On April 1, 2012 I relinquished my position at Joel's Place to Emma Milam who had been serving faithfully for over two years as our Program Director. She became the interim Executive Director while the board conducted a search for someone to become our partner in leading Joel's Place into the future. In the end we interviewed 4 capable candidates who were interested in the position and the board selected James Menaker. Mike became the Board President in April and I the Leadership Consultant... or the Director of Change. I am happy to return to a volunteer position. Mike and I feel that we can support, pray and give to make Joel's Place and Wellspring Revival Ministries vibrant.
I am not far away although I will spend far less time in the warehouse at 1890 Marika and more time at our home as our youngest grandson Ezekiel has come to live here with his dad, Erik. We have a full house on Birch Hill. Our son Jon is living at home also and has shared custody of his three daughters, Alanna, Josee and Deanna. Right now we have 9 people living here with frequent visits from our daughter Lacey and grandson Tobias. Lenord will be leaving for football and college on Saturday. His kind and helpful ways will be missed, we are very proud of his accomplishments and work ethic.
I have a couple of personal goals for this unexpected season in my life. First, I would like to establish a healthy life style that includes exercise and good nutition. Second, I would like to continue to pursue my Master's Degree in Global Urban Leadership and deepen my own spiritual roots through this theological study.
Also I have a couple of goals professionally. First, I would like to raise $300,000 in program income for Joel's Place in 2013. Second, I would like to invest time and resources in seeing The Well meet the spiritual needs of those in association with Joel's Place. This is a starting place for me... who knows what God might have in store for us. I am still praying for revival... that Alaska would come to know the extravagant love of God.
While I cannot set goals for my family I do intend to be a fan of theirs, a supporter and would love to see my children and grandchildren thrive. I suppose this is a prayer not only for my biological children but also the family that God has given us through The Well and Joel's Place.
I plan to blog some so that you can share our journey. We know that many are watching to see if this transition works. If you have doubts just stop by Joel's Place and see the vibrant garden, the skaters at camp, the media crew busy on their computers and the dinner served daily at 4pm. And if you'd like to chat with me, stop by my house and enjoy my garden and we will chat. I might send you home with fresh produce :)
