It seemed so far away
The last 18 months I have spent as the church planting pastor in residence at The Journey North Community Church in Brainerd, MN have been some of the most difficult and rewarding months of my life. There has been shaping and molding that I never would have dreamed of.
I knew going into this period that it would have a beginning and an end. I even knew about when that end would be, but I didn’t have any idea what it would look like. Now the end is here. On Sept. 1st we move to Detroit Lakes, MN, on Sept. 1st we leave The Journey North, on Sept. 1st we start something new. It seemed so far away even a few weeks ago, it seemed as if it would never happen and now it seems like there is so much left to do and I really don’t see how it will all get done. We have less than 30 days to pack up a home that I have been in for nearly 20 years, a home that has the belongings of 8 children, 1 dog and 2 adults, less than 30 days to transition my assimilation position at the church to a new person, less than 30 days to set some foundational things in motion for eXperience church so I can begin a new ministry in a new town.
I think we all have a tendency to think that we have time, that there will be tomorrow to take care of things, there’s plenty of time and one day without any warning,tomorrow is here and there is no more time…
I think about the past year and a half and realize how much I am going to miss the wonderful friends I have at The Journey North, while I can stay in contact, it’s not the same as being there. I’m looking forward to the new relationships that will be created in DL and I know that it will be amazing as we will experience so many “firsts” within our new community.
I wish words could express how thankful I am for the friends I have now, who have shared many firsts with me and have made this whole new season a reality.
Thank you!
August 6th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Hi Mike -
Great post. It seems like it went fast for us too. I cant believe it is time for you to go, and at the same time, I think wow….imagine how God will work in all of you now.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Mike,
You have done a great job at the Journey North. You have a true heart for God. It will be fun to hear what God will do through you in Detroit Lakes. Take care and God Bless you and your family.
Tara Aricha
October 17th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
As I worked at McD’s in Wadena today Mike and Amy came through so I had to check out the website and found this song. During my divorce 3 years ago, I felt so much like the woman in the song, lost, desparate, lonely. My grown kids were angry because they didn’t understand the manipulation their dad had used to mess up my mind for almost 30 years. I hated myself and everything about me. Thank God, He was there and sent some very special people to help me through. When I asked Him to help me find a place to regroup, He led me to a wonderful 40 acre ranch near Nimrod that is quiet and loving. If ever anyone needs a time out, to take a buggy ride and be close to God, this is it. Praise His name, He has given me a new man to love that love the Lord as much as I do. My job is also because I now have a mental health diagnosis and that is my ministry to suffering people.