One and All,
Cassi and I have been in Austin for a little over a month and things have been exciting. Yes... we are still in our apartment on the third floor. Yes... Three flights of stairs, several times a day. No... I have not lost any weight. I think I have gained some. Keep praying. No one wants a fat preacher. I have more chins than the Chinese phone book.
The kids are good. We are enrolling Jackson into Karate Wednesday. Cassi and I are starting to get concerned because even though Bethany is only 8 months old, I think she might be able to take him. She is strong as Kimbo slice and twice as tough. Jackson... well, let's say he's a little sensitive and cautious. That combination is not bad if he was running for public office but it doesn't help you on the playground. We're looking for Chuck Norris to give him lessons if anyone knows where we can find him.
Baby Bethany continues to be the greatest baby ever. She seldom cries and always has a smile on her face. She does however drool so much that we are afraid she is going to dehydrate. The girl is like a faucet that is left running. Now she has bad allergies so her nose runs as fast as her mouth. Ain't nothing like her cute smile with snot running into her mouth while saliva runs out the other side. We're talking about 6 to 7 bibs a day.
Cassi and I are great. Life is good when your married to the best wife on earth. So sorry she didn't marry as well. Some people are lucky and some ain't.
I have more than I can handle trying to start the church, but I want to be no other place. Austin is amazing and knowing that I get to share Jesus and disciple the people of this city for years to come really pumps me up. I was reading Jonah chapter 4 and I love how God finishes that book, "Shouldn't I be concerned for that great City?" God loves cities and the people in them. He loves your city and mine. I know that God is all over this church plant as I work to share his story with the city he is concerned about, Austin.
Please continue to pray for us. We relish your prayers. They are very important to us. If you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself and join a team that is gathering for a mighty cause, talk to us and we can give you more details on how you can become involved. Moving here is not unrealistic. It could be the greatest thing to ever happen to your life.
We love you,
Todd and Family
20081030
September 23, 2008 Living for the Son
Dear friends and family in TX and TN,
Life has changed for Todd Wortham and family. We are not sitting around and twiddling our thumbs. We have been on the run since we reached Austin. The Church here is very concentrated on the mission of reaching those far away from Jesus to hear his message of love and redemption. Everything Hill Country does asks the question, "How do we reach our community with the Life-changing knowledge of Jesus Christ?"
Hill country is a church of around 6,000 adults. They have planted (started) 13 churches so far around the greater Austin area. They are adamant about reaching the city of Austin with Jesus and discipling believers to reach the next stage in their growth with Christ. That is everyone from Kids to adults. I have to say that it is amazing. I thought I would be able to play golf 6 days a week while sipping a Corona and then go to a staff meeting once a week. I guess I will have to rethink my strategy.
We have discipleship with the pastor, Tim, every week and it has been a challenge to my heart about what does life as a true disciple really look like? We have had to memorize and wrestle with the following verse this week. Luke 9:23-24, " Then he said to them all, if anyone would come after me he must deny himself and pick up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life must lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."
So, being a disciple means you must die. Really die and die daily. Die to my desires, dreams, wants, and wishes. When I honestly look at that offer I realize how hard it is to truly follow my savior. I am a selfish person that enjoys the finer things in life. And though it is hard to die to oneself, Cassi and I want to be no other place than right here where God has called us. So we will wake up every morning and try again. Try to love Jesus and the people of this city more than ourselves.
We so appreciate all your requests for prayer. Cassi and I feel close to you when we can pray for you. Daily, we are in a quiet place praying for you. No matter how far we are from you we believe we are family and only an email, phone call, or visit away. Know that you are loved and thought of often.
Prayer requests:
1. Adoption of Bethany
2. Keep a balance of family and ministry
3. Funds and members to start God's local church here in Austin
(We have many friends who have committed to move to Austin and be a part of this mission. Two guys have already moved down from Nashville. Please pray about being a part of this. We also need to raise about $200,000. Hill Country has committed $50,000 to that total. I hope to let you know more soon so you can gain a truer picture of how we will reach our part of Austin with the life saving message of Jesus Christ.)
Please pray for us. This is the biggest vision God has ever given me and it will only prevail through prayer and the power of our Lord.
To live is Christ, To die is gain,
Todd and family
PS - I'll have Cassi send a family update soon.
September 8, 2008 We're In Austin!
Family,
Wow! What a long crazy trip it has been. We packed up on August 28th in Dallas and moved everything to our third floor apartment in Austin on the 29th. That's right the third floor. Yes, sofas, entertainment centers, heavy boxes, all to the third floor. Moving is a lot of fun it draws you nearer to Jesus... Cassi and I are still married.
