an elephant. a bear. a coast. a desert.

A lot can happen in seven years.

Over the past seven years, we have welcomed two amazing and beautiful daughters into the world. Our little first grader has blossomed into a beautiful young woman, almost in high school. We have met many dear friends and had the opportunity to pour our lives into an incredible church.

Liz, Lily, Kalen and Mazie and I now have the opportunity to start a new journey. In May, we will be going to La Quinta, California to work with our dear friends, Craig and Tricia Cunningham, and Shadow Rock Church. It has been an incredible transition that has tested our faith, but God has shown to be more than faithful and blessing beyond what we could ever imagine.

You can't go to a new place without leaving another.

Words cannot express my gratitude to Pastor Jerry Taylor for all he has poured into me and allowed me to be a part of the past seven years. I will never forget Mexico, Honduras, India, New Orleans, Pascagoula, the Saenger and bicycles… so… many… bicycles.

Each member of the Bay Community Church staff has enriched me in so many ways; challenging both my faith and creativity. I'm thankful for a church and friends that have loved us and allowed us to minister for the past seven years.

September 2011 - Guduvancheri, Tamil Nadu, India

June 2010 - San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras

The middle school students we had the privilege of pastoring when we came in 2005 are now graduating high school. One of our high school "kids" got married and her husband serves on the pastoral staff. It's incredible to look back and see how people have grown and I know we have done the same.

A lot can happen in seven years.

We ask for your prayers as we trade the coast for the desert… the Alabama elephant for the California bear. We are excited about all God has in store for us at Shadow and the journey we are beginning. We know many will continue to be blessed and touched at Bay Community, just as we have been.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…

One thing God has shown me through this process is that I can't walk by faith and try to manage my personal status quo. I either trust Him or I don't. I either follow Him or I won't. I can't do both. I've joked with many people that if I really knew God was this faithful, I would have lived far more reckless.

As Paul finished his letter to the church at Philippi, Macedonia, he wrote this instruction. It has really resonated with me and I want to pass it to you..

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

-- Philippians 4:4-9

Please continue to pray for us as we transition and stay connected.

Our Facebook pages are:
Jeff: facebook.com/jefffulton
Liz: facebook.com/lizzyfulton
Lily: facebook.com/lilyfulton