Back to So.Cal.
So it's decided. I accepted the offer from Riverside, and my tentative start date is May 15. While I'm looking forward to working there, I'm certainly sad that I'll have to leave my Canaan home and all the wonderful friends that I've made here.
But I'm also looking forward to what God has in store for me there. I know God has a plan in all this. This may sound like I'm just parroting a cliche, but really, in my life, God has moved me around often, and in hindsight, they've always turned out for my good and His glory.
College- I initially turned down UCLA and was set to head to the East Coast. Talking it over some more with my family, I had a change of heart, and I got my decision reversed. Then, while at UCLA, I became saved (pretty important). Also, my church, BOL, taught me a lot of skills on leadership, training, and ministry management.
Med School- Going to New York was not my top choice, but none of the California schools accepted me. Having to leave my home church was very difficult, but if I had never gone, I would have never ended up at Redeemer, where Tim Keller's gospel-centered, but culturally-relevant, teachings changed my walk forever.
Residency- Again, going to Santa Clara was not my first choice; LA was. But it was here that I met Esther (definitely worth it ;)), as well as found a strong spiritual community at Canaan. Where Redeemer showed me the potential of theology (by making it connect to the human heart), Canaan showed me the potential of true community, where people walk alongside one another, through prayer and personal vulnerability. Also, I seem to have brought some of Redeemer back with me to Canaan, as Dr. Keller's sermons are now proving very popular among the Canaanites.
Career- Now, I'm off to Riverside. And who knows what God has in store? He's been completely faithful so far, and I have no reason to expect any differently. Looking back, it almost seems like God has been preparing me for something. He's trained me at BOL; He's taught me at Redeemer; He's demonstrated to me at Canaan. Maybe now is the time for the apple to be thrown from the tree and to start sowing its own seeds.
If I can't find a community as good as Canaan's, I'll just go make one.
posted by Andy @ 2:25 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
you're going to leave us and take (eventually) esther? :( it'll be sad to see you go, but who are we to get in the way of God's plan, right?
God bless you Andy. Selfishly I wish you stayed at Canaan, but I feel like God's going to use you in a powerful way in Riverside. Sounds cliche, but I am looking forward to seeing how He's going to use you. He's blessed you a lot, I can see you impacting you patients for Him.
Byron
Andy,
When God is going to use you, whih means everything is not what you "want" but God's will. Needless to day, it will be easy. The training would be tough in there because God is righteous Almighty. He has said in everthing in advance.
As a sister, "Eat the bitter of bitters and become a man of men." as a gift when you are in riverside. I do not know what's going on I feel you will come back in the future. (Do not blame me!)
Hang in there and always be "humble" to please our Lord.
Best wishes!
Summer
we're going to miss you, andy!
Like you said, apple thrown -> seeds sown. Take to the world this love, hope, and peace that you have been given.
Yes, it is time for the members of Canaan to be sent into the urban fields to be missionaries in our own world. Being at Canaan is great; it is time to replicate the experience elsewhere.
Another thing is do not forget to love God in turn because as you seeked for a long time,"He really response to you and give your the best." Please keep praying with thanks in turn and love those who come into your life. This is what he taught is.
I am the same as Byron's thoughts,"Selfishly I wish you stayed at Canaan."
It rememinds of me last year I first entered into group with you guys and then, you left at frist. However, God let the team get together again . You are chosen far away with us again, but I believe this time is different from before. You will become God's soldier in those days throug your Faith and our bless and praying.
Thank you for being patience to accept and endure me, different from backgroun in everything during this year.
I will Keep praying for you and E.
"23Peace to the brothers, and love joined with faith , from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians6:23)
Give you my best wishes!
Summer( I can not write any more or I want to cry.)
Andy, congrats on the job offer. I am sure Canaan is really going to miss you and later Esther. We will definitely keep you and Esther in our prayers.
wow, andy, it's great to see the path that God has taken you since highschool. bring the redeemer vision to riverside!!
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