"And in every moment, He has provided His Holy Spirit—lifting us when we are weak, comforting us when we are hurting, lighting our way when we are lost, and leading us into relationships that draw us closer to Him."

When my wife and I first considered taking a job at Gateway Woods, one of the biggest fears we faced was the fear of change. What would it look like to uproot our family from our home, friends, family, and church, and move to a new place? How long would it take to settle in? How would we find and build a new community of friends and family, and integrate into a new church? In what ways would this move change us—physically, spiritually, relationally, and beyond?

It is so difficult to know how the changes that come with working in a ministry like Gateway Woods will affect us. Now, after several years of being here, I can honestly say that God has been incredibly faithful. He has blessed me with amazing coworkers who continually teach me to trust and follow Him. He has surrounded us with a church family who have faithfully loved, supported, and encouraged us through every joy and sorrow. And in every moment, He has provided His Holy Spirit—lifting us when we are weak, comforting us when we are hurting, lighting our way when we are lost, and leading us into relationships that draw us closer to Him.

Have we faced change? Absolutely! Romans 12:2 reminds us to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Following God’s call to Gateway Woods, moving to a new home, and learning to rely on and love a new church body have all proved that God has a plan for us. He is transforming our hearts and minds through the power of His Holy Spirit, all while allowing us to serve in His ministry here at Gateway. Not only have we experienced a transformation in our own lives, but we also get the privilege of witnessing the transformational power of the Gospel at work in the youth and families we serve.

As I reflect, I am reminded of Ephesians 3:19-21 where Paul exhorts the church in Ephesus:

"19 … [To] know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Looking back, the journey has not been without its challenges. But through every twist and turn, God's faithfulness has been evident. It’s in the midst of change, that we see the power of His love—and it’s through this journey that we are reminded that no matter what change may come, He is with us every step of the way.