“Tom & Jerry” Split Up
We
have some very sad news to relay to you. When
we moved to Eastern Europe in the summer of 2003
we came along with our very good friends, Jerry
& Cathy Hertzler. It has been an incredible
experience to minister alongside of Jerry.
I’ve never had the chance to work with someone
with whom I was so well suited. It has been an
incredible experience to work with such a good
friend.
A
few weeks ago, Jerry & Cathy made the decision
to return to Orlando this summer.
Jerry will work with
http://www.everystudent.com/” style=”color: blue; text-decoration: underline” href=”http://www.everystudent.com/“>
www.everystudent.com> at CCC headquarters.
He will continue to work on internet ministry in
Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. We
are confident that the Lord is leading the
Hertzlers, and yet we are deeply saddened by
their departure.
What’s Next?
Since Jerry is leaving, many people have asked,
“What are you going do now?” Ever since we
moved here, the thought of Jerry leaving before
me has always caused me stress. We work so well
together that I didn’t want to even think about
working alone.
Amazingly, as the Hertzlers were in their
decision making process, the Lord began to do
something in my heart. He gave me an incredible
peace about our future. Even though I knew that
the Hertzlers would probably leave, I had a
peace that the Lord would take care of us. I
still knew that the Lord was calling us to stay
here in Budapest and I knew that the Lord had
good plans for us.
A
few weeks after Jerry & Cathy announced their
decision, I was called into a meeting with our
Director of Affairs for Eastern Europe and
Russia, Larry Thompson.
He challenged me to become his Chief of Staff.
The Chief of Staff assists the Director by
coordinating his activities and following-up on
major projects. The Chief of Staff is in some
ways an extension of the director that can act
for him when he is not around. In addition,
Valerie & I both will join the Area Leadership
Team.
My
first thought was, “Oh, Lord, maybe this is what
you have planned for me!” Many things about
the job are a perfect fit for me. I like to
have many things going on at the same time. I
like variety in my work, and nothing is ever the
same in Larry’s office. I like to coordinate
teams, and I will have that opportunity as I
facilitate the Area Leadership Team meetings.
As
Valerie & I talked and prayed about it, we knew
that the Lord was calling us to this new role.
We accepted the role and I have already
started. I will continue to transition with
Jerry and I hope to continue working on some
technology projects in the future.
Please
pray for Valerie & I in the transition.
I’m humbled
by the opportunity, very excited about the role,
but also a little fearful of the huge challenge
that is before me.
Also,
pray for the Hertzlers as they transition back
to the US and we transition to life without
them.