Inauguration Day

Yesterday was Jim's "Installation" as a pastor; he was ordained into the Christ the King association of churches. However, our kids decided that "Installation" just didn't seem like the right word ... they chose, instead, to call it their Papa's "Inauguration Day". So, on the drive home, Hosanna asked me if I am now the "First Lady" of Lopez Christ The King. Hmmm ... I kind of like the sound of that.

As always, our day trip out to the island was a long one ... but a good one.

5:00 * Papa and Mama up

5:30 * Kids up

(the 6 youngest went with us ...

the 6 that will be moving with us)

6:00 * On the Road

7:45 * Catch the Ferry in Anacortes

8:00 * Yogurt & Muffins for Breakfast

8:30 * Arrive on Lopez

9:00 * Meet up with Pastor Jim C. & Family

(from San Juan Island C.T.K.)

at the Bakery in The Village

9:30 * Off to Church We Go

The church service was simple, yet touching. Pastor Jim (from San Juan Island) exhorted the congregation to not expect too much of the new Pastor Jim. He shared that the new Pastor Jim was not going to be able to meet all of their needs; but that that wasn't his job. It is the Lord's job to meet all of our needs, and we must not expect our pastors to be everything to everyone.

Pastor Jim C. shared 10 scriptural qualifications for being a Pastor; and shared how Papa meets those qualifications.

Pastor Jim C. shared that there are 3 types of leaders, and he shared what he believed to be Papa's leadership style. This was very interesting, as Papa had never specifically shared these things; but we saw that Pastor Jim C. was very perceptive. He shared that some leaders are out in front of the pack yelling, "Come on. Catch up.", and that some leaders are behind the pack, kicking people in the rear and saying, "Get going. You've got work to do." However, Pastor Jim saw that Papa will be the type of leader that is right in the center of the pack saying, "Come on. We've got work to do." Yes, I absolutely believe that will be the kind of pastor that Papa will be.

Then, Pastor Jim C. called Papa up front, asked him to kneel, and asked if there were a few leaders of the church that would like to come up front, lay hands on Papa, and pray for him. What happened next was unbelievable. The entire congregation ... 50 people ... went forward, surrounded Papa, and prayed along with Pastor Jim C. Beautiful! While the church members went forward, Pastor C.'s wife came across the room and laid hands on me, while Pastor C. was praying.

At the end of the service, Papa asked me and the children to join him up front. As he opened his Bible to share a few verses, the tears started to flow. Yes, Papa was choked up. He thanked the people for the warm welcome they have given us, and he told them how excited our family is to be a part of the Lopez community. He then shared some scripture and closed in prayer. The ending of a church service ... the start of a whole new life. Wow, God!!!

After visiting with people for about an hour after church, Mr. P. invited all of us out to his place. He had just heard that his neighbor's 5 acres might be about to go up for sale. He spoke with his neighbor just a few days ago and it looks like this property might actually be in our price range. So, we headed out to Mr. P's place. What a BEAUTIFUL part of the island we found: near the State Park ... near the water ... near the end of a quiet dirt road ... in the woods ... Wow! ... it was QUIET out there. We weren't able to tour the house today, but are hoping to next week.

We visited with Mr. & Mrs. P. until 2:30 and then headed to the ferry docks. We thought we were about to head home ... but, ferry boat schedules are designed to teach you that you really can't make plans. (see the following post for more details)