The End Is Here

I can't believe it's over. 2008 has been absolutely incredible. The chance to be mentored by Pastor Johnny is something I kind of dreamed of since he started the program 10 years ago, and I never would have imagined getting the opportunity to do it. Now it's come and basically gone. I cleaned out my stuff from Woodstock today. I had a lot less stuff here than at Acworth! I brought home about 3 or 4 Tahoe's full from Acworth. Today I brought home half a mini-van's worth of stuff. I actually have a pretty cool library started now, and have a killer Logos library on my laptop, which has begun to make crashing a hobby, but at least I appear to be studious.

It's definately a mix of emotions. I really am ready to "get back" into ministry, but in some other aspects, it's hard to leave the mentorship and the cool stuff we got to do this year, hanging out with Pastor and Jeremy and cruising around the country in jets and tour buses. It's also been cool getting to be a part of some cool projects, working the Xtreme and Jubilee conferences-see my "Elvis" video from Branson on You Tube-search for my name.

For now, I've begun the transition to Chick Fil A. My SS teacher is an operator of a store in Atlanta. We're actually providing the food for the teams for the Chick Fil A bowl next week. He may have me come into the Georgia Dome in the Elvis suit for a little entertainment for the workers there, so that will be fun. I'm also hoping to be starting seminary now too, if Temple can get my stuff together quickly!

God has allowed me to meet and become friends with some amazing, generous people this year. There have been some great people that God has used to encourage us, with kindness and words, and some with giving and time. Alex is an awesome example of this in that he has hired me to be one of his managers at Chick Fil A, but has given me the freedom to leave at anytime if a ministry position becomes available. I think there may be some great ministry opportunities down town working at the restaurant. My background in working in the cafeterias and restaurants at the church, Liberty, Word of Life and Rossa's has come in handy! You never know how God might use different experiences to prepare you for the future!

While in college, I worked set-up at church, worked in the kitchen (lots of catering events) and cafe', and during the mentorship, I've also been working security. At the time, each of these were just ways to make ends meet or make a few extra bucks. However, they have been experiences that have taught me the logistics of what goes on behind the scenes, and let me better understand the workings of a mega-church "behind the scenes".

Well, it's time to move on. When I left Acworth, on my last Sunday, the band sang the song "Closing Time" as the people left the service. My favorite line is "every new beginning comes with some other beginnings end." It's that time. Joel, get the band ready to play it again.

My new beginning at Woodstock has come to an end. However, another beginning is starting, and I can't wait to see what God does with us in the future!

Closing Time...