September 1, 2014: Labor Day Update

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