I have been in full-time Children’s Ministry for 17 years. During that time…
- I have loved the calling God has had on my life.
- I have loved leading teams and growing the children’s ministries in three churches in Indiana, Arizona, and Ohio.
- I have enjoyed connecting with parents while loving on babies and children of all ages.
It has been amazing—God has been so good!
However, over the past year, I sensed God calling me to something new. God has continued to put this passage from Isaiah before me.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
While Kevin and I were on vacation in late August, I was listening to a podcast. The speaker talked about the attributes of Jesus. When she said Jesus surrendered to the will of his Father I began to weep. I knew it was time to surrender to what I have known and step into the unknown. I came back and told my pastor I would probably transition in June of 2020.
Then, while on a personal retreat on October 10, I spent time praying and listening. I heard the Lord say, “Do you trust me?” I heard him say it several times that morning while sitting on a cabin porch.
Another time when I was sitting on the wooden dock at the pond. He said, “I am calling you out on the water. Are you going to step out?” I went home and told Kevin that knew it was time to submit my resignation and step out on the waters of uncertainty. in faith and trust that God will lead me forward.
Therefore, I submitted my resignation effective December 31, 2019. No, I am not leaving Salem Church of God to go be a children’s pastor at another church. I am simply stepping out in faith and trusting God will lead me where he wants me.
God has His hand on you Paula. So proud of you. You are such a great role model. Can’t wait to hear what He has you do.
Hi Beth! Thank you for your encouragement!
I love hearing how God has spoken to you and how your obedient. It takes faith and courage but he will supply your every need. Over the last 18 months I’ve felt God stirring in my heart and helping me grow to accept the “why” things in my life. Speaking to me clearly about some changes we, (Sheldon and I) we have made. And again just this week I’ve had to trust him with additional happenings. Good to see you recently. God bless!!
Paula, I love that you are submitting to Gids well. As I read your blog I can see how God pursues us if we are still and are willing to listen and obey. I will be praying for you guys as you wait upon the Lords plans for you! Love Darla
Darla,
Thanks so much for your kind words. SO very true – God does pursue us – yet we have to be willing to listen and obey!
Excited to see where a Jesus leads and you follow..
Darla,
Thanks so much for your kind words. SO very true – God does pursue us – yet we have to be willing to listen and obey!
Thanks, Karen!
Paula, I love how you are listening to God and stepping out in faith. What a great testimony! I will miss you, as Children’s Pastor, but am really excited and can’t wait to hear what God’s plan is for you! Lifting you and Kevin up in prayer.
Becky,
I will miss you too! You have been so faithful to Salemkids! Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
Congratulations on listening and acting on God’s request for you to move on. No worries though. Were ever you are going, God is already there.
In my prayers
Your brother in Christ
and friend.
God bless
Hi Dennis!
Thanks you so much for your encouragement!
That is a powerful verse at work this year! It changed my ministry execution this year when I stepped into the unknown and God has been faithful ❤️🙏
It sure is!! SO excited for what God is doing through you!!!
Serving God is a great adventure. We never know what God has in store for us just around the corner. While I am sad to see you leave, I am so proud of you Praying, ‘ Not my Will but yours be done.”
Tonight the quartet sang a song about stepping out of the boat in faith that God will catch you and hold you up as the waves crash all around you. Be at peace Paula. You’re doing the right thing. I’m anxious to see what God has in store for you.Blessings my dear sister😇🎉👍💖💖💖
Sue,
Thank you so much for your encouragement! I am at total peace!!!
What a great reminder – that God will catch us and hold us as the waves crash around us!