We're not in Kansas anymore

I realize I am not the originator of that phrase. In 1930 those words were penned by Frank L. Baum in his children's book entitled "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". This book was later made into a film in 1939 by MGM - in Technicolor -(released August 23, 1939) and as soon as "Dorothy" (played by 17 year old Judy Garland) arrived in the fantasy word of Oz the first words she spoke were: "Toto. I I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." Those words were echoed more recently in the 1996 song by Jo Dee Messina - "You're not in Kansas anymore." For Rick and Sharron Hudgens - these are more than quaint words - truly - We are not in Kansas anymore!

On Saturday July 28 Sharron and I arose early from a short sleepless night. The toll from the physical work in the house and vacating our personal items from the Kansas District Ministry Center became evident. The emotional toll was even greater. We departed from our house at 10:00am as a realtor arrive to show the house to a young couple. Sharron and I went for our last meal at Cracker Barrel and said goodbye to several there who have become friends. We then returned home and packed the car for our trip to Charlotte, NC. As we departed Topeka our hearts and minds were filled with good thoughts and memories of a time well spent and the blessings of ministry. No large fanfare to say goodbye, we felt it we just slipped away into the next stage of the transition.

With each mile we travelled we became more excited about the reality that we were returning home to North Carolina. We departed NC on April 1, 1981 to never hold residence there again until now. What does it mean to us to go home?

FIRST - and most important - is the call of God upon our lives to continue in the Lord's service. I am excited about my newly established position with New Church Specialities and the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of pastors and churches. I admit - I am anxious about full time pastoral ministry again. My heart is burring to preach and I believe God is giving me a clear vision for the direction of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. The welcome from the Church as already begun. (I invite you to click on the web site - look to your right- and check out the welcome for us!) Tomorrow is my first day in the office and Sunday my first message as Lead Pastor. I am believing for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the service. I pray the altars will be lined with people praying as the service comes to a close.

SECOND - Family. I am trying to grasp the reality that Sharron and I will be less than 2 hours from our family. When Josh and Stephanie moved to Charlotte, North Carolina Sharron and I began to think about when we should return to NC. When Danielle made the decision to relocate to North Carolina, Sharron and I once again began to think about when we should relocate. In 2005 my mother passed away and for the first time in my adult life my two brothers met with me individually and asked if I would ever return to NC. They had missed seeing our girls grow up into adulthood and Sharron and I had missed seeing my niece and nephews growing up.

Our closest friends - Joyce Ford, and Doug and Joy Huber and family began to ask if we were thinking about ever coming back to North Carolina. On March 1, 2007 Alyse Nicole came into the world. When I returned to Kansas the next week and met with Dr. Jerry Pence - General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church about my upcoming election for the continuing of my service as DS - the emotions were high. Sharron and I prayerfully decided that now was the time to bring our ministry to a close in Kansas so I withdrew my name from consideration as DS.

With that, the journey began which brought us to this moment. We're not in Kansas anymore.

We are now living in the guest room of our daughter and son-in-law Josh. We are not homeless - it's just all our belongings and our house for sell is still in Topeka, Kansas. As Sharron and I discussed this today we were reminded that when we accepted the position as DS in Kansas (July 30, 2001) we did not actually arrive to our new home in Kansas until the morning of September 11th. We believe we will be moving into our new home in Raleigh before the middle of September 2007. Until that time, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." ( Philippians 4:11-13 NIV)

My faith and trust are in Him who continually proves Himself faithful to us. I speak of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, These, my friends, are indeed, trustworthy sayings.

Oh, by the way: the final words the character Dorothy said in the movie "The Wizard of Oz" was..."There's no place like home". As we crossed the state line into North Carolina, Sharron looked at me and asked , "Do you feel like you're home". I smiled, and with tears in my eyes responded, "YES". A few hours later we held Alyse in our arms and knew we had made the right decision to relocate to NC.

The Great Adventure

The time is quickly approaching for our departure from Kansas. We are facing the great adventure!



Sharron and I found our schedule full as we prepare the last minute responsibilities at our house in Topeka. We took time on Thursday to meet with Pastor Alfredo Barreno and his son Christian. Sharron and I are constantly blessed by Pastor Alfredo and his family. Our ministry opportunities were great and our friendship has deeply grown over the past six years.

