It still seems strange to say this, but
Last night was Phillip's last night of ZOE.
Yesterday he was getting teary eyed mowing the lawn in the morning and I knew it would be an emotional day.
What sweet sweet years we have had at ZOE. This was his dream, something the Lord birthed in him and gave him a new vision for.
Countless times I've been blown away by his love for kids, families, and also his vision for doing ministry. I've learned and changed as I've sat under his teaching (mostly listening on itunes since i'm the mama at home with the kids!!). I could not be more PROUD of him.
And he finished strong!!
This is his verse for ZOE and I just marvel that the Lord gave him this verse and how appropriate it is to end on as well....
Philippians 2:15-16
"so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain."
and
John 10:10
"I have come that you may have LIFE (ZOE) and have it to the full."
I love you Phillip and I"m SO thankful you run with your eyes on the prize, Jesus our Lord and King!!!
on the way to ZOE with the kids! They did great, but 10 minutes into daddy's talk Mimi to the rescue and they spent the evening at her house:)
many many sweet tears!!! they circled around Phillip and I at the end and prayed over us.
a moment we will never forget!
the most amazing cake ever!!!!!
love the ZOE staff:)!!
sweet Thom girls who've been around since the beginning! Flower girls in our wedding, praying in a circle with me before I walked down the isle, and was so special they were here on this night.
Time is marching on so quickly, and while we sit in the sweetness of this night we are also BEYOND excited for what tomorrow brings.
Phillip will be the associate pastor at our church and be head over all ministries. He is a dreamer and will help dream and create many amazing new things for our church.
ZOE will be turned over to a pretty incredible guy, our very own Matt Hunter! We have prayed for years that Matt and Lauren would return to STL and take over at ZOE. We are SO SO thankful for the call on their lives and the new excitement that will be at ZOE with them being here.
Praise the Lord, He is GOOD!!
Oh, Shelly... such a sweet, sweet post. Praise the Lord for what He has done through Phillip at ZOE. SO many lives, and families, changed for Christ. We love you and are so thankful to have you as a sister and brother!! Can't wait to minister alongside of you both!
ReplyDeleteDitto Lauren! Shelly, I was crying reading this! Precious! How the Lord has so blessed you all through your obedience to Him! Amazing for all to see!!! Sooo excited for this next chapter for Zoe & Church! Way to finish strong & wait upon the Lord's perfect timing in all this!!!! love you all dearly!
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