The fall had us speaking somewhere every weekend! It began with the Chaplain of Walter Reed Army hospital hearing us on the Focus on the Family radio broadcast and calling at 6 am Ca time to see if we would speak for wounded warriors (and their spouses). We of course said, Yes! We have spoken for numerous military events all year-- (the divorce rate of Marines is at an all time high of 80%. They need our help, encouragement and prayers for their tremendous sacrifice)
October 1 marked a huge transition for Bill. God had been blessing both his small group ministry under Dr Jeremiah at Shadow Mountain, and our writing and speaking, and working two more than full time positions meant Bill was getting very little sleep so his health was being put at risk once again, plus both ministries hit the place they both needed more focused attention to move to the next level. This was a difficult transition, both Dr Jeremiah and Bill prayed for months over it, but in the fall, we decided it was time for Bill and I to launch full time into our writing, speaking, relationship building ministry. God filled in our schedule, knowing He was moving us this direction, in the next 6 months from Oct- March. We were at our home church (which is Shadow Mountain where Caleb is active and growing), we were in town (not speaking) only 3 times in 6 months. While this is terrific for our speaking ministry, it is a big transition for us (especially Bill) who has always been 'Pastor Bill" for nearly all 29 married years together. (Bill went from working with almost all males on Senior staff at SMCC to all women in our "JOY ZONE" office. The women gave him a testosterone party and gave gifts of footballs, sports photos, coffee, mugs etc to help him feel more at home. It is good he has taught on gender differences!). We anticipate many exciting things are ahead but we covet your prayers over us as we navigate the months ahead. ( A huge joy came in September- the birth of our first granddaughter, Eden! Brock and Hannah are terrific parents! You can catch up on family happenings at: http://farrelfamily.blogspot.com/)
October 1 marked a huge transition for Bill. God had been blessing both his small group ministry under Dr Jeremiah at Shadow Mountain, and our writing and speaking, and working two more than full time positions meant Bill was getting very little sleep so his health was being put at risk once again, plus both ministries hit the place they both needed more focused attention to move to the next level. This was a difficult transition, both Dr Jeremiah and Bill prayed for months over it, but in the fall, we decided it was time for Bill and I to launch full time into our writing, speaking, relationship building ministry. God filled in our schedule, knowing He was moving us this direction, in the next 6 months from Oct- March. We were at our home church (which is Shadow Mountain where Caleb is active and growing), we were in town (not speaking) only 3 times in 6 months. While this is terrific for our speaking ministry, it is a big transition for us (especially Bill) who has always been 'Pastor Bill" for nearly all 29 married years together. (Bill went from working with almost all males on Senior staff at SMCC to all women in our "JOY ZONE" office. The women gave him a testosterone party and gave gifts of footballs, sports photos, coffee, mugs etc to help him feel more at home. It is good he has taught on gender differences!). We anticipate many exciting things are ahead but we covet your prayers over us as we navigate the months ahead. ( A huge joy came in September- the birth of our first granddaughter, Eden! Brock and Hannah are terrific parents! You can catch up on family happenings at: http://farrelfamily.blogspot.com/)
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