PAST
One year ago a family from York, Pennsylvania made a faith decision to move to Baltimore, MD. July 1st, 2007 marked one full year for them in Maryland. By all outward appearances this seemed a bit strange and teetered on fanaticism all things considered. They were leaving familiar surroundings, precious family, a great church, awesome friends and all that they knew to be comfortable for so long. So what in the world would prompt them to do something like this? The answer is almost unbelievable by the world’s standard but is altogether real. The answer is…nothing…nothing in this world would make someone do this but it is something out of this world. It was the call of God! It was the tugging of the Holy Spirit that practically shouted that it was time to go study and prepare for the race that lies ahead. Seems unreal, seems odd, and seems just a little crazy…well you might be right if it weren’t for God and His divine leading. They would not have made it were it not for God. So who would do such a thing? Uproot and replant in foreign (to them) soil…yes, you guessed it, it was us…Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese. And wow, what a year it has been. I can hardly believe how quickly it went. I can remember…
…That first week was like a whirlwind. We moved in on July 1st of 2006 with the aid of the Body of Christ. First and foremost I have to say “thank you” to Carmen, Misty’s mom, who found us such an amazing house. What a provision!! It was precisely what we had been praying for and I truly am grateful to her for finding it for us. So, we had York church helpers, family members and friends step up in a labor of love to help us pack up our belongings and leave all we knew as ours. I’m sure it was difficult for some to see us go but that did not diminish the effort. And here in MD we had folks show up at our new house that we hardly knew along with some great friends to unpack us into our new home. Thank you to the Body here for pouring out into us on the very first day. The next day, weary from the move, we went to our first church service living in Baltimore. It was awesome but did not come without surprises. I (Andrew) had led the song services in the York church for some time and thought that this would be little time off from such duties. Well it didn’t take but a short time on campus that I was asked to consider leading the new 8:30 song services and was also asked to sing in a group. I thought “ok God, I just wanted to relax” but He evidently had different plans.
PRESENT
Earlier I mentioned that is was the call of God that moved us. Let me expand on that for a moment. I’d say the prime motivation for moving was school. That’s right…school! Here at Greater Grace World Outreach (GGWO) there is a facility for “Higher” education. Maryland Bible College and Seminary (MBC&S) is where I am currently enrolled as a Biblical Studies major. Coming into it I didn’t really have a goal outside of a deeper study life and seeking of God to define what He had in mind for me and us as a family. Well, it seems as though He is beginning to show us our lives beyond Maryland. Meaning all indications are that we will be going on the mission field. When and where is unknown but this looks to be the course God has planned for us. One thing is for sure that it probably won’t happen until after my studies are complete here but that is my plan. God’s plan might be different of course. Time will tell. So, the classes I have had thus far have been incredible and I’m looking forward to the fall semester. God has enabled me to do pretty well in my studies and I can only rely on Him to continue to be faithful in this area. Aside from schooling there are many things God has had or still has me involved in. Easter Play, Basketball coaching, Convention ’07 and many more that have been mentioned in prior Blog postings so I won’t mention them all again. On the logistical side…I’m still employed and the car is running…that’s all I’ll mention about that. Please pray for finances.
Misty is amazing as always. God was really looking out for me when He gave her to me. She has been such a rock to me and for our family. But by no means does that imply that she was at home simply holding down the fort. She has become very involved with the women’s ministry here at GGWO attending the meetings on Tuesdays. She helps plan some of the events, decorate etc. She was very involved in the planning of the Puerto Rico booth at this year’s convention. She has also made it a conviction to attend the lunch raps on Tuesdays as well. Her next huge endeavor will be home schooling Grant. I’m not exactly sure when this will begin but she is preparing by getting curriculum, materials etc. She will be great but prayer will be appreciated toward this area for sure. All this along with throwing events at our home, raising two boys (3 including me) and managing our household. She truly is amazing.
Grant has totally adjusted to living here without skipping a beat. He is now in his “4 years old class” at church and has developed some good little friendships. He even attempted to sit in church for one service and made it about ¼ of the way through. Not bad for his first time. He recently finished his T-ball season. He really enjoyed it and is already talking about playing another sport. He likes almost all of them but has really developed an interest in Lacrosse recently since our sweet neighbor girl graciously gave him his first stick. He actually does pretty well and lacrosse is pretty big around here so we’ll see what comes of that. He had another big event in his life as he conquered his fear of the big pool. He had been rather terrified of the “big” pool but recently he ventured in with me and now he totally loves it. We went to the beach on July 4th and he couldn’t get enough of the water. To the point where he was turning a shade of purple as it was a little chilly but that didn’t stop him. He’s really getting big and we love him bunches.
Reese…well…let’s just say he is our comic relief. We find ourselves cracking up at him on a daily basis. He is rather feisty and has been affectionately coined our “juggernaut”. Just recently he has surprised us by repeating Grant on a few occasions with words like “dude”, “sweet” and a day would not be complete without a “whoa” or “wow”. We can only imagine at times what is going on inside his head. He has mastered the art of capturing Misty’s attention with repeated swats to her backside and has no problem grunting his way through a day. We imagine he’ll break out in sentence here soon for better or maybe worse. He is our climber, escape artist and just a ball of energy. He is growing like a weed and his features are beginning to change from baby to little boy. We love him, bunches as well.
FUTURE
So, looking ahead the question can be asked what is out there for us moving forward!? God only knows but one thing can be certain, He will be faithful. He has proven Himself to be so to this point. He goes as far as to promise in Philippians 1:6 that “He who has begun a good work…will be faithful to complete it…”. God said it, I (we) believe it and that settles it!! Misty and I have begun reading up on some of the forefathers of our faith like Charles Finney, D.L. Moody and others. What patriarchs of our faith. Many lessons can be learned from their lives and if He would use us in any measure like he used those men and women it would be a great honor for this Turner family. We’ve only just begun but realize that He is laying the foundation now for what He has known of us before time began. So to wrap this up we express our heartfelt thanks to those who have labored in prayer on our behalf. It has been effectual and real in our lives. We thank God for friends that seek Him for us. I think of the song that says that “someone is praying you through”. Thank you for joining us on this ride in whatever capacity God has granted you and we look forward to bigger and better things to come. We leave you with some recent photos of the boys. Take care…
MISTY'S P.S.
Today Andrew sent me the draft of this update and while reading it the tears just streamed down my face. It is sooo good to reflect on God's faithfulness! This past year has been the best year of my life. I can't even begin to describe the deep work that God has done in my heart. I am in awe of Him and just so broken by His deep love for us. Thank you to all that love us and encourage us in the Lord! To family & friends in Pennsylvania... we miss you so much(and love you immensely)... however more than a year ago we heard the voice of our Savior and we must follow Him (John 10:27).
From all of us to all of you,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese
