Really quickly I wanted to take a minute and give an update on the Duncan’s and fill you in a bit concerning the journey that life is taking us on.

 

As many of you know, 11 years ago we felt God calling us to move to Nashville.  It was clear that God was going to open the door to a life long dream of pursing music as part of my ministry.  Once we took that step of faith, and acted in obedience, God more than opened the doors and allowed me to experience that dream – touring full time for more than 8 years – traveling the world over, and more importantly seeing lives changed.

 

About 5 years ago, I again entered a time of transition.  It was a time where I believe God was calling me to ask the question “how can I be the MOST effective with both the gifts that He has given, as well as this short time we are placed here on this planet?”  In answering that question, I came to the conclusion that even though playing guitar and sharing the gospel thru the arena of music was a valid ministry – it still fell short of God’s calling upon my life personally – that I could be more effective as a communicator of the gospel thru teaching rather than solely playing guitar (even though there were other aspects of ministry involved in my “music ministry”).  Essentially God was calling me back to the roots of my ministry.

 

In response, I transitioned out of playing music, and began speaking full time at various camps, conferences, festivals, as well as road pastoring/ speaking on several tours.  It has been thru this season that God has also began turning my heart back home with a desire to start a church in my home town of Albany, Oregon.

 

The past years have been marked with dreams, meetings, and training in preparation to again take that step of faith – and now it appears we are standing in the doorway to a new season – a new dream on this journey of faith.  This summer we will be “walking into the wind”  - moving back home to Oregon to begin laying the foundation for this “Community of Faith.”

 

Already we have experienced the fingerprints of God all over His plan.  For example: thus far there are over 20 families that have expressed an interest in locking arms with us and loving on their community!).  Neal  McKinney (teaching pastor at Lifepoint Church in AL., has resigned and will be joining us.  Families from Seattle, Alabama and Tennessee are taking “vision trips” to Oregon in the months to come - potentially moving out and joining in the effort.  Breakaway Ministries is sending students from all over the South to Albany next summer to aid in building bridges within the community.)   I feel that God is revealing to me an approach to reach Albany with an unaltered message, yet in a context that neither looks nor feels like the typical ‘church.”

 

I share all this to simply ask something of you (you knew it was coming – didn’t you!).  I would ask for one of your most powerful assets.  Simply put – We need your prayers!  Wisdom, workers, open doors, finances  - the list is nearly endless.  We would be honored if you would incorporate them into your everyday conversations with Christ.

 

Thank you so much for your friendship throughout the years, and the freedom that you have allowed me to feel in simply sharing the need.  

 

To our “family” in Nashville – thanks for the love you have shown to both myself, and my family.  As a family we have never experienced “community” on such a deep level.  Your lives have “crashed” into ours – you have left your mark on us, and for that we are grateful!

 

To our “family” in Oregon – thanks for your continued friendship and love in our absence.  Though we were gone, we were not forgotten, and you demonstrated that time and again in word and deed.  We can’t wait to pick up where we left off!

 

Much Love!