Some news from the ol'Chrisser.

You ever have so much cool stuff but you don't have big enough arms to hold it all? Like, really really great stuff that you love and that is good and that makes a difference but you can only hold so much of it?

That's me. That's where I am.

Along with leading in the local church, Since 2018 I've been working with ICCF Community Homes being part of their housing ministry. Prior to that, housing has been something I've worked around for 20 years. But the last 5 years have been something special. The people at ICCF, the work we do--heck even the building we work in at 415--I love.

You might remember a little 6 month stint where I stepped away. After renewing 75 homes in 2019 (and a total of 100 homes in 18 months--YIKES!), I needed a break. But then I was right back in it. The Community Homes Initiative and our new Church Based Redevelopment Initiative are huge, important things that I was able to be part of. They are seriously taking off with tremendous momentum. So much great stuff God is doing through ICCF Community Homes!

If you know me, you know I tend to throw myself into stuff 100%. Well the last year, and especially the last 6 months, have been more than I can handle. I haven't been a great husband, father, son or friend. Juggling two big callings has taken a toll on my relationships, my health and I have been praying for relief. My arms just aren't big enough to hold all the good stuff.

Something had to give. And it did. Given all the momentum we're experiencing as we prepare to launch Buck Creek Church, the leaders there invited me to come on full time. The opportunity to multiply disciples of Jesus, leaders and churches full time in my city is something I simply can't NOT do.

Taking this opportunity means letting go of another. For this reason, I'll be leaving my staff role at ICCF Community Homes in May to focus on my work through Buck Creek Church and in the City of Wyoming.

Graciously, Ryan VerWys and Michelle Covington promised to find ways to keep me around in some sort of capacity. I'll always be an advocate for the mission of equitable opportunity, affordable homes and thriving neighborhoods (you'll still see me posting about housing and asking you to help out).

But for the next season I will be focusing on starting a disciple making movement through Buck Creek Church. There is so much good happening here! My cup overflows.

So to my team, Michelle Covington, Sheryl Milan Baas, Jenelle Quinlan, Ben Poosawtsee, Marie Tiemersma Eakin, Ellen Hekman, to the rest of the ICCF squad, I love you guys and am rooting for you! They are uber smart, passionate about the mission and will do fine.

To my friends who have supported our work, the team at ICCF is more than capable of carrying on successfully without me so don't hesitate to reach out to Jenelle and Sheryl to find out how your church or business can volunteer or serve with us. Ryan VerWys may be the sweetest human being I've met. He loves Jesus, he loves the church, he loves our neighbors on the margins. The organization is in good hands and headed in the right direction. You can trust his leadership.

To my family and friends, I ask that you forgive me for how I've not been there for you over this last season. Please let me earn back some space in your lives.

To my Buck Creek family, let's do this! Over the spring and summer we are going to equip and connect so that in the fall we can connect and grow.

To my friends who don't have a church family or just wonder about the big questions in life, I'd love to talk with you.

To Ritchie, the squirrel who keeps getting into our shed and making a mess, I'm coming for you Ritchie! You've had a good time with me distracted by other stuff. Now I have some time to focus on you. And it's all over bud. Pack your bags.

If you are still reading, thank you. I appreciate you. God is good. Jesus is alive. Grace and peace be with you all.

Sincerely,

the ol'Chrisser

P.S. Anyone want a squirrel?