While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. – Acts 13:2–3 ESV
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. – Genesis 12:1–4 ESV
Throughout Scripture, God’s mission unfolds through moments of calling and sending. Sometimes faithfulness means staying; sometimes it means stepping forward into what God is doing next. In Acts, the church in Antioch prayed, listened, and trusted the Spirit enough to release Paul and Barnabas for the work to which God had called them.
Being sent is not an ending, nor is it a turning away. It is an act of trust – trust that God is leading, that God is faithful, and that God’s purposes extend beyond any single season or place. I believe this is how God continues to work: through prayerful obedience and open hands.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for what God has already done and with confidence that He will continue to guide, sustain, and bless His people – here and wherever His mission leads next.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served at New Hope Fellowship. It has been a gift to witness the ways God has been at work among His people, bearing fruit that reflects His faithfulness. I give thanks especially for the growth and depth God has nurtured within Women’s Ministry during this season, trusting that He will continue to bring that work to fullness.