Today, some dear friends of mine are moving way far away, for a long time. Two years to be exact- all the way to Spain.

I know what you’re thinking: “How does this affect me?” (And then probably, “How is Stephen so good at mind-reading?”) Well let me tell you…

I met John just over a year ago, when he started playing guitar in the band at Next Level. The thing was, he was already involved in another worship team. In fact, he was leading worship at his church. John was already plugged into another local church, but he heard we had a need and he felt led to fill it… and he kept doing so, week after week.

I kept worrying John would grow tired and let me know he couldn’t do it anymore. Instead, he just kept showing up every Sunday with a huge grin on his face, as if he got his joy from another place (crazy, right?). His wife, Nicolette, also became a dear part of our church family, and loved on all us folks like she’d known us her whole life.

I heard our pastor telling this very story to our congregation a couple weeks ago, and I had tears welling up like a kid watching the end of Toy Story. That’s when it hit me- John, Nicolette, and little Zeal have become family. So much so that I’d hate to see them leave- that is, if they were going for any other reason. Instead, I am thrilled to see them move on into the adventure in which they are about to embark.

Continue Reading…