Well, the time has come, God has spoken and we have chosen to be obedient. We are moving to Corpus Christi Texas on November 15th. If you had asked us just a little over 6 months ago when we began this journey if we would move to Texas we would have said no. In fact I have to laugh that Aleisha once said she would never live in Texas. But in two weeks we move to Corpus Christi. One thing I've learned from God is that you should never say never.
As many of you know I suffer from a host of medical issues that can be traced to a spinal cord injury incurred while serving as a missionary in Scotland. In recent years it has resulted in drastic changes to my health, from my level of mobility, to my functionality to my pain level. The cold seems to make it worse. While the doctors know what is going on (They don't know why) we have been offered little hope for recovery. But out of the blue 2 and half years ago while on vacation with Aleisha's family at sea level I remarkably got better. We thought it was a fluke. Then six months ago I attended a conference for our Missions Agency, InFaith, in Maryland right on the Chesapeake and I once again got better. In fact, within 24 hours of being at sea level I went from not being able to walk to the back of Wal-Mart to being able to do a 2 mile hike. The idea that by living at sea level that I could regain most of my functionality was exciting. We looked all over the country, originally focusing on the North East. Through a lot of trials God led us to Texas where twice I returned to sea level and experienced the same kind of recovery. The doctors are stymied and can't explain it. We went before the Lord and sought his wisdom and it was through this that God laid on our hearts not just moving to sea level but moving to the coast of Texas.
In a way it's very exciting. To think that I will regain much of my functionality ( I still have mechanical issues with my back that will never go away) is exciting. To think that I can potentially work a full-time job, be the husband I want and need to be is exciting. But this move also represents change. And neither Aleisha nor myself like change that much. As the clock ticks down to the move date I find myself looking at the fall colors, enjoying the cold weather (Even though it causes a great deal of pain) and most of all enjoying family. Last night I sat with my youngest brother Nick and cried for the realization that I won't be around him as much as I would like. To say goodbye to friends I have known for over 25 years, to say goodbye to my beloved mountains, it's hard and sad at the same time. The sadness is tempered though by a few things.
First, that sadness is tempered by the knowledge that we believe God has called us to move to this specific location. It is an act of faith to step out into the unknown. I can't help but think of Abraham when God called him away from his home to an unknown land. While I am no Abraham I believe that like him we are stepping out in Faith, trusting in God not just to lead, but to provide and care for us. It is the kind of faith that inspired and drove men like Steven Bruchko, George Muller and D.L. Moody. I know I can't hold a candle to these men but I feel the same kind of drive to do what they did and that is to totally and completely surrender to God, step out in obedience and act.
The second piece of knowledge that tempers the sadness is my wife. For without her I would be nothing. The last time we talked about moving out of state she cried the whole way back from our visit. This time though she finds herself excited. I am in awe of this woman, her courage and determination and faith.
The third piece of knowledge that tempers this sadness is the knowledge that by moving I can get better to a degree. There is a light at the end of the tunnel of my physical pain.
The final piece of knowledge that tempers my sadness is the knowledge that God has led and called us to this new place. I can't condense this piece of knowledge, knowledge given to us over the course of months through prayer, scripture, Godly wisdom and from the Spirit of God himself into a few sentences but we and those who support us believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is where God wants us to be.
With this knowledge God has led Aleisha to look for a new job. With this knowledge God has led me to create a ministry that will bring healing to wounded soldiers. This knowledge gives us hope and peace and joy. There is so much more I could write about but for know will leave it at this. We ask for your prayers, for your your encouragement, and if you feel led your support. In my previous post I detailed specific ways in which you can be a part of our new ministry. I encourage you to read it. If you have questions or would like to talk please call me at 303-791-1108 or email me at chrisgentry007@gmail.com.
In Christ
Chris Gentry
