If you are reading this blog post you are either a (1) long
time friend checking in to see what’s new with the Deffenbacher family, (2)
newer friend checking out these Deffenbacher people, or (3) cyber-stranger who
I hope finds encouragement and confidence in the truth that God is Good, and if
life isn’t Good right now…He’s not Done.
Looking Back
A little over a year ago we strongly sensed that the Lord
was both calling and preparing a way for our family to return to California.
Leaving a city, church family and friends that we loved deeply was a loss that
we surprisingly grieved for the better part of the past year. Amy’s ‘dream job’
at Fresno Christian turned out to be more of a ‘nightmare’, and my intentional
step away from full-time vocational church ministry at times seemed both
foolish and irresponsible.
One of the big motivators for our move back to Fresno was to
be closer to our immediate family. Even as Amy and I struggled to become
settled in this new season, our kids seemed to be thriving at Fresno Christian
and thrilled to be closer to their Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and especially
their Cousins.
2014 – The Year of Trusting God’s Timing
I’ve heard it said that God is seldom early, never late, but
always on time. Waiting on the Lord’s timing has proven to be one of those
topics that I’ve historically enjoyed preaching-on, but haven’t really enjoyed
living-out. This past year has been an epic saga in trusting the Lord, leaning
not on my own understanding, and believing that He will direct and provide a
purposeful path.
Here is a snapshot of my path…
Over the course of the past year the Lord has been
incredibly gracious to provide regular preaching opportunities, part-time ministry
assignments, and consulting contracts in addition to my role as an Adjunct
Professor at Fresno Pacific University. Through this process it became
increasingly obvious that the Lord was preparing me to re-enter into full time
vocational ministry within the local church. What was not as ‘clear’ was when
and where this would happen ...until recently.
Peoples Church
20 years ago I was given the opportunity to ‘cut my teeth’
in church ministry as a Junior High Intern at the Peoples Church in Fresno,
California. Peoples Church exposed me to and prepared me for a launch into
ministry. I have had the privilege to serve at churches like NorthPointe,
Calvary, Northwest, and NewHope in roles ranging in title from Youth/Student
Ministries/Emerging Generations Pastor to Spiritual Formations/Associate/Interim/Co-Lead/Lead
and Senior Pastor.
Two decades later I am once again privileged to be joining
the Peoples Church staff as the Family Life Pastor. In this role I will be
working with teams of pastors, staff, adult leaders and parents to oversee the
spiritual formation and development of children (age 0) through young adults
(college age). I’m honored to come alongside Pastor Dale and the very talented
team of pastors/staff/directors in this capacity to help people see God and
participate in his redemptive story.
An Amy Update
For those who stay up to date w/ our family on social media,
you are aware that Amy recently transitioned from the classroom when she
assumed the Dean of Students role at Fresno Christian. Amy’s skill set as a
godly educator who is organized and gracious with people (students, parents and
faculty) have already made a huge impact on the culture of Fresno Christian. It
brings me great joy to see Amy personally at peace, joyful and thriving in her
career.
Friends reading this from afar couldn’t possibly make the
connection that Fresno Christian Schools meet on the Peoples Church campus.
What this means for our family is that Sunday-Friday we not only worship
together, but also work and learn together on the same campus. FYI: it was
never ‘our’ plan to both be working full-time jobs, but in the sovereignty of
God’s plan ‘He’ knew and has provided an opportunity where we truly are better
together partnering in ministry and life.
The Life Lesson We Have Learned
One year ago today we could have never scripted the pieces
of life’s puzzle that are now coming together. In full transparency, the
moments we tried to control what seemed to be out of control …the worse it got.
On more than one occasion our faith was tested (James 1:2-4) because the
circumstances of life, quite frankly, sucked. It was during these times of
trial (1 Peter 1:7) that we doubled down on our confidence in the truth that
God really does hold the whole world in his hands. Friend, God is Good.
(Ephesians 3:20) He has an incredibly good plan for your life (Jeremiah
29:11-13). If the conditions of your life are not good …God’s not done! (Romans
8:28)
Looking Ahead
This Fall Blake has decided to play football …which is only
slightly more concerning than his obsession with jumping and racing his
motorcycle on the dirt track at the ranch. BTW: At age 12, Blake’s feet have
grown to size 10.5 (mine are 11) and he is even outgrowing shorts!
Paige Marley will be turning nine this month and continues
to pursue the arts with a passion as she is currently taking both dance and
piano lessons. As a former player myself, I’m thrilled that she is scheduled to
be starting up Soccer this month.
In Closing
Waiting on the Lord’s timing in life is one of the greatest
ways I have personally discovered that He will grow our faith. God is seldom
early, never late, but always on time. My prayer for you, in closing, is that
something I’ve shared in this post could be of encouragement to you in this
journey called life and that you would trust Jesus to direct and provide a
purposeful path for your future.
Grace & Peace,
Brent & Amy Deffenbacher
