A Rite of Passage

this weekend was taken up with one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences as Stephanie’s husband was ordained. He and another young man were questioned on doctrine and the church and the Bible for several hours. Sixteen ordained men of God were on the council, and when they had finished their questions and concluded that these young men were ready to preach the Gospel, the council voted to recommend that their sending church ordain them. 

Then the men of the council signed the ordination certificates.

We got some pictures with the pastor of the ordaining church. He and his wife are some of our closest friends.

... and then we went to the park and had some fun.

The guys in the family babysat for a while.

We had a birthday party for this little boy.

Then Sunday night, during the service, the deacons and pastors laid hands on them and prayed for them.

The night was full of tears and happiness and sadness and longing all rolled into one. The sadness is because these two recently ordained men will not be pastoring churches in this country. God has called them to the country of Brazil to preach and they and their families will be leaving very soon. My heart hurts with longing for them already, but since God has called them to a work, I wouldn't want them to be anywhere else but in His will.

We're heading back home this morning. Last night was not the final good-bye before they leave, but its coming soon.

Too soon.