God’s Grace in a New Season
An update from our family as we settle, serve, and give thanks.
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have been meaning to send an update for some time, but the weeks since our move have been much busier than expected. Between settling into South Florida, managing various legal and practical transitions, and stepping into this new season of ministry, time has slipped away before we could write to you.
Thank you for walking with us through this season. Your prayers, words of encouragement, and love have sustained us in ways we cannot fully express. The Lord has faithfully used your kindness to strengthen our hearts during this transition.
God’s Faithfulness and Grace in a Season of Transition
As we look back on the past several weeks, what stands out most to us is the abundant grace of God. Since leaving Kentucky, the Lord has carried us step by step. This has been a season of transition, uncertainty, and many practical needs, but also a season in which we have seen His faithful provision again and again. By God’s grace, we arrived safely in South Florida and are slowly settling into this new chapter of life and ministry.
The move itself was challenging, and the past several weeks have required countless decisions, adjustments, and prayers for wisdom. We are currently staying at a friend’s house while we continue to look for long-term housing. In the meantime, we have been arranging homeschooling for the children, taking care of insurance and visa-related matters, getting to know our area, and adjusting to a very different pace of life. Yet in all of this, the Lord has shown His faithfulness through His timely provision, the kindness of His people, and the deep peace He gives.
A New Season of Ministry
We are especially thankful that the church here has welcomed us with so much love. The brothers and sisters have been very kind and patient with us as we begin to get to know the church, the people, and the specific needs of the congregation. We are still in the early stages of understanding how to serve well, but we already sense that the Lord has prepared good work for us here. Please pray that I would shepherd with humility, wisdom, patience, and love, and that our whole family would serve not in our own strength, but by the grace and power of Christ.
This past Lord’s Day, I preached my first sermon here. It was a meaningful and humbling moment for me. After months of prayer, discernment, transition, and waiting, it was a gift from the Lord to stand before the congregation and open His Word. I was reminded again that ministry is not built on our own strength, ability, or wisdom, but on the Word of God and the power of the Spirit in Christ. Please continue to pray that I would serve faithfully, preach clearly, love the flock sincerely, and depend on the Holy Spirit in all things.
Family, Home, and the Road Ahead
Our family is gradually adjusting as well. The children are getting used to a new environment, new routines, and new soccer teams while continuing with homeschooling. Leaving Kentucky has meant leaving familiar places, dear friends, and settled rhythms, but we are deeply grateful for God’s kindness to them. Please continue to pray for their hearts, friendships, spiritual growth, and ongoing adjustment to life in Florida. Please also pray for Coco, who has faithfully carried many burdens at home and helped our family through this transition with quiet strength and love. We are also still working through various practical matters as we continue to settle here. Please pray that the Lord would give us wisdom, contentment, and peace, and that He would help our family become rooted here so that we may rest, practice hospitality, and serve the church well.
Prayer Requests
Please also continue to pray for us in these areas:
- That our hearts would remain fixed on Christ and grateful for His grace during this season of transition.
- That the children would adjust well and grow in faith, joy, and stability.
- That the Lord would provide suitable long-term housing for our family.
- That I would be faithful in preaching, shepherding, and serving the church.
- That Coco and I would have wisdom, strength, and peace as we care for our family and walk through many practical responsibilities.
- That our ministry here would bear fruit for the glory of God and the good of His people.
Thankful for You
We miss all of you dearly, and we thank God for the season He gave us in Kentucky. The Lord used you to encourage us, shape us, and walk with us in ways we will never forget. At the same time, we are thankful for this new chapter in South Florida and are trusting that the same Lord who led us here will continue to sustain us.
Thank you again for praying for us, loving us, and walking alongside us even from a distance. We do not take your care for granted. Please continue to pray for our family and for this new season of ministry, that Christ would be exalted, His Word would bear fruit, the church would be strengthened, and our family would remain faithful and joyful in serving Him.
With love and gratitude in Christ,
Shawn, Coco, J.D., and J.J.
June 2026