It was a happy moment when we signed the title of our 1993 Ford Festiva to Pastor Alfredo for his son Christian. This is his first car. They had been looking for a vehicle for Chris and when they indicated interest in purchasing our car - it was a joy to sell it to them for Chris.

Sharron and I worked until late last evening and then concluded the work of packing my office and personal items at the District Ministry Center today. It was an emotional moment as I surrendered my keys to the facility. We have now vacated the Ministry Center. No one else was there today because this is the day of the annual district conference. Today was the election for a new District Superintendent. My thoughts and prayers are with the pastors and delegates. I appreciate the leadership of Dr. Jerry Pence as General Superintendent and believe the conference will go well today and the celebration to follow will be great!

I have counted it a privilege to serve as District Superintendent of the Kansas District of the Wesleyan Church since July 2001. I believe this experience has continued to mold and shape me into the man of God and minister of the gospel that God intends me to be. I am very thankful for this opportunity. It is with deep love for the pastors and churches that I step away from this position. As you may have read this blog in the past; now is the time to face the simple priorities that Sharron and I established for our life and ministry together 29 years ago. God is first - family and close friends are second - and ministry (church) is third. We are confident in our decision to return home to North Carolina to be near family and life long friends.

It was disappointing during these past three months as doors of opportunity closed before us. It is also amazing how God opened the door to return me to pastoral ministry at a great church. I begin my responsibilities at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene next week. Check out their web site about our arrival http://www.nrnazarene.org/

We are departing for NC on Saturday July 28th. Stephanie and Josh say they are ready for our arrival. The church is reaching out to us to assist us in our time of transition. We are excited about the new adventure and the journey of faith God is taking us on. I am reminded of one of my favorite songs:

The Great Adventure

(by:Steven Curtis Chapman, Geoff Moore)

Saddle up your horses!
Yeah a ah, Yeah a ah (saddle up your)
Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
this is a life like no other whoa ooh
this is the Great Adventure

Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
this is a life like no other ooh

Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
this is a life like no other whoa ooh
this is the Great Adventure

The great adventure, the great adventure
The great adventure, the great adventure

These truly are trustworthy sayings.....

Faith for the Future

The time is approaching for Sharron and I to pack the car and head out for North Carolina. It's time for another chapter of our life to begin. Today we met with our realtor, Jerry Brosius about our home for sale in Topeka. We think the trimming of the tree in the front of our house has made a great difference. If you want to know more about our listing - check out the website for our realtor http://www.jerrybrosius.com/ Just click on My Listings and go to 6453 SW 24th St.

This is now our outstanding prayer request. Until we are able to sell our house in Topeka, we are limited to rent or purchase a home in Raleigh. We have an open house scheduled for Sunday August 5th. As I preach my first sermon as Lead Pastor of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene - our house in Topeka will be featured in an open house. We are trusting God for the sale of our house.

It seems that Josh and Stephanie will once again open their hearts ( and their spare room) for Sharron and I to move in. Already invitations are coming from people at NRN (North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene) for Sharron and I to stay in their homes and even the possibility of hotels over the weekends to prepare for Sunday mornings. One faithful church member has stated "We don't want you guys to feel like you're homeless..." Sharron and I realize we are not homeless - it's just our house is in Topeka, KS. We also realize it is a difficult transition but we are so excited about going home to NC and my heart is being stirred with the reality of pastoral ministry.

These final days in Topeka are hectic and emotional. My heart was greatly touched by the phone call of our good friend Pastor Mark McGregor who called to say goodbye and encourage me. Tomorrow I meet with Pastor Alfredo Barreno to say farewell to this good friend. As the Kansas District of the Wesleyan Church gathers for the annual Conference - Sharron and I will be packing my books and vacating the Ministry Center. The reality of departure is stirring many emotions. I have loved being a DS. I deeply care for the pastors of the Kansas District. As the new DS is elected on Friday July 27th I wish to state my support with deep respect and admiration for Pastor Ed Rotz. May all who come behind us find us faithful.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." and I know that "Without faith it is impossible to please God..." (Heb. 11:6) These are days of uncertainty for Sharron and I as we make this transition to Raleigh. We are trying not to be overwhelmed but keeping our focus (fix our eyes) on JESUS the author, source, perfecter, completer, our of faith. (Heb. 12:2) We have faith for the future.

These my friends, are trustworthy sayings!

I HATE CHANGE ?

