This morning in church I made an announcement to the members that I will be stepping down as Associate Pastor at the beginning of June this year.
On 13 January we were approached by Henry and Madeline Berry (Child Evangelism Fellowship Ireland Directors), with an invitation from the 'CEF European Field Council' to join the team based in Kilchzimmer, Switzerland and to take up the post of 'European Youth Challenge Coordinator's.
This is the same place where I worked from 1992-96 but then I was involved in their literature and printing departments. Although these developments took us completely by surprise, we do feel that God has been preparing us for this and that it is His will that we accept this invitation.
Claudia and I have asked CEF to begin the necessary procedures that would lead to us becoming candidates with the mission. Pending acceptance, we as a family will attend the summer training institute at Kilchzimmer which is compulsory for all of their missionary candidates. The course lasts for three months from the middle of June.The timetable and details of what happens following our return home in September have still to be discussed with the 'CEF Ireland Executive Council' but the following dates have been suggested as a rough guide:
- Jun - Sep 06 - CEF candidates course at Kilchzimmer, Switzerland
- Oct 06 - June 07 - a practical time working alongside CEF workers in Ireland and taking meetings to raise our support throughout Ireland; also some visits to Europe for training courses and conferences
- July 07 - Leave NI and move as a family to Switzerland
- Aug - Dec 07 - practical time in Switzerland (working alongside Philippe) with probably some deputation in Germany
- Jan 08 - official take up the new post
Youth Challenge is the youth division of CEF (JYC 11-14 year olds and SYC 15+). The main areas of my job description are:
- Training - teaching and organising of instructors courses
- Literature - revision and writing of material for JYC and SYC and it's translation into other European languages
- Website - will be used as a resource for YC workers
- PR work - producing YC newsletters and representing the YC ministry at various conferences and Bible colleges in Europe.
The last few weeks have been extremely intensive for us and while exciting, they have also been mentally exhausting. We will be very sad to leave Thomas Street Baptist as we have enjoyed our time here since our arrival in August 2003, yet we believe that this is the next step in God's plan for us and that we must have the faith to step out and follow. We intend to remain in membership in the church.
As you can probably appreciate, the major mountain before us now, is going to be the raising of financial support. The mission expects us to raise 100% of our finance through regular donations from churches and individuals. Our budget is still to be set but it is likely to be very high because of the high cost of living in Switzerland and because I also have to raise the finance for my ministry expenses, which will include travel costs.
We know the Lord is able to supply our every need and we must simply trust Him. One verse that has always meant so much to me at times like these is: "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" (1Thes 5:24).
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Gary, Claudia, Joel and David