We are so appreciative for all of your prayers and support. It has been a long faith building journey. We camped out with my mom for six weeks and then got the call from Hill Country Bible church to come plant a church with them. My mom loved being able to tell her friends that her son was unemployed and had no place to live. I am the apple of her eye.
The Lord is good and he has taken care of us. We get to be a part of a huge movement that believes in reaching every man, woman, and child in Austin with the life changing message of Jesus Christ from the lips from someone in the association of Hill Country Bible Church in our lifetime.
I will be planting a church that is extremely missional. We are not planting a church that will set up a facility and then ask people to be a part of it. we are going out into the community and sharing the gospel with non-believers and then building a church around the needs of those we bring to faith. It is the greatest movement I have ever been called to. I will be a missionary to Austin.
Family? - Everyone is wonderful. Jackson started school and he loves it. Cassi will be discipled by the pastor's wife and do Bible study with her. she is looking forward to it. Bethany is eating baby food. She smiles and laughs all the time. Is it OK to say your baby is perfect? She ain't Jesus but she is amazing. We are now in the process of getting her biological father's rights terminated. We pray for his salvation but he is not a positive man and we wish for him to take care of himself and let the baby remain in loving hands.
Please pray for us as we pray for you. We had our "Boot Camp" this past weekend and this new journey is going to be very challenging. There is a huge demand on our time and energy. We will be leaning on the sufficiency of Christ this year. We love you all and hope for you to come down for a visit... to our apartment on the THIRD FLOOR.
Prayer requests:
1. God would care for those moving to Austin to be a part of the church plant and that
he would move in the hearts of others to be a part of this mission for God
2. Bethany's adoption would be finalized soon - Chris would terminate his rights
3. The Lord would reveal to Cassi and I where in Austin we are to plant His church
Please email us back. We love to hear from all of you. Your words bring much encouragement and joy to us.
All our love,
Todd and family
August 15, 2008-Austin It Is!
Brothers and Lovers,
We got the call this afternoon while watching "The Clone Wars," to go to Austin. I prayed this morning for a MIRACLE and God answered with one. I was expecting to hear back from Austin on Wednseday and they were not able to get back with me until today. I was sweating a bit until God reminded me who he was in prayer this morning. Heb. 10:38 "But my righteous will live by faith, And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back..." No we are not. We are to be Bold, Strong, and Courageous!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the prayers. WE ARE GOING TO AUSTIN TO WORK FOR JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an adventure. God is faithful. God is faithful indeed.
Bethany - Please continue in prayer. The birth father is out of jail and wants to get his property back. He is single, lives with another man and has a lot of jail time. He has at least 2 convictions, one for assault and another for domestic violence. It would be good for him just to go away. I do pray for him to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. However, Bethany has her home and she is very happy and so is her family.
Patience in prayer goes a long way. Our God sees us and cares for us. If we ask for an egg he will not hand us a scorpion. Wow, God what next?
All of our love and prayers,
Todd and Cassi
August 11, 2008 Urgent: Bethany
Dear Loved Ones,
The Devil continues to attack. We just got a call from our lawyer and the birth father of Bethany just got out of jail. He contacted the lawyer we used in Memphis and he is trying to thwart the adoption. We were to finalize the adoption next Monday. Now we are on hold. This is very hard on Cassi and I. Tomorrow I am talking with Hill Country in Austin about planting a church through them. We are going through some rough waters.
Will you please pray for us now and later and tomorrow and the next day. We need many and mighty prayers. We have had Bethany for 6 months and we want to continue to love her and raise her. Abraham took Isaac to the mountain top and God provided a ram in a thicket so he didn't have to sacrifice his son. Please pray for God to provide a ram so that we might be able to keep our daughter. Chris is the man's name and he needs to sign over his rights. Pray that he has the heart to sign his rights
Please pray for us,
Todd, Cassi, Jackson, and Bethany
We continue to rest in our Lord.
August 6, 2008 Answered Prayer
My Family,
Thank you for your prayers and patience. I finally have new news that I can confirm and substantiate. THE HOUSE IS SOLD... MONEY IS IN THE BANK (answered prayer #1). The buyers of our home could not move forward because the man buying their home was bitter and angry due to life and refused to help out the mortgage lender with the appropriate paper work. Thanks to prayer he finally signed on the dotted line and we can buy cheerios and Vienna sausages again (please don't tell Cassi I typed that because she would kill me if you thought she fed her family that stuff.).
