. Our small group has seen some incredible growth and our relationships with them are very close. The worship team is really starting to find “our style” together and the congregation is really responding in worship. All of that said, we didn’t know what to do.

After much prayer, and counsel from some good friends in ministry, we have decided to follow this call and walk where God is leading us. It would be hard to lead a congregation in songs such as "I will follow...all of my days" and "I'll go where you want me to go" and yet stand in a place that is comfortable and familiar when I know He's called us to go. We now have a peace knowing that where God provides, he won’t leave Central high and dry. I had to let go of some pride that was keeping me from faithfully following where God was leading.

Our last Sunday with Central will be June 18 (Father’s Day). Starting July 1, we will be working with Christ’s Church of Oronogo where I will be part of their Creative Arts Team that plans, organizes and develops their services. I will also be part of their Young Adults Team that does a service for 18-35 year olds on Sunday nights.

This road has been up and down for us over the last 9 months. During the last couple of weeks, we were able to talk with our small group, the church leadership, and the worship team to bring them in on what God was doing. Today was the Sunday that we shared with the congregation. All of those experiences have been wonderful. The conversations with those after church were very positive. Many expressed that we would missed, but that if God calls, we have to follow. That was the heart message we wanted people to hear. God is good. Here is the letter we read to the congregation today:

"Count your many blessings, see what God has done"! As our family reflects on the last three years at Central I can't help but think of these words from a hymn based on Psalm 40 verse 5. Those words are so true! The love and compassion you have shown to us during our time of ministry here have been overwhelming. God has blessed each of us in this place.God's blessings continue to overflow as He works through each of us and we follow His leading. There are times when His leading doesn't make sense or have the immediate outcome that we would plan on our own; nevertheless, He is in control.

As we follow His lead, we have accepted a call to minister in Oronogo, MO at Christ’s Church of Oronogo where I will assist the Creative Arts & Young Adults Ministry Team.This decision has been bathed with much prayer, and it has become evident that God is leading us to a new place of ministry. This has not been a simple decision as the relationships we have established are not easy to walk away from. But God has given us peace and we are confident in His leading. What a blessing to know God has always been and remains in control!

God has blessed us to be able to see this congregation give themselves in worship to our God. Thank you for stretching us in our pursuit of Him. God has blessed us by surrounding us with words of blessing and encouragement from you. I have a file full of cards and notes that many of you have written…many that came right when they were needed most. Many of you spoke words of encouragement that came from hearts that understood the power in the ministry of words. Thank you.

God has blessed us with being able to have special relationships with two incredible small groups. We will never be the same because of what God has done through those relationships. Your transparency and willingness to be moved by God is life changing for us. Getting to be used by God in seeing your lives transformed is a humbling and powerful thing. Never quit in your pursuit of God. These friendships that God has blessed us with will continue into eternity. The times of laughter and tears are memories that our entire family will never forget. Thank you.

God has blessed our lives as this body has laid a foundation of Jesus in our girls. It is this congregation that helped teach Ruthy and Moriah their first words of Jesus. The song in their hearts and the relationships that they have developed are ones that I hope they never forget. Thank you for sharing the love of Jesus with our girls.

Because of the elder’s incredible support, Rachel and I will continue to minister to the congregation of Central through June 18, 2006. We will continue to give Central our best effort as we plan together for the future. We ask you to join us in praying for the continued growth of Central and for our future as we strive to continue impacting this world for Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is to be a part of His Church!

"Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."
- Psalm 40:5,8

Clay in His Hands,
Mark and Rachel Bond