I must admit: I HATE CHANGE! However, I have learned the lesson that change is inevitable. Everything that grows MUST change! No change - no life! Here are the two recent examples that have touched my life:

First: Our four month old grand daughter Alyse is being nursed by her mom - Stephanie. To supplement these feedings Alyse takes from a bottle. As her "Papa" it has brought great joy to hold her in my arms and feed her. It is very evident that she loves her bottle. Recently, her mom introduced a big change: it is time to begin to feed Alyse baby cereal to introduce new foods.

Though change is sometimes unpleasant - it is necessary. As Alyse took her first "bites" (she has no teeth yet) it was clear that she likes this new change. The bottle or the cereal - both are not only nutritional but very necessary is the physical growth of Alyse.

This is a very simple change in life. I wish all change was this simple. Soon this change of diet will be replaced with other foods and life goes on.

Second - Today the membership of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene conducted the much anticipated pastoral vote. My response to the result of the vote is as follows:

On Sunday July 22, 2007 I received a telephone call from Dr. Mark Barnes – District Superintendent of the North Carolina District of the Church f the Nazarene regarding the results of the pastoral vote taken at North Raleigh.

The results are as follows: 128 votes cast; 114 Yes; 14 No; and very positive vote of 89%

This vote has been covered in prayer and in response; it is my privilege to accept the call as Lead Pastor of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene.

Sharron and I plan to relocate to the Raleigh area as soon as possible. We anticipate our first Sunday as pastor to be August 5, 2007. We look forward to serving with the pastoral team at North Raleigh. It is a time to look with faith for the future. Please pray for the sell of our house in Topeka, KS. and the transition to Raleigh. Plan now to invite friends and family to join you as we celebrate our first Sunday together on August 5th.

Sharron and I are very excited about this change in our life. When we decided it was time to bring a close of our ministry in Kansas, it was one of the most difficult decisions of our life. It was at that time we clearly felt it was time for us to move back to North Carolina.

The move to Raleigh is filled with great anticipation! We realize that many changes are before us. In the days ahead we are praying earnestly for the sell of our house in Topeka, Ks. We appreciate the hard work of our realtor and trust God for the timing for the sell of the house! Our plans are to begin the relocation process by the end of the week. We will be spending time in Indian Trail NC and then on to Raleigh to being a new chapter of ministry in our life's journey.

The changes before us are HUGE! Our faith and confidence are in the Lord God.

These are the trustworthy words given to us at church today: "And looking upon them Jesus said to them,'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:26)

I have been reminded that our impossibilities are God's opportunities when we place our hope and trust in Him. I am convinced today that God will make a way when there seems to be no way. I will not be filled with anxiety about the changes and transitions in my life - but express my praise for God who directs my path and makes the way smooth. I am embracing the changes God is making in my life.

UMM - maybe it's not change I hate - just the "stuff" you have to deal with to bring about effective change.

Another hot day in Kansas! The last several days have been filled with rest and hectic moments.



Today I met with our realtor and we reduced the sale price of our home in order to facilitate a quick sale. The housing market in Topeka has slowed a bit and our house has been on the market for only 76 days. We know that God is in control!

We are preparing to meet with the congregation at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene on Friday evening July 13. The weekend is filled with connection points with people from the church. Sharron and I are really excited about this opportunity. I will be preaching on Sunday morning and if all goes well the membership vote will take place on July 22. God is directing our path!

The church has a great heritage of ministry. The people express friendly greetings to all who come for worship on Sunday. The church has been going through a difficult transition the past 12-15 months. Now is the time for revitalization and renewal of ministry. I believe God is preparing to pour out a great blessing to this church and I pray for the opportunity to lead the church in the days ahead.

In my study time today I read some interesting statistics on why people change churches. Here it is for you:

Why Do People Switch Churches?

More than 1 in 5 adults who switch to a new church move away from traditional worship, finds recent LifeWay Research.

