The stain in the fabric..

Now that I have been here O'Fallon for over four months, the newness has officially worn off; I don't get lost driving around quite as much anymore and I can get to places other than just taco bell, church, and my apartment without using sal (my GPS). I am settled in, no longer the "new" guy @ church, although still pretty fresh, its' nice to not have that monicar anymore. I am very thankful for my church family, there have been families on staff and in the congregation that have taken a vested interest in me. Ministry is for the Lord and all about the people, it sure is nice to be blessed with some new friends in this journey. A couple weeks ago I went to the Catalyst Leadership conference in Atlanta, and got to go with my dad, that was such a cool experience. It is so cool to be in ministry and the same specific area of ministry that pops is. There, I heard some great speakers and theologians and was able to take some good stuff away that I would like to use in my own ministry and apply to my personal life. We seems to always want more and more and we want it "now"! Andy Stanley talked about controlling our appetites in ministry.. wait for God's timing. God is teaching me humility, patience, and trust. He knows what's best and when it needs to happen, who am I to challenge or doubt that?!? Which is indeed what I am doing when I question His timing or long for better days. We must learn to be content in any and every situation; CONTENT. Every moment we go through, and situation we work through is meant to make us stronger, to draw us closer, and make our ears more in tune to the still, small leading of God's voice. John 15:5 tells us that apart from God, we can do "nothing"... seems pretty simple; we must first follow God, trust God, then through Him, with Him, and because of Him, we can accomplish things. Rob just told me a quote recently, that I have not forgotten and try to apply as a guideline to my part in ministry. The late Count Zinzindorf said, "Preach the gospel, die and be forgotten" WOW... that is what ministry is all about, its not about me, my desires, my dreams, and desires, my career aspirations or even my day to day happiness... its about God and his word and empowering others with the gospel. Let's remember that in our lives, we are all in a from of ministry, what does yours look like? Let's help people forget us and remember the cross.
Until next time...

All's well that begins well..

Well, its hard to believe, this Saturday nights service will be my 8th here @ FBCO; I've been here for 2 months! Things are going great thus far, I am really getting plugged in and getting to know the staff, making some friends and formulating relationships with people in the church. My apartment is looking good (due in no small part to mom's touch); and I am enjoying rocking the bachelor pad. Kate is coming to visit in less than I week, man i can't week; being away from her has been tough, I am more ready now than ever to marry this girl, COME ON JUNE 11!!!!! While this transition has been a challenge, it has been exciting, exhilirating and grown me as a believer and as a man; it's pretty cool to get paid to do what you love to do, to get paid to lead worship and get to worship God.... pretty awesome! God is teaching me to be content, to be calm, and to trust, trust Him completely; something I have struggled with in my walk. There have been lonely times up here, trying times, confused times, but through it all, I know that God is in control, so there's really no need for me to stress about it. I am blessed to turned to this chapter of my life so quickly after college, and thank God for bring here to O'Fallon. I am thankful for the church, for all the people and for my position here, truly a time of growth for me. Man, I still can't believe I live in Illinois... wild. Anyways, thanks for reading, until next time...
holler

The Going's On: Life in the O'Feezy

The Going's On: Life in the O'Feezy: "Well, as most of you probably now, these past few weeks, 2 months as a matter of fact have been an absolute whirlwind. I just wanted to util..."

Life in the O'Feezy

Well, as most of you probably now, these past few weeks, 2 months as a matter of fact have been an absolute whirlwind. I just wanted to utilize this blog to put my thoughts down and let my family and friends keep track of what is happening in the life of ryan. I recently graduated from Liberty University, went through the trying time of my beloved grandfather's death; then got engaged to my beautiful fiance, Katie White, got ordained, and took a job in the ministry as the Worship Associate @ First Baptist Church O'Fallon Il. I have been here in O'Fallon Illinois for about 3 weeks now, and although it has been a challenge living in a new place, on my own, it has been a blessing, and I consider myself to be truly blessed to have a job in the local church. FBCO is an incredible place, a church body that loves the Lord and a staff that fears the Lord and loves the people. I firmly believe that God has led me here and am ready to be here as long as the Lord desires. I cannot wait for Katie to join me up here in ministry; I miss her so incredibly much. As, I sit up here, in my own apartment, in a suburb of St. Louis, in a place that up until two months ago, I had never heard of, it only affirms the hand of God in leading me here. Right now, I am getting plugged in, trying to get settled in the area and in the church, trusting in the Lord for His continued guidance and protection. I will keep you posted as things progress here in the big O'Fallon; thanks for reading! Holler