Thoughts on change of mission...

Reading of the relationship of Paul, John-Mark, and Barnabas I am intrigued by the events that transpired between them (disagreements) but mainly by the plain fact that both teams of Paul/Barnabas and Paul/Silas were going in one direction with unity and passion - then for certain reasons the mission changes.

First, the events in Acts have Paul and Barnabas going out to plant churches in unity and suddenly they get to a point of disagreement (Acts 15:36). Barnabas wants to bring John-Mark along and Paul does not. At this time, due to this disagreement, they are split and Paul proceeds on with Silas. This seems like a very harsh thing on the surface but it results in the planting of other churches (a multiplication event). In Timothy (2 Tim 4:11), we see that Paul has been reconciled with Mark and considers him a capable and useful worker.

Secondly, as Paul and Silas start out on their mission they seem to have great momentum and then the Holy Spirit stops them from going where they evidently fully believe they should have been going.

Why would God have us for the past nine months get prepared to plant, pray for a community of people, envision dreams of ministry and a new Church, spend almost $2000 in preparation for moving and buying a home and in the end not grant us the ability to integrate in this venture (unable to purchase 2 homes and applied for over 100 jobs)? We do not have any disagreements or issues with anyone from LifeTree Church.

Once again, looking at the scripture I can only see that as a result of this process the planting momentum is being multiplied. Could it be that we should be taking this vision of "Family discipling" and planting this vision here as well? Not sure yet but it is worth seeking more guidance as we seek to stay in God's will. As I read a recent post from Mo Leverett, I could only feel a closeness to him as he talked of broken and shattered dreams. I think this says it all...it is through pain that God purges the yielded of inferior affections and shows Himself the only deserving object of our primary passion. For that purging, that pruning...I am thankful - yes thankful even for shattered dreams. (Full Post here)

Any thoughts?

Please pray for our family,
In His service
Brian