• Worship style of worship:
• Church Switchers often choose a new church that is different in several ways from their previous one, and most end up not attending traditional services as they did formerly. 53% attended traditional style worship; of that, only 29% switched to churches with traditional services.
• The most popular worship styles among switchers are blended worship (38%) and contemporary worship (33%).
• Church Size
• 46% move to a larger church while 29% go to a smaller one and 25% find one the same size as their former church.
• Among those who attended a church of 100 or less, 79% switch to a larger church.
• Among those who attended a church of more than 500, 57% moved to a smaller church. 54% change denominations when switching.
• Denomination loyality
• 44% consider denomination an important selection factor. Among those who have disagreements with their previous church’s teachings or positions on issues, 71% change denominations. Only 4% left a previous church because they could no longer identify with that particular denomination.
• PREACHING
• 87% base their selection on preaching and 90% have found preaching that meets their need for relevance, interest and clarity. 91% consider the preaching at their current church relevant while only 44% say this about their previous church.
• 91% say their current preacher holds their attention vs. only 37% who claim this about their previous preacher; 86% are challenged by the preaching at their new church to live and think biblically compared to only 39% who were previously so challenged.
• SERVANT SPIRIT
• 97% attend worship at their current church; 84% contribute financially vs. 69% previously; and 64% volunteer compared to 51% before.
• CONNECTION POINTS
• Also, 60% attend a small group, Sunday school or discipleship class at their new church. Moreover, 74% become a member of their current church vs. 69% at their previous church.

Source: (Church Leaders Intelligence Report, 6-27-07)


I think finding the right church is very important to a persons spiritual growth. This is a trustworthy saying - think about it!

Back in Kansas Again

On Thursday I travelled back to Kansas to fulfill some responsibilities at home. I appreciate Pastor Alfredo Barreno meeting me at the airport and providing my transportation to Topeka. When I called my wife Sharron in the evening she encouraged me to check out Stephanie's Blog for a message posted for me. It brought tears to my eyes and a broad smile across my face. Check it out at Stephanie's blog.


I really miss Sharron when I am away from her. My wife Sharron is my best friend. She is the compass in my life that gives me the insight in making tough decisions and gives direction. She is the voice of reason when I need clarity while dealing with situations. I could not see my life and ministry without Sharron being part of it. She brings laughter to my voice and a deep sense of fulfillment in my life. Sharron - I can' say it enough: I love you!




I am so thankful that God placed Sharron in my life. As we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary on June 9 we once again renewed in spirit our dedication and commitment to one another. I am blessed to have Sharron - my loving wife and best friend.

Sharron and I are blessed with our adult daughters Danielle and Stephanie. They are identical twins yet, each expresses their unique personality and passion for life. Sharron and I are first generation Christians. It is a great privilege to raise two beautiful daughters and know that each has made a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The home they grew up in was not perfect. But, I can honestly say, the home they grew up in was filled with love and faith. We are righteously proud of each of our daughters because of who they are.

Sharron and I also blessed by our son-in-law Josh and our first grandchild Alyse Nicole! What a beautiful family. He and Stephanie were high school sweethearts. When Josh wanted to date Stephanie, he asked my permission and when he wanted to ask Stephanie to marry him, he asked my permission. He is truly a godly man and the best son-in-law I could ever image. He loves his wife and daughter. He is a commitment Christian and serves the Lord faithfully. The day Josh and Stephanie brought little Alyse home from the hospital was a GREAT DAY!

Why so much info about my family? Today I miss them. I am convinced more than ever that God is drawing Sharron and I to North Carolina to be near family and serve Him. As we delight in Him, God gives to us the desires of our heart. Sharron and I are content that whatever God's plan is for our life we want to be found faithful and available.

Today I am reading a book by Peter Scazzero. The title of the book is Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (2006 Integrity Publishers) "The combination of emotional health and contemplative spiritually addresses what I believe to be the missing piece in contemporary Christianity" he says. "Together they unleash the Holy Spirit inside us so that we might exponentially know the power of an authentic life in Christ." I encourage you to visit the website established by the Center for Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.


Thanks for stopping by. Hope you found these words encouraging and filled with trustworthy statements!

A Day to Celebrate Independence and Dependence

On this first July 4th in North Carolina we enjoyed a morning with Josh, Stephanie and Alyse.


We really appreciate the warm hospitality shown as we have been staying in their "guest room" for an extended time. Sharron and I have extremely enjoyed the time with family. Danielle had to work today due to an unexpected resignation which left quite a bit of unfinished business.

I laughed quite a bit today as I enjoyed the USA network for the MONK marathon. Yes - I am a MONK fan - big time. I own all the series available on DVD. If you have never experienced the MONK I invite you to follow detective Adrian Monk on his adventures solving cases on the Monk TV series. USA Network's Monk television show features Tony Shalub.

