Community Support

Well, in a few short months, Joy and I will have everything sold, packed, and shipped- including ourselves.  We've been in Nashville for five years, having moved here for graduate school without work.  Between then and now, we have experienced a lot of growth.  Joy, after completing her Masters in Teaching (Trevecca Nazarene University), spent two years teaching a 3^rd grade English Learner’s class, and recently moved to an after school reading program for at-risk youth in the Preston Taylor public housing area.  Her passion revolves around teaching reading in a hope filled context for those in otherwise oppressive and broken relationships.  After completing my MDiv., I took a position as the Development and Volunteer Manager at East Nashville Cooperative Ministry, a non-profit that strives toward healthy relationships in the East Nashville community with a focus on food relief and food development.  I also moved to a staff position at First Church of the Nazarene as the Emmaus Fellowship Pastor.  I currently work with, for, and among our homeless neighbors in Nashville and lead a fellowship meal and worship service for the community.  And now, we're beginning to end our work here and turn our face toward the Big Island.

We never imagined living in Hawaii.  It's too far away from friends and family, leaves unfulfilled our propensity toward sweater weather, and is the most isolated grouping of islands in the world.  For many, a vacation is just enough to experience Hawaii, but moving is an entirely different commitment.  And yet, God has called us to leave Nashville and join another community.  We are confident in God's guidance during this process and eagerly await our new home.

And we couldn’t be more excited!  We truly believe God has been working through our experiences in Nashville, preparing us for the work that lies ahead in Hawaii.  Through Joy’s work with English Learner Students, Eric’s work in ministry and community development, and both of our experience working with low-income neighbors, we believe we will fit well into our new ministry context.  While we will never be fully prepared, we are confident in God’s call and eager to follow.  But even more, we anticipate God's work for the transformation of individuals and whole communities in restorative and and redemptive ways in the days to come on the Kona Coast.

As missionary-pastors, we are responsible for raising the funds to support 1/3 of our expenses.  Kona Coast Nazarene has committed to covering our housing expenses while living in Hawaii, and as part of the missionary endeavor, we will begin to assimilate into the local neighborhood through part-time work.  However, because of the high cost of living, we still need to raise support.  This part of the letter is a bit awkward for us both, as fundraising has never come easily.  As we’ve struggled through this part of our transition we have found peace in knowing we are following God’s call faithfully and obediently.  Today, we are praying for God to lay this vision on the hearts of others.  We know we cannot do this alone.  We need a community of support, both financially and in prayer.  Would you prayerfully consider being a part of our team?

If you are able to give and are led to do so, there are number of ways.  Because we need to raise support on an annual basis over the next 5 years, we accept one-time donations or reoccurring monthly donations.  The best way to give is online through the Kona Coast Nazarene giving portal: easytithe.com/kcn.  Just follow the link for easy giving.  Be sure to mark the North and Central Mission Zone to support our work.  A link to this page, as well as the Kona Coast Nazarene website, can be found through the tabs on this blog.  Checks may also be made out to Kona Coast Nazarene with North and Central Mission Zone written on the memo line.  All donations are tax deductible.  We appreciate your support.

And of course, we will continue to keep everyone up to date with both personal stories, ministry news, and theological inquiries right here on the blog.  So please continue to interact with us, read our updates, write a comment, share a story, say a prayer.