And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
2008 has certainly been an interesting year. Jill and I began our year in Brockton, MA serving at North Baptist Church and teaching at South Shore Christian School. I was serving as the assistant pastor, principle and 4-6 teacher. Jill was teaching as the 2-3 grade teacher and worked in the nursery along with singing in the choir. In just a short period of time, we would see the school close down and the Lord lead us away from our church home. Uncertainty was in the air, yet we knew and relied upon the fact that God is sovereign and had a plan for our lives.
After having looked several opportunities, Jill discovered a Christian school in Wisconsin looking for a Bible teacher. Upon further investigation, we found they were also looking for an elementary teacher as well. In April we drove out to Rock County Christian School for interviews and spent some time with the Caucutt clan while out there. While we knew it would be quite a change for us, we also felt the Lord was working. We accepted our new positions. Jill would become the new fifth grade teacher and I would become the middle-high school Bible and Civics teacher.
The next few months were tough on both of us. Yet, while times were difficult, we able to see God’s providential hand providing for our every need. After our contracts ran out at North, the months of July through September would be our “months of lean.” We would have no paycheck and no income. On top of this, we were leaving a church I had been at for the past five years. Differences in philosophy and doctrine with Church leadership were becoming more evident everyday. Tensions were rising. Yet, we still had a bond with the church body as a whole. It was a hard decision to leave, but it had to be done. Praise the Lord, we were led to go back to the church I grew up in – New England Baptist Church. There we began to undergo some spiritual healing through the encouragement of Pastor Jim Wilkes and his wife Mary, along with many others in the church. One by one were also able to see God meet all of our economic needs. Both sets of parents were a huge help to us during this time. Jim and Jasmin Thompson had over for dinner quite a bit and helped us every step of the way during our move. Ted and Jean were our eyes and ears in Wisconsin doing all the things there that we could not do from Massachusetts – the biggest thing being finding an apartment!
Our transition went very well. Moving day in Massachusetts could not have been smoother as many from North Baptist came out to help us. Once we arrived in Wisconsin, we had a large group of people from Rock County Christian School come and help us. Praise the Lord for Christians with a servant’s heart!
Jill and I have come to love our new roles here as teachers. We love our jobs, the staff we work with, and the Midwest in general. Of course, Jill loves being so close to her family. And I have to admit, I enjoy that as well. An added bonus is the wonderful Church we have been attending. Morning Star Baptist Church is the kind of church we have been longing for. Its membership is loving and welcoming. The preaching is Christ-centered, edifying, encouraging and convicting. The pastoral team is lead by Bob Bixby who has been such a blessing to both of us in many ways.
When we look back at what God has done in 2008, we are only encouraged to see what He has in store for us in 2009. We would also like to thank all of you for your friendship, fellowship and love.
If you would like to print a copy of this letter, you can download the PDF file here – thompsonchristmasletter2008
