Chad and Lynse Stevens – Christmas 2009

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, Lend me your ears…

We wanted to take a minute and update you on what has been going on in our lives. Each one of you have poured into us individually and as a couple over the years, whether it be by friendship, love, spiritual leadership or prayer and we are so thankful for each and every one of you.

Since our marriage in April of 2008, we have known that God has called Chad to be in full time ministry, but we were unsure of how that might look in the future. Currently Chad is working with an amazing local ministry called Big Time Ministries, which serves in the local Middle Schools to unite Teachers, Coaches, Parents and Pastors in the student’s lives.   His ministry efforts have been focused at Liberty Park Middle School.  Chad has also been working at the local YMCA coordinating the K-2^nd Grade After School Programs and is the Director of Teen Camps in the summer months.

For the past 5 years Lynse has been on staff with Church of the Highlands and has enjoyed her time there. This past Summer we began to feel like being in full time Ministry was hindering Chad from pursuing his ministry dreams and goals; God began to deal with us that it was time to resign from Highlands staff so I could fully support Chad in his Ministry calling. After much prayer and consulting with our Parents and close Friends, we decided that stepping down was the best plan for our family. Although it was not an easy decision, it has proven to bring unity in both our lives and our marriage. We miss our Highlands staff family, but happily attend and serve on the Highlands Dream Team weekly.

Lynse recently went to Washington and had the opportunity to meet Brett Aljets, Pastor of Whipple Creek Church (www.whipplecreek.com). Through this connection we found out that they were looking to hire a part-time Youth Pastor and Family Minister. Chad interviewed for the job in early September over video chat with Brett and found out shortly after that Chad was a good fit for the position! The more we have talked with Brett and gotten to know him, the more we have fallen in love with the community and the church. We have prayed about the decision to accept the job and we both feel like this is where the Lord is leading us. This is a great opportunity for us as we will get to minister to those whom we feel called to lead, the Youth and their Families. This decision wasn’t an easy one to make, knowing we’ll be leaving our friends, family and Birmingham behind; but we know that God is calling us to pursue this endeavor. Currently our plan is to stay in Birmingham until our lease ends in Mid-February and then make the move to Vancouver, Washington.

We will be making the 36+ hour trip across the country in the X-Terra, stopping in Colorado to see Lynse’s family and then onto our new city, new home and new life of opportunity in Vancouver. Chad has deemed this trip “The Road Trip of 2010…chasing our dreams across the country” and has requested that we drive through Kansas, even after he’s been warned that he’s not missing anything. We will have to endure the torture of boredom through Kansas.  Much prayer is appreciated!

After talking with Brett about logistics, they have asked that we take care of moving expenses, and instead of compensating us monetarily, they will take care of our housing. The only expenses that we’ll have are the living expenses, i.e., food, gas, clothing, etc. Lynse is currently on the job hunt to be able to cover those costs and has applied for several jobs in Vancouver and Portland, but as of yet has not found anything available.  Please be in prayer with us that God would provide a good paying job to help us cover the necessities of life.

As we take this step of faith and begin to minister in Vancouver, we are asking that each of you would prayerfully consider supporting us in this journey, whether financially or in prayer. Each is equally important and needed. Our specific financial needs are the moving expenses to get our belongings out there, and if the Lord leads you to give financially please make a tax deductible donation to Whipple Creek World Missions (8802 NW 9th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665).

We are so excited about this amazing opportunity God has put before us and can’t wait to set out on this new chapter in our lives. We know that God is our protector, provider, father and friend and He will lead us through this time of transition. As you pray for us, we wanted you to know the verse that we’re clinging to during this time.

1 Peter 2:21 “For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps.”

We hope that your Holiday Season is filled with hope, peace, love, family and friends!! We love each and every one of you and are so thankful for the amazing gifts you offer to the Kingdom of God!

In much Love,

Lynse and Chad Stevens­­­­