Well, if you’ve been wondering why my posts have been few and far between the last few weeks it’s because I had some things on my heart that I couldn’t share in a public forum. Until today that is. After much prayer, Karen and I announced to our church yesterday that we would be leaving this summer. I had been talking to my Senior Pastor about it for a while as we prayed through the matter. I informed the local board of administration last week and told most of the teens after we went to the Phillies-Cubs game Friday night. It was a decision Karen and I had been praying about and both clearly felt God was directing us to make. There’s no conspiracy, no one made us mad, Pastor Mike and I don’t hate each other-Karen and I both felt the Lord releasing us from our ministry here and that He would open other doors. We have one opportunity that we are waiting to hear back from. I can’t say much about it because their church is still in the process of interviewing candidates. The people of Chi United have been wonderful. They have helped us move three times since we’ve been here. I love and respect Pastor Mike tremendously because of his friendship and the opportunities he has given me here. God is moving at Chi United and the church is growing. Our middle school group has almost tripled in the last 2 weeks since we split the Middle and High School groups and “jumpstarted” the 5th graders. So, now you know that these things have been weighing heavily on my heart these past 3 to 4 weeks. It’s hard to blog when you can’t share what’s on your heart. The congregation was wonderful yesterday with words of encouragement and wisdom. It is hard to leave such good people. The teens have been great too and I will always cherish my relationships with them. Our work here is not finished and I know God will bring to completion what He has begun. So, pray for my family that God will open the right doors for us and that God will bring the right person to Chi United. That’s all for today. I am sick as a dog(I have nooo idea what that means so I’d love for a little help on the origin of that saying) and I’m heading home to sleep.
If you’ve ever been very sick, you may have used this expression. Because dogs eat just about anything they find, they often get sick. So it’s fitting to describe someone who is not feeling well as being “sick as a dog.” Arf!
Hey man, I just wanted to drop some encouragement for you. Crazy to hear that you are in a transition point right now. Hope all turns out well for you.
Heath, you have made an incredible impression on all of our children here at chi. Your witty humor and props during preaching make for good sunday lunch conversation. skittles on the brand new carpet(wow). Every church eventually has to deal with a pastor leaving but we didnt think it would be this soon. Your ability to connect with the teens is amazing and they respect and love your honesty. I would say dont ever change, but you are Heath and there is no changing that. You have a wonderful wife and children (still not sure what line you gave Karen but it must have been a good one) and you will be missed by all here at chi. Good luck and our prayers are with you and your family. P.S.
Who is going to watch Anthony at youth events?
Your Brother in Christ
Kevin
Heath i just wanted to let you know what you and Karen mean to me. You dont even know how much I love you both.. Heath I just wanted to let you know, you changed my life! If it wasnt for you i dont think that I would be the good Christian that I am today. And I just want to thank you for that! You guys are amazing and I will miss you guys! These last months we all have together will be the greatest! And I will make sure of that! Thank you for everything that you have done in my life! I love you all!
-Justin Choate
Heath, I hope things go well with your transition. It’s good to hear that you are leaving the church on good terms and that they are supportive. I have to admit I like the name though. Every time you write “Chi United” I want to add “Methodist”. I’ll be praying for you and the family during this time!
Heath, you know I’m going to miss you. You and Karen and the kids mean a lot to me. You have changed my life in a big way and I’ll never forget it. If it wasn’t for you I truly would not be the same person I am right now. You have made a huge impact on all the teens. We are all going to miss you like crazy. I know where ever you go, you’ll make a big difference cause you certainly did here at chi. I wish you guys luck where ever you go. Starting to cry…. love you guys so much!
– Tricia