On Tuesday, March 6, I received a phone call from Shawn Leaverton. I was in a staff meeting for Crosswind, but decided to step out, knowing this was probably about their decision. I really didn’t know what to expect. I had convinced myself they would say no, to avoid being disappointed. We talked for a couple of minutes and then Shawn asked me an interesting question… “I just wanted to make sure that you guys really wanted Val and me to come with you.” Me: “We’re sure… never a doubt!” Shawn: “OK, well, we’re in!” I was completely speechless, and to be honest, I still don’t know how to put into words how I really feel.

We prayed for God’s leading as we picked the people we would ask, but knew that so much had to work out. We felt during the trip that Shawn and Valerie were significantly touched by the passion, vision, and call of God for Awaken, but we also knew that they were scared, unsure, and dealing with hundreds of what if’s. I listened as he explained the process they went through to make their decision, and I knew that God had really spoken to them. Shawn said all the things that we had prayed for them. The kicker was when he talked about his kids and said, “How could we look at our kids and talk about trusting in God if we weren’t willing to take the leap of faith ourselves?” That was the exact same thing that Jacqueline and I said to each other a little over two years ago.

I thank God for giving us the courage to ask the hard questions. I thank God for giving the Leavertons an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying. I thank all those who have supported us so far and who supported and challenged Shawn and Valerie to chase the dream. I thank God for giving Jacqueline and me the faith to trust that God’s heart and His plans are greater than ours. I thank God that they said “YES!”

A special note to our friends, Shawn and Valerie… Thank you for believing in us enough to hear us out! We can’t wait to join you in the next phase of the journey. It’s going to be a wild ride. We’re honored and grateful that you’re our friends.