When Matt was invited to fill in for a church about 90 miles away from our home for a couple of Sundays last summer, we had no idea where it would lead. We love the people at The Christian Life Church of Milton, and they love us, and after they invited Matt to be the permanent pastor, his mentor, Dr. Roy Lauter (who got him into this in the first place) encouraged him to pursue ordination through New Hope International Ministries. (This is the organization through which we have travelled around the world serving on short-term mission teams, and for which Matt serves as Chair of the Board of Directors.) Matt completed the process, was unanimously approved by the NHIM Board, and a special ceremony was held at our church on Sunday, December 10th, to commemorate the ordination.
Dr. Lauter examined and charged Matt before the congregation.
Several NHIM Board members came to the service and participated in the laying on of hands.
Matt and Amy with members of the NHIM Board
Family who made the trip for the service
Dear friends Steve & Pam, with whom we have served in Guatemala
Sarah & Cazavion, who have become family to us
Michael & Rebecca - friends who came for the service
Jim, who traveled with Matt when he was in music ministry in college, surprised us by coming all the way from eastern Kentucky!
It was a very special day for us, and we felt very loved and supported by our family, friends, NHIM Board, and Milton Church family.
You can watch the video of the ceremony here. The ceremony begins at the 55-minute mark. Matt's sermon is at minute 26.
Sometimes life can take you in new directions quite unexpectedly. This summer I helped provide some preaching for the Christian Life Church of Milton, KY. We have enjoyed getting to know the good folks there, and the pastor search committee asked me to consider staying on. Today, on what was supposed to be my last Sunday, the church voted me in as their Pastor. We will be making the 90-mile journey from Wilmore up to Milton each week, and we are looking forward to what God has in store.
Just before Christmas, the director of the mission organization for which Matt serves as chairman of the board called us. He was putting together a pastors retreat cruise for pastors with whom the ministry works in Eastern Kentucky. These overworked ministers needed to get away from the pressures of life for a few days, and a travel agent helped get a great deal on a cruise out of Mobile, Alabama, to Progreso and Cozumel in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The ministry invited Matt to come along to sing and speak on the retreat (and bring Amy, of course). So that's how we found ourselves traveling south on a chilly January day, heading toward sand, sun, and waves!
On the bus ride from the motel to the port
First view of our ship - the Carnival Fantasy
Getting ready to head up the gangplank
On board our first cruise ship!
Overlooking the city of Mobile
Exploring the ship
It was still a little chilly in Mobile - in the 40s the day we boarded.
Gathering for a Sunday morning church service - in the Cleopatra Piano Bar & Lounge :-)
Matt sings for the Sunday morning church service
Prof Lauter, director of New Hope International Ministries, brings the morning message.
Sunnin' in our Sunday duds
Still a little windy and chilly, though.
Pastor David, head of the church planting ministry we support in Eastern Kentucky, leads in singing in the Sunday afternoon session.
Look at that beautiful blue water.
Preparing to view the sunset
If you look closely, you can see the sliver of the moon and a star high above.
Progreso - our first port
Off the boat with our friend and former student, Cassie
Our excursion for the day was a 2-hour bus drive to Chichen Itza, the famous Mayan ruins and one of the wonders of the ancient world.
The Pyramid of Kukulcán
Clapping in front of the pyramid creates an echo that sounds like the call of the quetzal bird, which made the Mayans believe that their applause was being received by their god Quetzalcuatl.
The Temple of the Warriors, featuring a statue of a chacmool
The Venus Platform
Carving of an eagle eating a human heart
Carving of a jaguar eating a human heart
The tzompantli - Skull Platform
The Great Ball Court
Our trusty guide, Felipe, demonstrates the echo effects at the ball court.
Carvings along the Great Ball Court depicting winners and losers
Snake statue that runs along the Great Ball Court
The end of the Ball Court
Snake carving
If you look closely, you can see a "Mayan chicken" - an iguana.
Kukulcán
Our friends Freddy and Cassie went with us on the Chichen Itza excursion.
Temple of Warriors
Kukulcán
Getting back on our cruise ship after the day at Chichen Itza
One of the towel animals left by our cabin crew
Amy enjoys breakfast on the blue waters of the Caribbean.
Second day ashore - Cozumel
Our excursion in Cozumel was to swim with the dolphins at the Dolphinaris resort. We couldn't take any pictures when we were with the dolphins (because they want to sell you professional photos at $30 each), so you'll have to settle for the following shots and videos of the resort.
The peaceful sounds of dolphins playing
Dolphin playing ball
Dolphins waving and clapping
Fountain in Plaza Cozumel
Saying goodbye to Mexico as we board the ship one last time for the return trip north.
This great photo of the sunset in our wake was taken by our friend Charlie.
The bow of the ship
Gathering at another retreat session where Matt would speak
Enjoying our last day at sea
Our final retreat session
Matt sings as we prepare to take communion together.
The New Hope/KMHA pastors retreat cruise participants - a great bunch of people
Our wonderful servers who brought us delicious dinners each night
Yum!
I have no idea what this is, but it disturbs me.
And alas, we have to get off the ship and head back north to 30-degree temps. :-(