Mom has been very generous in letting us take over her home. As grateful as we are we are still longing for a place we can call our own. It is all part of letting go of our wants and comforts and embracing the bigger picture that the Lord has for us. It is all in due time with a heavy dose of patience.
Jackson and family are doing well (Answered prayer #2). We enjoy being back in Texas with 100+ degree heat and bun smoking car seats. It has been wonderful seeing friends again and even being able to pray and counsel with those we love. After Jackson got a batman poster for his door and a couple of Indiana Jones pictures, I think he considers my sisters old room his. Cassi and I have each other and that makes any place OK.
So, we went to Houston and Glenn (the church plant assessor) gave us the thumbs up. It was wonderful for Glenn to affirm what God had already put in our hearts. I felt like the first NASA astronauts with all the tests and questions we went through. After all was said and done we are highly recommended to start a church (answered prayer #3).
Our final step is to get accepted by the church in Austin to go through their church planting residency. I spoke with John Herrington (Austin Church plant pastor) this morning and he would really like for us to come down but we have some obstacles that God needs to take care of, 1. Funding for me and my family and 2. A sister church to step up and help financially. If you recall, Cassi and I came in to this process after they had already accepted 3 pastors into their residency. They are trying to make room for us. PLEASE pray for God to move in the heart of the sister church to help with provision.
We continue to live with our lives open to the will of God. It is not a safe or comfortable road, worldly speaking, but it is a fulfilled and adventurous road. Who wants to be a librarian when you can be Indiana Jones. Please continue to lift us up as we seek the opportunity to serve God. Jm 4:14, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." I don't want to enter heaven with waisted time and talents on my hands.
May God bless you as you bless us. The Wortham's are a better family because you are a part of it. If you have anything that we can pray for please email us back and let us lift your requests to God as you lift up ours.
Much, Much, Love,
Todd and Family
July 24, 2008 -The Eagle Has Landed
"Houston (and friends and family)... the Eagle has landed."
I can't believe it. We made the big move from Nashville to Dallas. 2 U-Haul trucks, one transport trailer hauling our 4-runner, 3 guys, 2 women, one red-headed little boy, and one baby traveled an exhausting 14 hours from TN to TX. We hit town at 1:30 in the morning last Saturday. I don't think I have been that exhausted in a long time. We packed for 2 weeks, loaded the trucks for 13 hrs straight and then drove 14 hrs the next day. Can you say, "Shooooooooo Diggity"?
By the grace of God we are here. Thank you to all who helped pack and load us in Franklin and to all who unloaded in the TX heat on Saturday morning. A special shout out to Ben, Josh, and Kristy who traveled the Death March of Bataan with us from TN to TX. My mom deserves a medal as she has allowed us to explode into her home for a bit. I haven't lived here since college. Thanks God for the ability to relive the experience.
By the way did I say how much I hate moving (I know my mother taught me not to use the word hate but I think it is appropriate at this time... God hates things, why can't I)? Wow!!! I think we are finally caught up from our exhaustion from the move being almost a week later. I pray that the next stop is a permanent one.
Cassi and I travel to Houston for our assessment on planting a church this Tuesday. We hope to meet with the church in Austin right after that to see the possibilities of starting a church with them. We are indeed living by faith right now. Oh... did I tell you that we are still on hold for selling our TN home? Yea, our buyers are still waiting for the people purchasing their home in GA to get the right paperwork together. They can't close on our home until their home gets closed on. It is now delayed another week. Who needs money to live on anyway? Money is so overrated.
If you are still reading this long winded tirade, please pray for 1. Our house to sell (still)
2. The next ministry door to open as we travel to Houston and Austin and 3. for Jackson and family to acclimate to the new-old surroundings.
You are all so loved and appreciated,
Todd and Cassi
PS- A lot of you have phoned or emailed and I am sorry if I haven't been able to return your message. Please keep trying as all circuits are busy now.
July 13, 2008 Here We Come!
Let me just say, "PPPPPPRRRRRRAAAAAIIIIISSSSSSE JEEEEESSSSUUUSSSS!" We signed on the bottom line yesterday for the sale of our house. Everything is quite a whirlwind. I am definitely multitasking right now. We are busy... Prepping for the church plant assessment, trying to work out the details for the sell of the home, packing, getting trucks and storage, just had a garage sale, etc. etc.
TN is a great place and we have enjoyed it, but it is time to get going. We are sad that we will be leaving such great friends we have made in TN. The hearts here have been wonderful. We look forward to reuniting with all of you Texas friends and family. It is hard to be out of Texas and we are welcoming the chance to be home again.
