A Sofa Removed, a New Path Found

For this newsletter, we’re doing things a little differently. Our family is at the beginning of a big change, and we felt it would be more personal to share our news in a video, rather than the written word. We’ve had discussions about our family values and desires as a couple and as a family. These discussions have been incredibly fruitful, revealing that we’re different people than we were a decade or two ago. God has stirred our hearts with a restlessness for change, and we believe He is guiding us toward a new chapter.

After much conversation and prayer, we have made the tough decision to conclude our time of service with OM. It is a bittersweet announcement. We now bid farewell to an organisation that has allowed us to touch the lives of the least-reached people of the world with God’s help. We are excited about the future, yet we grieve the possibilities that might have been.

In these moments of change, we find comfort and courage in the words of Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Your prayers and support during this transition mean the world to us as we step into this new chapter.

On 14 August, I will begin a new adventure with Fenix24, they are industry-leading disaster recovery and restoration service company. My role will be from the comfort of our garden shed, but it comes with unique challenges as I work in 30 consecutive day shifts followed by two weeks off. The company’s focus on serving others like the parable of The Good Samaritan is in line with our own beliefs.

As we venture into the unknown with Leon’s new job, we value the faithful support we’ve received from our loved ones. We are grateful for the encouragement and understanding from those who recognise that change is an inevitable part of life’s journey. Even though change can be tough, we’re trusting God’s plan.

As I made my announcement to the various teams I lead, I have had different reactions. My dad always instilled in me that everyone is replaceable and that is how I approach the decision. The first thing Dad said to me when I announced I was leaving was that everyone is replaceable, so to not worry about what OM will do when I leave. Not everyone I work with has had that same message drilled into them, and some responses have been people feeling the rug is getting pulled out from under them. When they heard I wasn’t leading the IT infrastructure in OM anymore, someone said it felt like the sofa was taken out of the living room.

One thing that remains unchanged is our love for Carlisle, the place we call home. With deep roots here, and our children considering it home, we will stay in this community. This decision enables us to continue leading our house group and other ministries at church. One of which is we might host The Marriage Course online this autumn.

Additionally, we will remain active members of our home education community.

Thinking of our kids… They do not fully understand the implications of these changes. All they know is daddy working for OM, but their excitement for this new adventure is contagious. Their enthusiasm and resilience continue to inspire us every day.

Before we conclude, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your faithful support over the past 18 years. Your generosity and prayers have blessed our ministry and lives in ways that words cannot express. We’re humbled by the love we’ve received, and we hold fast to the biblical truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

We hope to carry on sending our newsletters, although they won’t be as frequent. You can contact via email or WhatsApp at any time. As we embrace this new beginning as a family, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We want the Lord to fill the journey ahead with joy, growth, and a deepened sense of purpose.