Green Means Go...

Thank you all for your ongoing prayers during our recent Church Planter Assessment Center (CPAC) process.  It was a very busy month filled with some wonderful opportunities for connection, self reflection, and encouragement.  Many of you know that as we pondering making this transition to Seminary we have had a strong feeling that we were being called to a church planting ministry.  Although this type of ministry is very rewarding, the challenges and sacrifices that it takes to start a new church can take a toll on the ministry staff, as such, the LCMS is very intentional about screening potential candidates and providing them support and training prior to entering the mission field.  Participating in CPAC was our first step in joining this track at the seminary.

I will give you a short overview of the process.  First, both Angie and I were asked to complete an extensive battery of personality and "gifting" inventories.  This was fun as Angie, of course, enjoys them! After the "at home" portion, we also participated in two in depth interviews (one "behavioral" and one "psychological").  We had some really wonderful assessors and although we were "under the microscope" greatly enjoyed their company and look forward to continue our connection with them beyond CPAC.   Our favorite part of the process was being paired with two other GREAT couples and given a demographic profile of an area where a church plant is being proposed.  It was our team job to develop an in depth proposal and present during the CPAC weekend.  We were so blessed by the process and really loved our team members....it would be a joy to work with any of them again in the future.

The weekend itself was short but full.  I was asked to preach two short sermons, we heard others presentations, and had some great networking time with church planters and mission executives from across the country.  There are some incredible things going on....we can't wait to join in.  The final step of the assessment was a feedback session.  During our session we were affirmed and encouraged in our calling and given the green light to continue on in the missionary development track with the intention of church planting upon the completion of our time here.  We are looking forward to continuing relationships with the people we met and doing some more intentional training in church planting.

We are so grateful again for you all, our extended family and friends.  During the CPAC process so many of the stories we shared involved many of you and all the lessons we have learned.  Thank you for your investment in our lives and the knowledge and love we have gained through our relationship with you all.  We would not be able to be doing this without you all.  Please know that we send our love, prayers, and thanks!

And remember....we are all called to GO and make disciples...where is God calling you today?

Here's to a New Year!

The 2011 Holiday Season came and went for the Walston family in a flash.  We were blessed to spend time with family and friends across the country and have traveled our fair share of miles both driven and flown over the past six weeks.  Along with the holiday bustle we have had some time to reflect on the incredible blessings we have received during our short time here at Seminary.

We began our holiday season with a drive to Iowa City for Thanksgiving.  We met Angie's mom and sisters at her Uncle David's beautiful home and had a weekend of catching up and fun.  David and Noreen were more than gracious hosts providing excellent accommodations, food, drink and entertainment.  The highlight of the trip was probably the creation of the "next big sport" coined Roller Hoop....it involves a hula hoop roll, may rules and point system.  It was our first break from St. Louis and seminary life as Bobby was on his quarter break.

We returned home to a quick start to Bobby's quarter (Hebrew in the morning and Greek readings in the afternoon) and Angie's end of the semester (lots of grading).  With the intensity of Bobby's study and class schedule it was decided that he would take a break this quarter from his on campus job while Angie increased her work hours at The Parenting Center providing grant writing and the development online parenting classes.  Bobby was also trained for the "snow removal team" in case of ice and snow (of which we have seen none yet...but I'm sure it is coming).  Bobby's brother Mark joined us for our last week in St. Louis, helped watch the girls while Angie finished up work responsibilities, and entertained us all.  We finally did the Budweiser tour during his trip here, it was shockingly interesting and historical!  We will bring you when you come visit.  It was a fast two weeks.

Christmas break provided us the opportunity to go home to Texas much to Maddie's delight.  We drove to Fort Worth as soon as Bobby finished classes and were able to spend 10 days at his parent's house (with one night at our friends Missy and Ben's).  It was a great return trip, and though we both shared some anxiety about heading home and wishing we haven't left, during our time there we continued to be affirmed that it had been time to leave and we had made the right decision.  Don't get me wrong, we miss Texas.  Our licenses and plates remain loyal, but it is clear that God has been leading us here.

We wrapped up our time in Fort Worth on Christmas Day and drove back to St. Louis.  We spent only two hours in our apartment switching out luggage and headed to catch a flight to Phoenix.  We enjoyed the dessert weather and getting to see family as well as our dog Kali, who Angie's mom has been graciously keeping while we are in student housing.  Maddie had missed her terribly and enjoyed following her around (though Kali may have had enough).  It was fun to see Angie's sister Shaina looking pregnant (baby Joshua is due May 16th) and spend time with her mom and sisters again.  Maddie enjoyed time with her Aunties in a special made princess tuladoo (tent/fort).  It was a special time.

We returned to St. Louis on January 1st, Bobby returned to class, Angie began prepping for the semester and we were blessed to find out that just as occurred last quarter, we received enough last minute Adopt-A-Student funds to cover our tuition and living expenses.  God is so GOOD!  One of our donors gave a very generous amount anonymously....if you are a reader of our blog please know that we came to tears with the news...you have been an answer to prayers.  These gifts allow us to remain taking out the minimum amount of loans, God continues to confirm how he works through the body to provide for his people.  Thank all of you for your prayers, words of affirmation and support, and financial gifts.  

As we embark on the next few months keep us in your prayers.  We will begin the CPAC (Church Planter Assessment Center) process next week with a set of psychological interviews and participate in the "retreat" the weekend of the 20th.  We pray for God's leading and guidance in this process.  Also, Bobby will be traveling to Austin the last week of February to attend the VERGE conference on church planting and missional communities, keep he and his fellow 8 students who are going on the trip in your prayers.  

Peace and Blessings and Happy New Year!

The Walstons