(And so is the Yates Family!)

Over the past few years, God has been writing a story in our lives that we didn’t fully understand at the time, but we trusted the Author. The calling to pastoral ministry kept pressing on my heart, even when the timing didn’t make sense, and even when doors we thought would open turned out to be just windows, glimpses, not destinations. We prayed, waited, stepped forward in faith, and then waited some more. And then… God.

I’m beyond humbled and excited to share that I’ve accepted the call to serve as the Senior Pastor at Snover Heritage Church in Snover, Michigan. It’s located in a friendly rural town in the heart of Michigan’s Thumb, and we already feel so welcomed by this incredible congregation. This isn’t just a new role, it’s a new season of ministry, of purpose, and of living in obedience to what God has been preparing in and through our family.

In June, we’ll be packing up our life here in sunny North Carolina, trading in our flip-flops for snow shovels, sweet tea for hot cocoa, and humidity for… well, still humidity, but the frozen kind. It’s bittersweet to leave behind the place we’ve called home for the past 4 years, and the amazing people we've met and built relationships with during our time here, but we are stepping forward with full hearts, excited for what’s ahead. The kids are processing this big change with curiosity and courage, and we’re praying for grace and laughter through every mile of the journey north.

Thank you to everyone who’s encouraged us, prayed for us, and walked with us as we’ve followed God's leading. We can’t wait to see how He continues to move in Snover, and we’re honored to be part of it.