still in stillwater

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still in stillwater

We’re ready. Our hearts are set, our vision is clear, but we’re still in Stillwater, waiting—and it’s tough. We thought we’d already be in New Orleans, but God’s timing has always proven perfect. To prepare for the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual demands of the move, we’ve set four goals for this year:

• Write and share a song
• Run a 10K in under 45 minutes
• Preach in five different states
• Collect 50 new phone contacts

These aren’t just tasks to check off; they’re steps to sharpen our skills, build relationships, and strengthen our hearts for what’s ahead. Still, finding momentum has been harder than we expected. Shaking off post-holiday sluggishness hasn’t been easy, and while we’re showing up and making progress, the energy we anticipated isn’t quite there.

On top of that, January has brought its usual challenges. Between holiday chaos, poor diet, and being surrounded by toddlers who double as walking germ factories, sickness has hit our home again. A few nights ago, I ended up in the ER with Leon, our oldest, after he woke up struggling to breathe. Thankfully, it was Croup, and a quick breathing treatment gave him relief, though his symptoms are lingering. As every parent knows, a sick kid can derail even the best-laid plans, so we’re adjusting and staying flexible. 

terror attack

After the devastating attack in New Orleans on January 1, our urgency to return has only deepened. Watching the city grieve from afar has been painful. Friends in the city have shared their fear and heartbreak, and as a family called to serve there, we’ve felt the weight of not being present. New Orleans is no stranger to adversity, from hurricanes to economic struggles to rising crime rates. The city is resilient, but it desperately needs hope. We’re ready to be there, to serve, and to share Jesus, but for now, we wait.

Despite our eagerness, we’re still in Stillwater, actively applying for jobs and praying for doors to open. The waiting season has been harder than expected. I’ve felt the weight of announcing, “We’re going back,” and now having to work through the slower reality of making it happen. In moments of frustration, I sense God asking, “What did you expect?”

I expected to have a job in the city by now.
I expected to be living in a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home near parks and shops.
I expected financial freedom to create spaces for people to encounter God.
I expected the journey to be quicker, easier, and full of unceasing energy.

But God’s expectations are different. He expects me to be diligent in prayer. He expects me to finish this season in Oklahoma well, without bitterness or discontent. He expects me to trust His timing, to remain humble, and to extract the lessons from this time. He expects endurance, patience, and faithfulness. I’ve realized that living up to His expectations is far better than clinging to my own.

I know the time will come when we’ll be in New Orleans, fulfilling the assignment God has given us. But I’m not naive. This work won’t be easy. It might actually be excruciating. The city is dark, violent, and deeply broken. Building His Church there will require resilience, perseverance, and faith. This is the big leagues, and I believe God is still preparing us for the challenges ahead.

what’s holding us back?

Here’s the truth: we can’t do this alone. Building God’s Church in a city like New Orleans requires a team of people who believe in the mission and are willing to invest in it. The only thing holding us back right now is finances. But I believe in the power of partnership.

Not everyone can uproot their lives and move to New Orleans, but you can still play a vital role. Through your financial support, prayers, and encouragement, you can be part of something that has the potential to heal and transform families.

Will you partner with us? Will you step into this story and help us bring hope to a city that so desperately needs it?

Let’s create space for people to find peace and meet with God.

Set up a time to chat about our financial needs. We’ll keep knocking until something opens. Will you be the one to open the next door?

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PRAYER NEEDS

A job in the city
An affordable home to rent
Monthly financial supporters
Faith and endurance