For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Thank you to those who come across this blog. I hope and pray that as you follow along my journey you would be blessed, encouraged, strengthened, and your hope would be in the saving salvation of Jesus Christ, for without Him, none of what I am to share about would even be possible. All glory to God. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, this is without a doubt the biggest step of faith I have taken. Looking back over the years, I can now see how God has been planning this for a long time through my various experiences as stepping stones to get me to this point. I am so dearly grateful to remember the place God has brought me from and blindly trusting Him with the things to come as I hold onto the promise of Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." It was just seven short days ago that I packed up everything I own in San Diego, California and drove 1,300 miles to Helena, Montana to plant a church. Surely there will be challenges that I'll face in a new place. Of course there will be some fears from time to time, but I find this exciting. There is so much that is unknown at this point, so I will focus on what things I do know - I serve a great God who is faithful, I know that He has called me to ministry and He has always supplied all my needs, so I need not worry. My wife and I made the trip in our older model Chevy truck equipped with rear wheel drive, knowing in advance that we would need four wheel drive traveling through snow and off-road terrain, yet here we are. The highways could not have been in better conditions considering the time of the season as winter comes to a close. We believe that God safely protected us in our travels. One of my worries is the ability to make friends as the new guy in town. As silly as that may sound, I'm confident that my fears are not unheard as God searches our heart. God has already shown Himself faithful by removing challenges for me. Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Here's a glimpse into my first week in Helena. On day one, God has provided me a place to live worry free, as I put all my focus on serving Him and get established here. That is huge! My wife will be flying back to San Diego until later in the year when she can move up full time. On day two, I was browsing a sporting goods store to see what I might need as I adapt to seasonal living. Within 5 minutes, I made a fishing buddy who invited me to meet with him anytime I'm available. I can't wait to start fishing and catching my own dinner! That afternoon I received a phone call for an interview for a potential job which I'm praying for. I wish to use my gifts and experiences to help others. We shall see how that goes next week. On day three, we went to open a bank account in town. A discussion with the woman occurred why we moved to Helena and while I was praying for an open door to inquire of her beliefs, she beat me to it by saying "Let me know when you get a bible study going and I'll come because I've been looking for a church." The response has been good as I meet with others introducing our church to Helena. We still have no meeting place but I plan to scout the land to find a suitable location to fellowship and gather, so stay posted! Later that evening we met with some family friends for dinner. They just so happen to know some folks involved in active ministry throughout Helena, so I will have some contacts as a helpful resource and look forward to building relationships. On day four, we spent time at a senior living facility visiting a relative. I learned they currently have no church services coming in for the senior residents. When they heard I was a Pastor, they invited me to start something there and took down my information. I'll be in contact with the proper personnel and prayerfully start sharing the love of Jesus with the lovely seniors on a regular schedule. On day five, my solitude began as I dropped my wife off at the airport to return home to San Diego, CA. It was the perfect opportunity to use this time to check out one of the local churches on my list, in hopes of speaking with the Pastors and giving a formal introduction and building an accountability team. I know this task will not be easy and my prayer is to surround myself with Godly brothers I can count on to meet with locally. For now, the church I attended shall remain anonymous but it was a new experience for me, as it's what is known as a Satellite church. The Pastor was actually in the front lobby when I walked through the front doors. He welcomed me and kindly gave me his time to hear me out. As I sat alone through the service, a disheartening feeling of loneliness overcame me as I'm so used to friendly meets and hello's between announcements at my home church. Not in a critiquing manner, it occurred to me this is what lacks and I believe that God showed me this feeling so that I can be aware of what it feels like for others walking into a church. This is why it is my heart to make people walking through the doors of Branch Church of Helena (where ever we meet) to feel more like "Welcome Home" as we jump into the Bible. I spent the rest of the afternoon getting my bearings on the town itself. On day six, I hung out with Jesus at home. Cell reception with my current carrier is hit or miss in these mountains, so I've found a certain spot on the porch I'm able to connect at. It was there in the coolness of the fresh mountain air that I read through some of the psalms David authored as he was in the wilderness. Overlooking the trees into the wilderness I could almost imagine what it would have been like for him. Just to be clear for anyone who reads this, I do not believe in magic, but there is something magical about being here. Perhaps majestic would be a better used word. It's unlike anything I've ever known. On day seven, I threw snacks and water into my camel pack; grabbed my bible, commentary, camping chair and took my office to the highest mountain peak around and it was there that I studied and prayed for the afternoon. The loneliness that I have been feeling has lightened as I focus my attention to my purpose and embrace the ever presence of My Lord around me. Though I can not see Him, I know He is there.