Dear SFBA,
My dad was an oil and gas contractor his entire life. Nomadic is a good way to describe my childhood. We went where the job required, which meant we moved every 4-9 months. I was the new kid a lot! I went to 13 schools in 4 states before I finished the 9th grade. I don’t know if that was a hard way to grow up or not. I just know that is how it was, and that is what we did. I also know that our family was always together, no matter where or what, no matter the change or the challenge, no matter what- we did it together.
That is one of the greatest lessons that I have learned in life: no matter the change or challenge, we are always better together!
As I step into the role of Executive Director, I am excited about the legacy of San Felipe. For more than 75 years, churches have served, supported, and resourced the gospel impact of the local church. We have seen times of lean and times of plenty, survived floods, hurricanes, hard economic times, and even cultural changes that we never thought we would see in our lifetimes. But through it all, with God’s help, we have survived times of challenge and change together.
Change is always interesting. It is often desired and simultaneously despised. Change illuminates opportunities we might have avoided or hoped we would never face. Change exposes our preferences, our motives, and maybe even our fears.
But change is not always a bad thing. Sometimes change is necessary even when we don't know how to do what we know needs to be done. Sometimes, change is exactly the catalyst we need to trust God more, to try new things, or to stop doing some of the things we have always done. Change requires energy and produces excitement…and maybe a little anxiety. But change, even good change, can still be hard. But no matter what changes in our lives, the good news is we serve a God who never changes and we can always count on him being there for us, no matter what we face.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
You might have already noticed that the new guy has made some changes. For example, a refreshed logo, some different communication vehicles, and even a new website. These are all good changes, and the goal is to find new and better ways to serve, support, and resource the gospel impact of your local church. Changes like these help us reach the lost, raise the next generation of Church leaders, and revitalize the Church! And here is the best part….we get to do all of that and more- TOGETHER!
I know I’m the new guy, but I’m going to ask a favor I have not earned yet. Will you help us make some of these changes? First, by praying for the churches in our associations-Ephesians 3:20 is a great thing to pray! Secondly, by engaging in your Association. A great way to do that is by checking out our CALENDAR page and collaborating with us whenever possible. Lastly, a great way to help us is by clicking the button below and helping us build our contact list (we promise not to sell your information, and we offer a NO STALK GUARANTEE!)
Finally, and personally, I want to express my sincere gratitude and thankfulness for all the encouraging notes, emails, texts, and prayers that have been so graciously offered this past month. Being the new guy is exciting, but it can be hard sometimes. However, you all have made this new guy feel welcome and right at home! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Excited to see what God does next!
Jon M. Davis (the new guy!), Executive Director/AMS