At this very moment - I am setting at my daughter's computer posting this blog and all of a sudden - here comes Stephanie - Alyse - and Sharron. It brings joy to my heart and a big smile to my face when "Grammy" holds Alyse up as she displays her Independence Day shirt.

As I think of the true meaning of Independence Day I am thankful for the sacrifice made by men and women across the years who have served in the armed force to secure our freedom. This American holiday was designed to bring to remembrance the patriotic duty of our forefathers who declared our Independence to establish - Under God - this nation.

As I believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and a Servant of the Most High God I also choose to remember the freedom I have to declare my dependence upon the Creator God of the Universe. In Christ alone do I trust for salvation.

I am blessed! If you have trouble grasping this "freedom" thing because you face temptations and bondage due to things in your life, I invite you to turn to God who loves you and demonstrated His love for you and me. The book I trust states that "While we were yet sinners - Christ died for us." His death give me - and you - the assurance of life. My dependence upon Him is the source of my strength. Be sure and comment if you want to know more about this dependence.

These - my friends - are trustworthy sayings!

Five days of the journey

It has been five days since my last blog entry. Each day has brought blessings and confirmation of God's favor upon Sharron and me.

FRIDAY

On June 28th Sharron, Stephanie, Alyse and I visited the newly opened Billy Graham Library. We had a wonderful time. To really grasp the time enjoyed, I invite you to to click on my daughter Stephanie's blog, where she gives great insight about this afternoon together.

One aspect of the visit to the Billy Graham library that brought a flood of memories to me was a large picture located near the entrance to the barn.


It was the sign located in front of the Charlotte Coliseum in preparation for the Crusade coming to town in the fall of 1972. ( If it is hard to read, it says: Billy Graham Crusade 6,7,8; Wrestling 10; Elvis Presley 11; Ice Hockey 13,14) I had just starting going to church during the summer of 1972 and the Crusade was in September. I remember singing in the choir under the direction of Cliff Barrows and the privilege to hear Billy Graham preach each night of the meetings. Within 3 months of this meeting I had accepted Christ as my Savior and my life was transformed.


SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

On Saturday June 29 Sharron and I travelled to Raleigh, NC to meet with the church board of the North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. It was a time for a pre-interview with the leadership of the church as they continue the process of searching for a new pastor.

Our time of interaction was great. We laughed together, shared, and listened to one another. My heart truly resonated with the expressions of the board as they described what they were looking for in a new pastor. I tried to listen carefully to the questions asked and drew insight about their vision and values from the prepared questions. We really appreciated Jeff giving us a tour of the facility. The evening meal with Cindi, Shawn and Harold was fantastic (including the Carolina Concrete). We enjoyed the morning service and especially the welcome received following the service when it was announced that a potential candidate was possibly visiting. The lunch with other board members and spouses was very enjoyable.

Sharron and I have given this opportunity much prayer and sought the council of godly friends. We have accepted the invitation to return to Raleigh over the weekend of July 15-17. A congregational meeting will take place on Friday for the purpose of a get acquainted time. I will meet with the church leadership again. I have accepted the invitation to preach on Sunday morning. Soon after this the church board will vote to recommend me as pastor - if that goes well - the congregational meeting will take place and the membership will vote.



I really feel like we are taking a giant leap of faith. Scroll down to my June 20 entry when I asked the question: What in the world is God doing? Well, it looks like this may be answer Sharron and I have believed for. I am sensing an excitement about the possibility of entering into pastoral ministry at a local church. I have loved being a District Superintendent. The time of ministry in Kansas as given us great joy. The experiences have held to continue to mold and shape me into the person and minister of God that I am today. Sharron and I have found it difficult to begin the separation of friends in Kansas. However, the excitement of being close to family, returning home to North Carolina and continue to the Lord's service in ministry is almost overwhelming. We are filled with joy about this possibility. Pray with us about the July 15-17 and check my blog the beginning of the next week for updates.


MONDAY

It was great to have the day with our son-in-law Josh at home. A very relaxing day of cooler weather and enjoyment with family. We are in prayer for our friends in Osawatomie, KS. Over the weekend the river arose and their house had over 6 feet of water covering the porch and into the house.

TODAY -

Thanks for taking the time to read this expression to thoughts. The passage of scripture that spoke to me today is from Deuteronomy 31:8:

Do not be afraid or discouraged,

for the LORD is the one who goes before you.

He will be with you;

he will neither fail you nor forsake you."

I hope you find this a trustworthy saying.