A big (positive) change.

I (Jared) have a new job. Its a sweet story so enjoy reading below.

A few months ago, the majority of my commitments started falling behind. The people I live with, the people I work with, and the people I am building a church with have been so patient but enough became enough.

I was torn, do I leave a great job to find something else? What if "something else" leads to the same problems as the current situation? The thought of losing the great friendships and connections I have at PetScoop created anxiety in me. On top of that, the current shortcomings in other areas of my life, due to lack of time & focus, were causing me to act out in ways different from who I want to be.

The last week of January 2022, I (Jared) contacted my supervisor, letting him know the unpredictable winter schedule and amount of work hours were incongruent with the other values in my life. My supervisor was extremely understanding and over the next 3 weeks worked with his supervisor to find a way to find a place for me to stay with the company. I asked for less hours per week and a more predictable schedule. Their willingness to strategize was very affirming and showed how much they value their team members.

Here's a cool part of the story.

The Sunday after my initial conversation with my supervisor, I worked the weekend. I worked ahead enough on Saturday to give me the chance to only work a few hours Sunday morning and then join my crew for the later worship service. It was not ideal but we made it work.

During the closing musical worship time, the leader spoke prophetically saying God wanted them to pray with someone who was wrestling with quitting a job. Reluctantly, I (Jared) raised my hand and received prayer from those seated around him. After the gathering ended, as I was chatting with a friend, a guy approached me and said, “I saw you raise your hand and God told me I should ask you if you are interested in working part time at a Ninja Gym.”

Long story short (err, medium), my final day at PetScoop was Friday, Feb 12th and I started my (new) part time job at Warrior Challenge Arena on Saturday, Feb 13th. The pay is similar but the hours are much lower and more predictable. I am much less stressed and now have full time hours to invest in the church plant each week.

This is important because it is a way God has provided a job without me ever having to apply anywhere. It is a predictable schedule using gifts I already have and love to use. I already miss my community at PetScoop and believe there will be a way to stay connected with many of them.

For now, thank you to all who pray for us. We still have so many needs we are bringing to God but we will always STOP to recognize the ones he is meeting/answering.

Finally, many supporters will remember how big of a commitment it was for us to make our first 6 months ALL ABOUT building a life vs. building a church. We have now entered the phase of building a church. Your prayers, notes, and financial gifts are sustaining us as we climb the mountains before us.

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- Jared