We are packing the trucks at 121 Pebble Creek in Franklin on Thursday the 17th at 10am and will be unloading in Carrollton (1414 Tierra Calle) on Saturday the 19th at 10am for anyone who would like to help. We are so grateful for all of you and feel blessed to have such a wonderful extended family.
If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 214-727-6653. And... if you would like to read a little more about what is on my heart and plans for the church, you can look up missioni3.blogspot.com.
Much Love,
Todd and Cassi
Dear friends and family in TX and TN,
Life has changed for Todd Wortham and family. We are not sitting around and twiddling our thumbs. We have been on the run since we reached Austin. The Church here is very concentrated on the mission of reaching those far away from Jesus to hear his message of love and redemption. Everything Hill Country does asks the question, "How do we reach our community with the Life-changing knowledge of Jesus Christ?"
Hill country is a church of around 6,000 adults. They have planted (started) 13 churches so far around the greater Austin area. They are adamant about reaching the city of Austin with Jesus and discipling believers to reach the next stage in their growth with Christ. That is everyone from Kids to adults. I have to say that it is amazing. I thought I would be able to play golf 6 days a week while sipping a Corona and then go to a staff meeting once a week. I guess I will have to rethink my strategy.
We have discipleship with the pastor, Tim, every week and it has been a challenge to my heart about what does life as a true disciple really look like? We have had to memorize and wrestle with the following verse this week. Luke 9:23-24, " Then he said to them all, if anyone would come after me he must deny himself and pick up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life must lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."
So, being a disciple means you must die. Really die and die daily. Die to my desires, dreams, wants, and wishes. When I honestly look at that offer I realize how hard it is to truly follow my savior. I am a selfish person that enjoys the finer things in life. And though it is hard to die to oneself, Cassi and I want to be no other place than right here where God has called us. So we will wake up every morning and try again. Try to love Jesus and the people of this city more than ourselves.
We so appreciate all your requests for prayer. Cassi and I feel close to you when we can pray for you. Daily, we are in a quiet place praying for you. No matter how far we are from you we believe we are family and only an email, phone call, or visit away. Know that you are loved and thought of often.
Prayer requests:
1. Adoption of Bethany
2. Keep a balance of family and ministry
3. Funds and members to start God's local church here in Austin
(We have many friends who have committed to move to Austin and be a part of this mission. Two guys have already moved down from Nashville. Please pray about being a part of this. We also need to raise about $200,000. Hill Country has committed $50,000 to that total. I hope to let you know more soon so you can gain a truer picture of how we will reach our part of Austin with the life saving message of Jesus Christ.)
Please pray for us. This is the biggest vision God has ever given me and it will only prevail through prayer and the power of our Lord.
To live is Christ, To die is gain,
Todd and family
PS - I'll have Cassi send a family update soon.
September 8, 2008 We're In Austin!
Family,
Wow! What a long crazy trip it has been. We packed up on August 28th in Dallas and moved everything to our third floor apartment in Austin on the 29th. That's right the third floor. Yes, sofas, entertainment centers, heavy boxes, all to the third floor. Moving is a lot of fun it draws you nearer to Jesus... Cassi and I are still married.
We are so appreciative for all of your prayers and support. It has been a long faith building journey. We camped out with my mom for six weeks and then got the call from Hill Country Bible church to come plant a church with them. My mom loved being able to tell her friends that her son was unemployed and had no place to live. I am the apple of her eye.
The Lord is good and he has taken care of us. We get to be a part of a huge movement that believes in reaching every man, woman, and child in Austin with the life changing message of Jesus Christ from the lips from someone in the association of Hill Country Bible Church in our lifetime.
I will be planting a church that is extremely missional. We are not planting a church that will set up a facility and then ask people to be a part of it. we are going out into the community and sharing the gospel with non-believers and then building a church around the needs of those we bring to faith. It is the greatest movement I have ever been called to. I will be a missionary to Austin.
Family? - Everyone is wonderful. Jackson started school and he loves it. Cassi will be discipled by the pastor's wife and do Bible study with her. she is looking forward to it. Bethany is eating baby food. She smiles and laughs all the time. Is it OK to say your baby is perfect? She ain't Jesus but she is amazing. We are now in the process of getting her biological father's rights terminated. We pray for his salvation but he is not a positive man and we wish for him to take care of himself and let the baby remain in loving hands.
Please pray for us as we pray for you. We had our "Boot Camp" this past weekend and this new journey is going to be very challenging. There is a huge demand on our time and energy. We will be leaning on the sufficiency of Christ this year. We love you all and hope for you to come down for a visit... to our apartment on the THIRD FLOOR.
