Today begins a new chapter for both us. It is a very bittersweet day for Joy and I as we look to the future but remember all the great times and memories we shared at Rose Hill. Over the last 3 years, we have learned a lot about ourselves and ministry. We have shared in many wonderful moments while also enduring struggles and hardships with one another as we all faced them together. The time that we have spent at Rose Hill is something that we would not want to change for anything in the world. You all have meant so much to our family. We have built relationships that will continue to last and memories that will never fade. Thank you is not enough for all that you have done for us.
While it has been a short 3 years, a lot took place during our time together. I would like to take a moment to highlight some of the positives that came over the last 3 years. These could only be accomplished with God and Him alone. Without Him, none of this would have been possible. I take no credit for these items but I give all the due to an almighty and powerful God who blesses us so richly.
- 15 young people put on Christ in baptism during the last 3 years.
- The students chose to identify as Fusion Student Ministry and take on the mentality of being a family and using our many different talents to glorify God as one group.
- We adopted the Peacock as our youth group mascot - Funny story... check out The Peacock Way for more details.
- Fusion Student Ministry expanded into Fusion Student Ministries to bring focus to our younger age children by adding Fusion Minis (K and under) and Fusion Kids (1st-5th Grades).
- Two ministry teams were formed - A youth ministry team and a children's ministry team.
- We became involved with the Lads to Leaders program and saw great success from all participants in our first year. The coolest part? The number of adults who participated. You guys rock! Keep being an example for our kids.
- A young adult ministry was started which includes a class on Sunday mornings for this group.
- We saw the revitalization of the First Saturday Club which was met with success and will continue in the fall.
- I was pied in the face one time (or 25 times) because our kids met the challenge of having 25 in the youth class at VBS every night.
- VBS had continued success and growth each year - It is now a premiere event in our community. Thanks VBS team!
- I am not going to take credit for this - However, our Trunk or Treat has exploded over the last 2 years. Hundreds of people have come through our parking lot to be a part of our Trunk or Treat. Thank you Julie Hill and the Trunk or Treat team!
- 5th Sunday night youth worship was always a highlight. What an awesome training tool for our young men. It was great to see growth every time they participated.
- The youth group participated in 2 domestic mission trips to Orlando, FL. For many of them, this was their first time doing mission work.
- Impact Workcamp was born. We saw the successful completion of 2 workcamps in Columbus, GA and Ellijay, GA. Lord willing a third one will take place in Augusta, GA next summer.
- A group of students and adults wanted to focus on making sure that relationships were being built and time was being invested in everyone, that no one felt left out. So, the Lunch Ladies ministry was born!
- Outreach and service became a focal point of all that we did.
- We centered our calendar around these 3 concepts: Seek God. Serve Others. Go into the World.
- Bring a Friend Night was established which evolved into Fwednesday. Can't be a free meal and fun with friends. Our largest Bring a Friend Night had 50 students in attendance.
- The yearly Senior Citizen's Appreciation Banquet continued to grow each year with superb parental involvement. We always had a pretty awesome wait staff, if I do say so myself!
- Most importantly, our youth group grew to be spiritually minded students who understood the need to take care of one another while serving God. Who knew! You can have fun together while doing all of that!
- and much, much more..... with more to come!
This is really just the tip of the iceberg of all the positives that have happened over the last 3 years. God is not finished and there is more to come. We have an awesome set of parents, adults who will step up to the plate with the guidance of a fantastic leader in Fred Carnes, the youth deacon, to continue with the progress that has already been made and is being made. If I were to write down every single good that has come our way, I would be writing for days... God is truly amazing and has blessed us all so richly. We could not do it without Him and give Him all the glory.
We will miss all of you. Our prayer is that God sends a fantastic couple that will step into the role as Youth Minister and lead you for the next several years. God will do that - in His own time. Our paths will cross again one day, but until then - This is not a "goodbye" but rather a "see you soon!" Always remember Romans 8:28!
Much Love,
Andrew and Joy.
