Compelled By Reality

KC - A New Season

Filed under: Blogging, Christianity, Family, IHOP

So, we’re in Kansas City now. Wow. I can’t believe it is already here. You may have asked yourself… “Why on earth did Adam & Stephanie move to Kansas?” Many people have asked us that same question, to which I always reply “It’s Missouri!, not Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri… get it right people!”

But seriously, God has really been preparing us for this season of change for the last 8 years. Stephanie and I were married in May of 1999, and we were launched into ministry as worship leaders in August of 1999. After leading worship for a youth group for a few months and at various churches around the area, we then joined in ministry as worship leaders of a new church plant in January of 2000. In 2002 God was strategically positioning us to line up with His long-term call on our lives by moving us into youth ministry.

We saw the ups and the downs, the great times where God was really moving and we were seeing many youth getting saved and some of them going hard after God, relationships were forming, bonds getting closer and God really preparing us for what was next. God really formed a passion for 24-7 prayer in us before we ever heard about IHOP. And one of my favorite times was the Winkey Pratney DTS training we went through, right around the time we started the IHOP in Tallahassee with the Olsen family. From theFurnace to starting IHOP, to the weekly 2 hour sets with an amazing team of people I was so privledged to serve with, I am so greatful for these past 8 years. There were some really great times and we also made some mistakes and were able to learn a lot while growing through this past season. However, it was this season, these past 8 years that have given me the heart I have for God and for seeing young people come to know God and be changed by Him.

It is now August 2007, 8 years to the month, and this season of our life is wrapping up and a new season is beginning. It seems like God has a thing with bringing people through seasons of life; teaching, training, molding and shaping us into who He wants us to be. I have learned so much over these last 8 years that I am so thankful for. I have not always known it but every blessing, every trial, every hard period of time and every season of favor has been God using situations in life to shape and build and chip away at my flesh (how I wish there was no more flesh to remove). But I know God will deal with it because I will continually come to Him again and again wanting His will not mine.

So in answer to your question… “why Kansas City?” Preparation. God has spoken to us in a significant way and said to us that we must be prepared for what is coming and to be equipped to teach others as well. Jesus is coming back soon, sooner than we really think, and we are not prepared. This generation is not prepared to meet the King when He returns. Young adults are falling away and we are helpless to do anything about it. We long to see young people living a true expression Christianity, a true Sermon on the Mount lifestyle that is operating in the power of God.

This next season of our lives has been orchestrated by God and I am so excited that we have jumped into it head first. I do not know what the season after this one will hold for us, so we have left it open for God to direct us. But I am extremely excited about being in Kansas City and the plan God is unfolding for our lives right before our eyes. August 1st was the beginning of a new season in our lives. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

BTW, This is my official return to blogging.