Thursday, November 10, 2005

Pulling Back from Youth Pastoring

Cory and I met with the pulpit board earlier this week to discuss the progress of their decision to have us on as a youth pastoring couple. Last spring when we were here their youth pastor resigned and so we offered to help out as interim youth pastor till they could find another one. To facilitate this the school board tried to bring me on for only quarter time but due to a lack of teachers (we are still short a grade 8 teacher) I have been working about 50 hours a week and Cory quite a bit more. This has been rather tiring for us and everyone (the board, us and the youth chair) felt it best if we withdrew our name from the youth pastoring role and focused on the teaching ministry.

This has really helped reduce the stress here. Of course, we are still offering to help the youth leaders if they ever need our help.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Chris and Cory, I just wanted to tell you that we are praying for you and our hearts are with you as you go through these stressful times. You guys are doing incredible things in Belize and I know you will change lives. You are strong individuals and God is ready with tons of blessings for all your hard work! Thinking of you, and being encouraged by your strength, Jess & Chris.

Anonymous said...

Hey Chris and Cory,

Praying for both of you to de-stress in the shadow of His wings.

As I was praying for you both this scripture 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 came to mind. I want to pass it on to you to meditate on as part of your de-stressing process.

These verses are also currently challenging me to drop my self-confidence and helping me to cultivate God-confidence.

1 Cor. 10:12-13:

12 "Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.

13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it."
(from The Message by E.H. Peterson)


God's Peace be with you Chris and Cory!

De-stressingly yours,
gee