Eight Years. That's how long I have worked in the home office of The Mission Society. At least until August 31. That was my last day as we make this transition to moving overseas.
In 2004, Amy and I returned to Atlanta after finishing up at Asbury Seminary. I still remember my first day at the office: a little green and wet behind the ears. Honestly, I wasn't sure I belonged in the same company of some of the others who worked there. It was surreal to actually be on staff at The Mission Society back then. Now, eight years later, it's a little surreal that I am not.
When I started I gave a two-year commitment to stay on staff and help bolster the Advancement team and the major events we hosted. I really didn't think I'd stay any longer than that. I had lived overseas already and had been trained to return there...somewhere. I knew working at the home office was a stepping stone to our eventual move overseas.
God's timing turned out to be a little different than our timing. And I am grateful for that. Don't get me wrong; there were certainly days and times when I was ready to go and wondered why the Lord hadn't released us. But now I look back and see His grace and providence in keeping us here in Atlanta for this season.
And my last week in the office, the Lord overwhelmed me with the love and friendships I have made among my colleagues. There were so many encouraging words said to me and Amy. It was a reflection of the life we shared together in the home office - working together, eating together, celebrating together, laughing (and sometimes crying) together, and praying together.
It reminded me of one thing Paul said to the Thessalonians in 1 Thess 2:8, "Because we loved you so much, we delighted in not only sharing the gospel of God, but our lives as well."
In the office, we enjoyed sharing our faith and our lives with one another. We went on mission trips together, helped each other move, and hung out outside of the office. We helped each other out through health issues, car issues, and family crises at times. Through these relationships the Lord bonded us into more of a family, not just co-workers.
As Amy, Emily, and I go to the UK this next year, this is our prayer for the new friendships and relationships we will make there - that we would not only share the gospel, but would share our lives as well. By learning from others there and sharing life together, we believe the Lord can help us connect more deeply with the students and locals in Oxford, as well as with Jesus and His love for the people there. And that's when hearts and lives - including ours - can be transformed for eternity.
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