Just a little update from Pastor Josh. I want to try to keep this updated throughout the year so visitors and members alike can see my heart as I strive to be the pastor God has called me to be. I am currently in Oklahoma, we took a little mini-vacation for some R&R. While we were here, we got word that my dear uncle Johnny had been called to his Heavenly Home. It was through the services that God showed me He is doing a great work in my heart. I have a burden for all God's creation, but particularly our native folks. That's why I hope to keep this updated and current to keep our folks from Immokalee and from other states, nations, and tribes connected to my family and I and the ministry He has called us to.
It was a big calling for us when God told me He wanted us to move to a foreign land in the middle of the farmland of Southwest Florida. If I was honest, I didn't want to leave my family, and comforts of what I always knew in Oklahoma. As much as I wanted to run away from my calling, He constantly reminded me that seeking Him first and surrendering my life to Him was the key to living the abundant life He wanted me to live. So after much prayer, fasting, and wise counsel, I surrendered my all.
I heard many preachers over the years say, "Where God guides, God provides" and "Where He leads, He feeds." That is exactly what He has done for our family. We went from knowing about 5 people in all of Florida, to making connections and relationships that I honestly don't think I could live without. First off, if you've never been to Immokalee, visit. The people here will change you. Humble. Loving. Compassionate. Those words often come to mind when I think about the folks here. God has used the people of Immokalee to change my heart. God knew we needed Immokalee to grow us.
It's been almost 6 years, we officially got here July 4th, 2011. and it feels like it hasn't been that long. We moved here just Lyndsey, Layla, and I. We have had 2 Florida babies since we've lived here, Ava and Mila. He's grown us as a family physically in number, but also spiritually. I don't want it to sound like it's always been sunshine and rainbows, because we've dealt with and grown through some hard things, but I stand on and believe Romans 8:28 that ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are THE CALLED according to His purpose. God has always given the increase and He continues to get all the glory. He's taught me that Love is KEY to making disciples. Standing with folks through the hardest of hard and the darkest of dark days has taught me about love and family.
I don't know how long The Lord will see fit that I be the pastor at Immokalee First Seminole Baptist Church, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is where He wants me right now. Come and be a part of what He is doing. I hope to keep this updated and share things about how He is growing us. "TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE."