by Ian Kayser

I can’t believe it has already been 5 months since I transitioned from my role at Westminster in Greenwood to my role at Providence in Clinton. In some ways it feels like it hasn’t been very long but in other ways it feels like it’s been quite a while. In the time we’ve been gone, I’ve had this nagging feeling that we are out on a mission trip and we will someday be back at Westminster to tell everyone what the Lord has been doing. So even though that is not the case, it is with that same spirit that I’m checking in to let our church family in Greenwood know how we are doing in Clinton.

1. Our Family

Ruby and Julia have settled into their new routine at Mt Salus Christian School. The school has been great, the girls love their teachers, and have made some new friends. One of the sweetest things about this school is that it meets in our church building. So every morning we pack into the car, head to the same building, and we get to wave at each other throughout the day. It’s been really sweet. Harper has enjoyed Clinton. It has been good for her with the kids in school. She has taken on some home improvement projects and has re-engaged in her artwork. But with all of that said, the girls talk about all their friends from Greenwood and miss you all very much. So we recently took advantage of the kids’ activities at Westminster during fall break and it was heartwarming to reunite with our Greenwood friends. Harper and I had a blast seeing everyone as well!

2. Our Ministry

I couldn’t imagine a transition to a new ministry going any smoother than this one has. I have to believe that much of that is due to the fact that Westminster is a healthy church that loved us well, pointed us to Jesus, and showed us how to live in community. Providence Pres. has also done a great job welcoming our family to the congregation. I feel comfortable leading and shepherding as a senior pastor and feel like the Lord has called us to this work. And with that said, the hardest transition for me has been preaching not only once every week, but twice every week because we have evening worship. I’ll be honest on this one, I’m not sure how long I can keep up the pace of two sermons every week! But so far so good and I keep asking the Lord to help me in this work because it does feel overwhelming at times.

3. Prayer Requests

Our church is currently going through a transition. Two of our elders are retiring and we are beginning elder training. Please pray that God would equip these men for fruitful ministry in Clinton. Also, I have begun making inroads into the soccer community in the Jackson area - I’m playing with some adults on Wednesday nights and on Saturday mornings. Pray that God would open doors for the gospel, that I’ll have loads of fun, and that I won’t get hurt!

Finally, I can’t wait to see you all again sometime soon. We have been to Leland a few times and to Greenwood as well. I expect to pop in every now and then. We really do love Westminster and we cherish the time we were able to serve there. Also, congrats to the girls soccer team (especially Claire, Lilli, Julia Love, and Amy) for taking State!