Thank you

Dear CBF Parents,
    “Bittersweet” is the best word to describe how my wife Nikki and I feel right now. When Nikki and I began leading Grapple, we realized God had given us a passion for youth ministry, and we began to pray about this together. We shared this desire to the elders, and they have supported us through prayer and encouragement as God led us through this journey. It was not an easy decision for us, but we feel that God has led us to accept a student ministry position at a church in Plano.
     There is one last challenge I would like to share with parents at CBF. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” My last question for parents is “are you taking time to be still with God as a family?” No, the prayers before bedtime and a meal do not count! When do you as a family just stop, spend time with God together in prayer and reading His Word?
     Many parents say they do not have the time between school, soccer practice, church events, birthday parties and the list goes on and on. I am not saying that these activities are bad, but in our society today, families are more devoted to attending these events than they are to following God. I fear that many parents are more loyal to extra-curricular activities than they are to God and the church. The scarier thing is that your children recognize it.
     After this verse shares about being still, it states that God is going to be exalted among the nations and in the earth. It does not matter how busy you are, God’s name is going to be exalted. You can either stop and dwell with God through prayer, His Word, singing, or listening to praise music; or you can get too busy with life and miss God. Parents, are you spending daily time with God through his Word? Are you striving to “pray continuously?” Are you making a joyful noise unto the Lord? If you are not, then where are your children going to learn it from?
     Here is the question I have for parents who go to church today. Are you more worried about providing your child with a safe, fun, comfortable life, or training your child so they can be empowered to be a believer who aims to glorify God? Parents, let me encourage you to slow down and enjoy the years you have with your children. Model for your children what it means to love God with all you are and model for your children what it means to be a godly spouse.
      It has been an honor and pleasure to serve the families here at Coppell Bible Fellowship the past couple of years. Nikki and I have enjoyed our time here and will miss all of our dear friends, our church body, and the children we have come to care for so deeply. We are excited about the new ministry opportunity and what God has in store for us there, but it is hard to leave our church that has become our family here in Coppell. This Sunday will be our last Sunday at CBF. Please pray for us during this time of transition and as God uses us in a new ministry. Thank you again for all the love and encouragement you have shown us.

Jeff Hunt