Have you ever had the experience of being totally thrilled and totally shocked at the same time? You know when the sensations of joy and surprise come crashing in on your senses at the same time? Maybe you've been completely caught off guard by a birthday party that you knew NOTHING about. Or perhaps you can recall your first rollercoaster ride. I think there are times in all of our lives when we can identify with that feeling. Some are larger and more memorable than others but I'm pretty sure we've all had those moments.
To be honest, the last year has kind of felt like that for Mel and I. We are so thrilled with the mission God has laid on our hearts and totally surprised that he's called us to do it. Every time I stop and think about it I get a rush of emotions that fills my sails and propels me on in fear and anticipation. It's awesome!
As if our life hasn't had enough of that this year God has given us that experience once again. On September 15th Mel and I discovered that we're expecting our second child! We're so thrilled at the prospect and, as is often the case with these experiences, very surprised. This was not our plan for this year but we're trusting that it's God's plan for us and after a day or two of shock we're now very excited about welcoming a new member into our family :-) Please pray for Mel as she carries this new life in her womb and pray for us as we live daily by faith in what God is leading us through.
A new baby is certainly thrilling but it's not the only exciting thing that's been happening since we landed in Warren, MI one month ago today. We've had the pleasure of getting involved with a new community of faith at Paradox Church and they have been awesome! Jesus said to us in John 13:35 "By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another". We have seen that here at Paradox as their love for us, for one another and for their community is infectious. They truly represent Christ wherever they are found and it's been our joy to get to know them this month.
As we've settled in my work week has become a bit more normalized. I've been reveling in the opportunity to spend large chunks of time putting the vision for this church plant on paper. God's word says that without vision the people parish. The next big step for this plant is to have those concepts made clearer for others as we know God has other people in mind to help see lives changed for his Kingdom in the city of Toronto.
The other big task on my plate is to help build on the firm foundations of the Paradox Small Groups ministry. Craig McGlassion, Paradox's lead Pastor and my church planting coach, and I have been discussing at length what the Small Groups ministry here at Paradox should look like in the coming months and years. It's an exciting process and one that will not only be helpful for Paradox but helpful for the "yet-to-be named" church in Toronto. The primary focus of our discussions has been "how can we make small groups an effective tool in accomplishing the mission Christ gave us to seek the lost and disciple believers"? To us, it's a “both/and” prospect. It's exciting to think this through with Craig!
Enough about me though, what about Mel? Mel and Layla are having a great time together and are working in tandem to make connections with other Moms in the Warren area. This is where this work really gets practical and we get to exercise our passion for the lost as missional living. Mel has become active in the Warren Mom's Club and her and Layla are making friendships together with non-believers there. You all can be praying for our family as our lives intersect with these families. Pray for opportunities to share Christ and for boldness when the opportunities come.
Melissa and I want to thank you all again for your love, prayers and support. God has been faithful this month and we have no reason to doubt him in the future. Our God is capable of immeasurably more than we can think or imagine and we trust him with our lives even as he guides and directs them. Right now our support raising is up to date. Our planting partners ELI have committed $5000 to our support. This is a huge help as without them we're about $1000/mo short of our goal this year. Please continue to pray that God will put it on more hearts to be a part of our support team in the coming years.
At the bottom of this letter are a few things you can be praying for. We're so thrilled to have so many friends praying for us and know our God hears our prayers so keep on praying without ceasing for all things in life!
We'd love to hear from any of you as to how life is going and ways we can be lifting you, your families and your not-yet-Christian friends in prayer. Please feel free to drop us a line at timheerebout@gmail.com or call/write us at:
The Heerebouts
8526 Harder Rd
Warren, MI 48093
In Christ,
Tim, Melissa and Layla
Items for Prayer:
Melissa's health as she carries our new baby
A soft heart as we learn from Paradox
Wisdom as the vision for the church plant is written out
More opportunities to meet and impact not-yet-believers in Warren
Continued strength in our marriage (7 years old yesterday :-) )
