Change is exhilarating for some and terrifying for others but in all our lives, change is inevitable.
Steve and I are on the brink of a huge life change. For the past 36 years we have been in the pastorate. It’s been an amazing journey and we love the church! But, God is doing a new thing in our lives! Later today, a press release will go out about this change but I wanted to make you, my precious readers, aware first.
On Thursday, of last week, Steve accepted the invitation to become the new president of Reach Beyond, formerly HCJB. Reach Beyond is a mission organization committed to being the voice and hands of Jesus around the world. As Steve and I considered this new opportunity we were struck by the fact that many people groups have still never heard the life-changing message of Jesus Christ and His love for them. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).
We considered the words of Jesus and our responsibility to answer His call. Moving into this role, we realize we need to press into prayer, asking the Lord, of the Harvest, to send out workers and resources to finish the great commission. Humanly speaking, we realize we are terribly inadequate for this job – Jesus, is after all, the Lord of the harvest. But, we can press into Him in prayer and do our part by challenging others into world missions and raising resources for the Kingdom.
These changes might raise some questions in your mind:
What about your ministry, Becky? My ministry to make Christ known and challenge women to a deeper walk with God will continue. I will continue to accept speaking engagements both here in the States and over seas. I will continue with my writing ministry as well – in fact, I have book due August 8 and am anticipating signing a contract in the next few days to write a Bible study.
How can I pray? We will need lots of prayer support. We are looking for those who will partner with us in prayer. Here are some specifics:
- Please pray as I finish up the manuscript for Bethany House Publishers
- Please pray as we look for a house in Colorado Springs
- Please pray for a smooth transition at Foothills – Steve has raised up and mentored a godly and gifted, young man to be his successor. We feel hopeful that the best days for Foothills are ahead!
- Please pray for favor and protection as we travel starting in September to many different countries.
- Please pray for my heart as I move a tiny bit further away from my grandbabies!
When does all this happen? Steve will step into his role as President, September 1.
We are excited and recognize what a privilege it is to join Jesus in His mission to make His love known. With all these changes, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to offer your prayer support and ask any other questions you might have!
20 Responses
Bobbie
How amazing Becky! Praying for you both!
Carol McLeod
Becky – this is incredible news and the amazing thing is that it is what Craig and I are doing as well! We are transitioning our church to an amazing young man and Craig will be going on staff full-time with Global Partners which is a missions organization committed to the Great Commission. They have planted over 10,000 churches in India and we are blessed and honored to be on their team. Now we both know how to pray for each other, don’t we?!! I love you, my friend. Just wish we had more time to spend together. Blessings and joy – Carol
Becky
Awesome, Carol!!!!! Love you – will you be at AWSA this summer – we need to grab coffee!!~
Cynthia Ruchti
Excited for you and all that is ahead. Praying for the hurdles to leap and oceans to cross…or walk through on dry land!
Keri Denison
Yes! Unbelievably proud to be your daughter!
Becky
Thanks, Keri!!! Love you so much!!!!
Beth Harling
So happy for you and Steve and we know God has planted in both of your hearts a yearning to reach out to the unreached, love the unloved and serve the underserved. Praying as you step into this new ministry. I’m so proud to have “Harling” as my last name!
Becky
Thanks, Dear Beth!! We love you!!!
Kathy Cordell
Woohoo! So excited for you and all who are changed for Christ because of your obedience. Love you lady!!
Lisa Edmonds
Praying for you! God is doing great things!
Paulyn Woodburn
Wow! I applaud you for accepting this amazing mission (or commission) and embracing the changes that come with it. Will definitely be praying for you. Any chance you might be in India in the first quarter of next year?
Sandy Sample
Becky ~ I am so blessed to have had the oppurnity to see your love for the Lod, and to own your books ~ I was doubly blessed at our womans retreat in Estes Park last September with
Applewood Baptist ~ your ministry is an amazing gift from ~ you are a special gift to so many, God uses who is available ~ I will be praying for you & Steve to further God’s plan ~
If you have time could you email me the ABC of Jesus Christ you spoke of in the “Ladies Retreat last fall ~ sksample@comcast.net ~ thanks and God bless you ~ In His name ~ Sandy
Gina Riffel
The mission is the same, bring the gospel to people who need Christ. New location begins an exciting adventure and I am so glad to know you Becky.
Janet Anderson
Exciting for You & Steve. HCJB has been a blessing for yrs. Our days go back to CCA and Steve pastoring at Clinton Baptist where you both blessed our hearts! Praying for you two.
Charlie & Janet Anderson.
Eileen Farleigh
You are perfect for this new challenge, Becky. Your heart is in the right place to be used of God no matter what experience lies ahead. Congratulations on such an important ministry change. So glad to have met you, own your books and will keep you both in prayer.
June
Becky, what an opportunity. I attended a retreat last fall with you as the speaker and have kept up with your postings.I was seeking God during that time. I returned yesterday from a church building mission in South America. This is my first spiritual mission after 20 years of health missions. Four months into my new life as a Christian, I learn from this trip that I would have loved being a missionary if I was saved earlier and called by God to missionary service. I prayed as you asked, and I will continue to keep you in my prayers – especially for the new pastor and for your heart, as your obedience takes you geographically further form the grandbabies.
June
Randy Ehle
This truly is big news! I’m excited for you both as you continue to serve both the Church and the Kingdom, and to make Christ known wherever you go.
Deborah
Welcome to Colorado Springs, Becky and Steve! Praying for God’s continual wisdom and guidance as you venture into this new journey!
Nancy Holaday
Becky, I’m excited for your new beginning, and looking forward to meeting you and Steve this week. Safe journeys!
Shirl Lee
Welcome to Reach Beyond! I am praying for you and Steve in all of these areas. God bless you!