An Open Letter of Gratitude to Our Sending Church

When we joined West Cabarrus Church in 2012, missions weren’t even on our radar, but we quickly discovered they were at the very heart of the church we now call home, in every sense of the word. Our founding pastor, Terry Faulkenbury, had a deep commitment not just to sending missionaries, but to sending them well. Out of that commitment, the idea of the Mission Home was born.

At the time, it felt like a beautiful concept - something inspiring, but not something we ever imagined would touch our own lives. But, God.

Last month, we sold our house and most of our belongings. Twenty-one years of marriage and memories now fit into an 8 foot by 4 foot storage unit. It's been lesson after lesson of letting go. Yet, what we’ve received in return is beyond anything we could’ve imagined.

We’ve been given the gift of a place to call home, a true haven. We still have a space to gather with our family around the kitchen table. A place to welcome our discipleship groups and fellowship around our love for each other and the Lord. An outdoor oasis to sit by the water and watch new goslings learn to swim and turtles gather in the sunniest spots.

We've been welcomed into a community of fellow missionaries who understand the path we’re walking, both the joys and the challenges. Neighbors to share stories, encouragement, wisdom, and prayer. A visit, a word, a meal at exactly the right time, all the time.

And we’re supported by a staff that is wholly committed to loving and serving us every step of the way. The little things, like receiving our Amazon packages that never make it to the porch, no matter how detailed the instructions may be. The big things, like stopping the important work of their day to help us navigate the unexpected. The in between things, like the simple daily interactions that keep us firmly rooted even through the transition.

We are blessed beyond measure.

We’re deeply thankful for Pastor Terry’s vision and for a church family that chose to bring that vision to life. What was once just a beautiful idea to us has now become one of the greatest gifts we've ever received. We are ever and eternally grateful that this is the place where we get to prepare for the journey ahead.

As we prepare, and as we go, our greatest need is partners who will pray with us and provide financial support for the work that God is doing in Guatemala. If you are interested in being a co-laborer as we carry out the Great Commission, please visit our giving page.