Sunday, August 28, 2011

God said "Go"....again...

It's Packing Time Again!

Wow! We have some exciting news to share with everyone. A few months ago, God began to stir our hearts . We weren't sure what the stirring was for, but we knew God was up to something. Then an opportunity came a-knockin. 

Jady was offered a job at Antioch in Waco, TX. It is the church we were sent out of to plant Mosaic in Seattle six years ago & it is the church All People's was planted out of as well. They want Jady to come help produce the World Mandate conference and serve the movement as a whole. We prayed about it, sought council and decided that it was a God opportunity for our family. 

So, we are moving back to Waco...never say 'never' right? Despite some of the cultural adjustments we will feel (we have been on the West coast for six years) our family could not be more excited. Genuinely excited. One thing we have learned on this journey is that whenever God guides us into a new place, it is GOOD. 

Jady will be able to use his gifts and passions in practical ways as he helps serve the movement and World Mandate - that is going to be really fun for him. Also, a lot of our family lives in Waco. Elizabeth's parents, and all of our siblings, their spouses & children...LOTS of family there. The family aspect is such a refreshment for all of us...not to mention free babysitters...

Hmm...you have questions???

When Are You Going?
Here is the kicker...we are moving on Sept. 5th. That is correct, just one week away. It may sound sudden, but everything is lining out perfectly. It is also the best time for our family, All People's Church and Antioch to transition. The World Mandate Conference is in two weeks, so we will be able to be there for it.

What About Adoption?
This move is going to make completing our adoption easier. Praise the Lord! Our adoption agency is actually located in Waco so we will be able to work with them directly. You may remember California won't accept our Washington paperwork, so we were having to re-do everything. Well, Texas will accept it and all we have to do are a few updates. Thankfully, we haven't spent any money on our California process, so no adoption funding is wasted in the move.

How Can We Pray?
You are so sweet to ask that. Really, sweet. We would love it if you pray with us. Obviously there are tons of things, but here is a short list. 
  • Pray for all the practicals. Safe travels, emotion adjustments, Sophie's new school, and that we wouldn't shrivel up in the Texas heat.
  • All People's Church has blessed us to leave and we want to pray that blessing back on them. Pray that the transition on their end is smooth as other people pick up the jobs Jady was doing.
  • If you have known us long, you know that we have moved many times when we lived in Seattle, then San Diego & now Waco. Over the past six years, we have lived in eight houses. That is a bunch of houses, but we are ready for a home.We would love, love, love to be able to buy a house. Please pray that we would be able to get money together for a down payment. 
Thanks for your interest in our lives, and for praying along side us as we simply obey God each step of the way! We will keep you posted...now, back to packing.
                            The Griffins

Jady playing drums at World Mandate 2009

World Mandate Conference

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Dog Days of Summer

Goodness! Summer has come and gone. It really is incredible how time flies. We just marked six months of living in San Diego. God has done so much in us these past six months. We feel envisioned for the future and full of joy that we get to walk with God and follow Him where He leads us. So many things to tell you, but here are a few:

ALL PEOPLES CHURCH
Jady Leading Worship @ All Peoples Church
  • Perhaps you remember the Iranian man who showed up at church a few weeks ago. After coming he began to meet regularly with a man from the church to discuss who Jesus is and what following Him means. This past week he made the decision to accept Christ! 
  • Another couple from church had a language tutor who was Iranian. They gave her a Jesus Film video. She eagerly thanked them and said, "I have seen Him!". Twelve years ago Jesus appeared to her in a dream and motioned for her to follow Him. Lets take a moment and celebrate that God is moving among the unreached people of the earth...even here in the USA!
  • These next few weeks are full of activities as we gear up for the fall. Join us in praying that God gives us the right strategy to reap a harvest this year!
MOSAIC
Just wanted to give you an update on how Mosaic is doing in Seattle. So many of you have journeyed with us as we planted the church there. Things at Mosaic are thriving and growing! Here are a few things that you will love:
  • Mosaic now has staff members who were born & raised in Seattle. In church planting, this is a huge landmark!
  • More and more families are attending Mosaic. The kids ministry is growing and growing. Praise God, such an answer to prayer!
  • This year there is a day and night training school again filled with a diverse group of students who represent many spheres of society.
  • Mosaic has it's first two missionaries! Two girls are going to Uganda to serve the long term works going on there with our network of churches. Whoo!!!! We have always said that Mosaic would touch the nations & it IS!
GRIFFIN FAMILY

  • We attended the annual conference for Antioch Network of Churches in North Carolina this July. It was a great time of refreshment, equipping and clarity for us. Thanks so much for praying for that trip. Plus, our kids LOVED getting to spend the week with Jady's parents.
  • Sophie starts pre-K on September 1st. Wasn't she just born???
  • Tait's speech continues to surprise us. I know I say it every time, but THANK YOU for praying. His progress is stumping the therapists and we know that God is speeding the process for our little guy.
Blessings to you guys as the school year kicks off. We love living life with each of you and are so grateful for the choice you have made to be involved with us. Much love!
                                                The Griffins