This Sunday was one of the best/hardest days I've had so far. On one end I had the chance to see exactly what God had planned for me in one place and on the other end it was time to say goodbye.
I have grown up at Mesa First Assembly of God. It's been my home church since my family and I moved to Arizona 11 years ago. I have grown up in this same church every Wednesday and Sunday. Every week I would say hi to the same people and meet the new ones. I would sit through service and text (don't act like you didn't), I did the puppets in kids church (at least act like you did), I was a leader in youth, I was baptized both in water and in the Holy Spirit, and I even came back to God after a couple years of turning away. All of this happened in that one church on the corner of Lindsay and Baseline.
Over the past year it has been the place that has launched and nurtured God's plan for my life. I began interning when I realized I was called to full time ministry and Mesa First has brought me so far. I have had the opportunity to intern under the most innovative and humorous person I know, Sam. He has become a closer friend and mentor than I ever could have dreamed of. Seriously, the guys farts around me all the time, that's pretty close. He has brought me up in the ways of youth ministry and taught me more than I even knew possible. I have had so many opportunities to grow and stretch at Mesa First and I have done my best to take all of them. I am so thankful that I was raised at such an incredible church, by such incredible people. Every person, from the pastors and the secretaries, the church janitor, the board members, THE STUDENTS, to the congregation; everyone has somehow impacted my life for good. I am so happy to have been a part of such an incredible ministry and to have worked with such incredible people. There is no way I am saying goodbye, because although I am leaving to blaze a new trail, the friendships I have made are much stronger than being at a different church.
I know that God has huge plans at Phoenix First. It is a whole new journey for me and I can't wait to see what's in store. I have the opportunity to intern under one of the most genuine guys I've ever met (Pastor Jesse) and I plan to jump at as many opportunities as possible. I believe so strongly that God is going to do something remarkable. Not because I am a remarkable person, but instead because I have devoted myself to obedience. He has something up His sleeve and when he reveals it I know it will blow my mind. I am stoked to make new friends and offer what I have to a new church. I am going at this with all I got. I expect God will give me all he's got too. I'm ready, willing, and excited for this new path on the journey.
Let's go God, me and You. You made the stars in the sky, the oceans that roar, and you made me. If you can surround me with beauty what kind of beauty can you empower me to be a part of? Shake this world and let me be a part!
Here We Go,
Shane
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