Another first in our new adventure in ministry...
Walter tossed and turned the night before the first meeting of "Leadership Week".  This surprised me.  Very little has Walter from sleeping as we have been involved with directing NCEM.  But the reality of the role of General Director in addressing all the leaders of the mission organization, plus meeting with the Board of Directors of NCEM and Healing Hearts Ministries seemed to weigh heavy on Walter's mind.
I had no official tasks or expectations on me and I wondered how this week would go for the both of us.  But as we settled into our car to head to Big River Bible Camp, with our new Treasurer, Bob, and the first ever Member Care Coordinator for NCEM, Tony, that heaviness and anxiety seemed to lighten.  These were two of our great team that God has brought together to lead NCEM.  We chatted, laughed, listened to Bob read some reports and soon the hour and a half drive from the mission headquarters flew by!
Driving onto the camp property brought peace to our minds.  The green grass, the mature trees, the sound of the lawnmower and the tidy arrangement of cabins gave us that sense of God's presence and relaxation.  The sight of the lake drew us to want to canoe or fish!  Who wanted to spend four days in meetings?!
Highlights for me?
I was included in most of the meetings and phone interviews.
I was given the title of Administrative Assistant to the Executive.
I was invited to fish with the "guys".
I connected with the camp staff and some volunteers when I wasn't in meetings, or I caught up on some reading.
For Walter, he felt very affirmed by the leadership and the Board.  Although change does involve adjustments and pushback and challenge, the overall feeling of the meetings was one of hope and vision.
We sat in the camp's new chapel with the two Boards and I felt overwhelmed by where we are after only three months.  Bowing in prayer, I felt the tears and choked through what I thought was a simple prayer of thanksgiving.  But I recognized how God has blessed us, answered our cries of desperation and provided for our needs!  It hasn't been easy and completely smooth.  As the new structure that Walter and the Executive have drawn up is presented and implemented, there may be some bumps in the road.  We will continue to pray and trust!
The sense of God's clear guidance has really carried us through.  The promise is trustworthy that He will remain faithful and will not abandon or forsake us on this journey.
"Leadership Week 2017" is in the books. To God be the glory!