I will never forget our first trip to New York City when Paul and I were in the valley of decision as to whether we were going to move our whole lives here (including our three children under the age of five) to plant a church. When we landed on the runway at JFK I was expecting to feel some semblance of “home” but if I am totally honest, I didn’t at first.

New York is one of the world’s greatest cities, yet from the moment we landed my heart was burdened for the people here. I felt overwhelmed by the scale of the need that surrounded me. I saw loneliness in so many peoples’ eyes. I saw a sea of people… many of them searching, looking, desiring to find what they were looking for. You only have to ride on the Subway for 20 seconds to see it. It’s a city of contrasts and extremes.

On one of the first few nights in the city in our hotel room, I was in one of those “valley” moments where I was questioning God…

What are we thinking? Why would we move our kids to a city that never sleeps? I might never have the so-called “dream home”, living in an apartment with no back yard! What if we fail? God speak to me, give me a sign! This makes no sense!!!

And He spoke in a rebuke (like only a Dad can…) Continue Reading