The following is about a VU Employee who is leaving our organization for another opportunity. If you haven’t gotten to know Jeff Parrett, well, you should. He is caring, funny, creative, and, most importantly, willing to sacrifice much for the next generation. And he’d be the first to tell you that his wife may be even better! Read what he wrote below, and consider getting to know the Parrett family and maybe even finding a way to support and encourage them as they serve youth here in Columbia.
(Jeff and Jessi Parrett pose with their newborn addition!)
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:11-12
Since joining the Veterans United family in August of 2013, I have been continually impacted and encouraged by a large number of individuals – happily now, my dear friends. My joy in VU does not come just from the fact that our friends here are likable. My joy comes from who we are, how we do things and why we do them. Regardless of department, title or job responsibility, it is safe to say that God uniquely blesses this place through the people that are here, and that makes all the difference. Over these past several months, God has led me to step away from VU and the people here that I love. As of January 2015, I will begin working at a local church, The Crossing, as the Co-Director for the High School ministry. While it is bittersweet to leave the incredible family at VU, it is undeniable that God has called me to work vocationally with high school students and share the love of Jesus Christ with them as they walk through life. After working as a volunteer in student ministries for four years, it is clear that He has been continually preparing my heart for a change such as this.
Our church is currently in significant need of a new full-time staff person to work with the High School ministry, and in order to fulfill that position I will be raising financial support to provide for my family through a large network of generous and gracious people. The course of raising this support over the fall season has been a great occasion to be reminded, like Moses when God calls him, that new seasons of life are possible because God is with us – He alone is sufficient. That has been the solid foundation of assurance throughout this entire process. When I, like Moses, am inclined to say, “Who am I that I should go into this new season of life and succeed?” God responds with, “I will be with you.” He does not provide me with a new self-help guide to raising money and impacting the lives of our youth…he provides me with Himself. God’s assurance to Moses is a promise that all of us can cling to. Whether you are being called into a new season of life or are hunkered down in your circumstances for the foreseeable future – if you are called to it, God is with you, and there is no greater assurance of your calling than that truth.
As mentioned in the post above, Jeff’s family will be relying on monthly financial support for at least the next two years in his new position. His network of supporters ranges from individuals providing one-time gifts or regular monthly contributions of any amount. If you would like more information on Jeff’s support-raising process as he transitions into this new season of life, please email jeff@thecrossingchurch,com.