A New Grace Period

Today marks the beginning of a new season for many people in our closely knit community of Christ's followers at Roger Park Community Church. The Greenberg family of 5, whom we've come to know and love over the past 6 years, has been called on to Florida to live near family. While the parameters appear secure, they leave behind their Chicago home of 15 years for no job and no certain landing place. They leave behind a legacy of evangelistic teaching and example of gospel sharing without fear. I don't think Tripp and I will realize to what extent they've impacted our lives until we're walking more closely in their shoes. 

As of today, Tripp was unanimously voted in as Interim Lead Pastor at Rogers Park Community Church. This is the role that Pastor Keith Greenberg is trusting the Lord to pass on to his friend and Elder, Tripp. The term 'Interim' in this instance simply means 'Lead Pastor with a Grace Period'. Tripp will fulfill all the duties of Lead Pastor as a Tent Maker, keeping his current position at his medical waste company. Interim means that the commitment though complete is not final. We'll assess God's leading as a family and church in early 2014. 

Let's take a moment to look at Tripp in 2007, the height of his good looks. 

Thanks to that sweetie pie in my arms, Tripp and I worked as helpers in a VBS program at a church in our hometown in Taiwan. Her parents were Christians and invited us to come help. While helping, we were asked if we wanted to go receive prayer from a man that was well known for prophesy. Tripp was unsure of the experience but we felt it would be culturally rude to say no. The man prayed for Tripp and it was translated to English by one of the other helpers. The prophesy included a few life turns, one that has become heartbreakingly true, and another that we're seeing today. 

Fluffy headed Tripp was informed that he would be called to ministry. This confirmed a dream he'd had sometime before:

"When I was in college, Jesus Christ appeared to me in a dream, and showed me what he would have me do... Namely to be in the church, and point the people to Him. This is hard to explain, but it was the most vivid dream of my life, and has given me great confidence in my purposes.  This experience has had a profound influence on me."

I wish I could get Tripp to sit down and detail out his feelings about this current grace period we've now entered into as a family. However, he fell asleep on the couch watching football tonight. He falls asleep on the couch most night while I work on my laptop on the other couch. 

Today I feel that we're given a very unique opportunity to taste missionary toil for Christ. This toiling is not partnered with insecurity about whether or not we're following God or doing the right thing with our lives. This toiling, according to 1 Timothy 4:10 and Colossians 1:29, is married to teaching the Gospel, the living hope, to everyone that everyone may be presented mature in Christ. We toil to get the word out that Jesus is the Savior to all. 

This is good news for our family because regardless of whether or not the Lord calls Tripp to Lead RPCC beyond winter 2014, we will learn to toil here and now.