To Our Friends In Arkansas

It’s October 10 (10/10).

So I thought it was appropriate to write this post today.

We miss you. For real. We talk about you every day, multiple times. We look at your pictures and remember the times that we had together. And I haven’t experienced a single Wednesday night where it felt normal not to be teaching.

You had such an amazing impact on us.

Those of you who were around in 2007 know what it was like to see a couple of newlyweds show up from far away. And you welcomed us in like we were family. You had us over to eat and swim. You invited us over on holidays when we weren’t able to make it home. You supported our youth ministry and supported us. We will never, ever forget that.

All the way through, we had amazing youth workers that served our students selflessly. I didn’t tell you enough, but I bragged on you to other youth pastors often! I can’t tell you how many of their jaws dropped when they heard that you guys stuck with a small group for six or seven years through middle school and high school! You guys are all stars and our students were greatly impacted because of you! You have left and are leaving a strong legacy! Thank you so much for that!

I’m so thankful to have been able to work with Tom and the rest of the staff at Indian Springs. You guys took a chance on me and were always patient with me as I learned the system and grew up in that church. I’ll never forget following Daren’s footsteps and feeling very inadequate. And he never once told me how to do things or that I needed to change my style; not a single time. He only encouraged me and that stuck with me.

And we were spoiled with the absolute best students in the world! Whether it was serving our community or just hanging out together, you guys were always on-board, respectful and fun. It was always a highlight of my week to spend time with you. Obviously, Beach Camp was the high point because we got to spend so much time together. I’m not saying we didn’t need a nap when it was over, but those were some beautiful moments that have been sealed in our hearts forever. You loved us and our boys. We can never thank you enough for that.

Indian Springs is full of gracious people who want nothing more than to love God and love their neighbor. You are a testimony to your community and to us! As we left to plant Access Church, you blessed us with gifts and financial support. You will never know how much that meant to us! We are so very thankful for you and your generosity! We love you and look forward to the day we can see you again!

Grace and peace, Indian Springs. We love and miss you very much!