We had a team X-mas party in December and a team retreat during MLK, Jr. Day weekend. But our team relationships are not so enmeshed as these pictures may suggest. :-)  

Each of us individually and as families has their own passion for Christ and engage in unique ministries according to the gifts he has given each one, but we also enjoy (and need) the mutual encouragement from each other. In the past two months–December and January–God has provided us with opportunities where we could “land” together. We relaxed and had fun in each other’s company and we also had heart to heart talks. And our worship of God together took us to a new place, created a greater thirst in each of us to see the vision realized that he has placed in us.

“Stop crying! The Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has won the victory.” (Rev. 5:5)

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will rule as king forever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15) 

“Again you must speak what God has revealed in front of many people, nations, languages, and kings.” (Rev. 10:11)

2007 (January)—Grizzles tell Griffiths and Whaleys that they are not confident in their decision to join the team/mission. Griffiths and Whaleys encourage Grizzles to stick with the team through the distressful season they were going through. Interpersonal relationship retreat with Dale Hawley. Griffiths, Grizzles, and Whaleys wholeheartedly invite the Mullinses to join the team. They accept!

2007 (January-May)—Corey Mullins and Jason Whaley take Church Planting with Stan Granberg; their wives, Emily and Nicole, audit the course. Whaleys visit Memorial Road Missions committee and reports on the history we have with the congregation and express appreciation and hope for a long-term relationship. Mullinses complete their psychological testing. Whaleys travel to Buford, Georgia to explore the possibilities of a future relationship with the Buford Church elders and several deacons. Whaleys travel to Abilene, Texas to explore possibilities with the Southern Hills Church missions committee. Whaleys share their vision with the Park Avenue Church missions committee. Jon Grizzle graduates from HUGSR with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. Shawn and Jason graduate with Masters of Divinity. Kendra graduates with a Masters of Education from Freed-Hardeman.

2007 (June)—The Grizzles notify the team that they have decided not to go to Australia with the team, but that they will be our prayer warriors and visit us to encourage and work for the mission. The team accepts their announcement with prayer and as well as relief because of the confidence and discernment with which the decision was made.

2007 (July)—The now three-family team processes the change in team dynamics and ministry to the Grizzles. MRN, Alan Phillips, comes to Memphis, prays with the team, and gives encouragement and coaching in building partnerships and helps us process team changes. The team begins to build momentum. We meet with Mark and Christine Parker, who spent five years as missionaries in Croatia, to learn more about communication to partners (discussing a newsletter specifically). (Mark is Vice-President of HUGSR.) Team begins visa processes and writing newsletters.

2007 (August)—The team sends out their first newsletter. Continue worshipping God together and discussing deep convictions about the Gospel and key doctrines. Whaleys present a clearer vision to the Memorial Road Church’s missions committee and asks for the Church to sponsor them.

2007 (September)—The website is reborn thanks to the creative genius of Noel Green (www.parkeastinc.com). The team sends out second newsletter. . . . Team continues effort to solidify sponsorship possibilities while living in discipleship within our present time and contexts.

2003 (January)—the Whaleys begin the MDiv degree plan at HUGSR. Nicole works three jobs until becoming a travel consultant. (August)—the Griffiths move to Memphis. Shawn begins MDiv degree plan and home-schools Darian. Kendra teaches at Harding Elementary; Brenna is a new student there. The friendship between the Whaleys and the Griffiths begins to grow . . .

2005(January)—the Whaleys and the Griffiths commit to working together in ministry long-term, possibly 5-10 years. We begin having interest meetings to possibly “date” other mission-minded individuals and couples.