Prayer requests:
1. God would care for those moving to Austin to be a part of the church plant and that
he would move in the hearts of others to be a part of this mission for God
2. Bethany's adoption would be finalized soon - Chris would terminate his rights
3. The Lord would reveal to Cassi and I where in Austin we are to plant His church
Please email us back. We love to hear from all of you. Your words bring much encouragement and joy to us.
All our love,
Todd and family
August 15, 2008-Austin It Is!
Brothers and Lovers,
We got the call this afternoon while watching "The Clone Wars," to go to Austin. I prayed this morning for a MIRACLE and God answered with one. I was expecting to hear back from Austin on Wednseday and they were not able to get back with me until today. I was sweating a bit until God reminded me who he was in prayer this morning. Heb. 10:38 "But my righteous will live by faith, And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back..." No we are not. We are to be Bold, Strong, and Courageous!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the prayers. WE ARE GOING TO AUSTIN TO WORK FOR JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an adventure. God is faithful. God is faithful indeed.
Bethany - Please continue in prayer. The birth father is out of jail and wants to get his property back. He is single, lives with another man and has a lot of jail time. He has at least 2 convictions, one for assault and another for domestic violence. It would be good for him just to go away. I do pray for him to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. However, Bethany has her home and she is very happy and so is her family.
Patience in prayer goes a long way. Our God sees us and cares for us. If we ask for an egg he will not hand us a scorpion. Wow, God what next?
All of our love and prayers,
Todd and Cassi
August 11, 2008 Urgent: Bethany
Dear Loved Ones,
The Devil continues to attack. We just got a call from our lawyer and the birth father of Bethany just got out of jail. He contacted the lawyer we used in Memphis and he is trying to thwart the adoption. We were to finalize the adoption next Monday. Now we are on hold. This is very hard on Cassi and I. Tomorrow I am talking with Hill Country in Austin about planting a church through them. We are going through some rough waters.
Will you please pray for us now and later and tomorrow and the next day. We need many and mighty prayers. We have had Bethany for 6 months and we want to continue to love her and raise her. Abraham took Isaac to the mountain top and God provided a ram in a thicket so he didn't have to sacrifice his son. Please pray for God to provide a ram so that we might be able to keep our daughter. Chris is the man's name and he needs to sign over his rights. Pray that he has the heart to sign his rights
Please pray for us,
Todd, Cassi, Jackson, and Bethany
We continue to rest in our Lord.
August 6, 2008 Answered Prayer
My Family,
Thank you for your prayers and patience. I finally have new news that I can confirm and substantiate. THE HOUSE IS SOLD... MONEY IS IN THE BANK (answered prayer #1). The buyers of our home could not move forward because the man buying their home was bitter and angry due to life and refused to help out the mortgage lender with the appropriate paper work. Thanks to prayer he finally signed on the dotted line and we can buy cheerios and Vienna sausages again (please don't tell Cassi I typed that because she would kill me if you thought she fed her family that stuff.).
Mom has been very generous in letting us take over her home. As grateful as we are we are still longing for a place we can call our own. It is all part of letting go of our wants and comforts and embracing the bigger picture that the Lord has for us. It is all in due time with a heavy dose of patience.
Jackson and family are doing well (Answered prayer #2). We enjoy being back in Texas with 100+ degree heat and bun smoking car seats. It has been wonderful seeing friends again and even being able to pray and counsel with those we love. After Jackson got a batman poster for his door and a couple of Indiana Jones pictures, I think he considers my sisters old room his. Cassi and I have each other and that makes any place OK.
So, we went to Houston and Glenn (the church plant assessor) gave us the thumbs up. It was wonderful for Glenn to affirm what God had already put in our hearts. I felt like the first NASA astronauts with all the tests and questions we went through. After all was said and done we are highly recommended to start a church (answered prayer #3).
Our final step is to get accepted by the church in Austin to go through their church planting residency. I spoke with John Herrington (Austin Church plant pastor) this morning and he would really like for us to come down but we have some obstacles that God needs to take care of, 1. Funding for me and my family and 2. A sister church to step up and help financially. If you recall, Cassi and I came in to this process after they had already accepted 3 pastors into their residency. They are trying to make room for us. PLEASE pray for God to move in the heart of the sister church to help with provision.
We continue to live with our lives open to the will of God. It is not a safe or comfortable road, worldly speaking, but it is a fulfilled and adventurous road. Who wants to be a librarian when you can be Indiana Jones. Please continue to lift us up as we seek the opportunity to serve God. Jm 4:14, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." I don't want to enter heaven with waisted time and talents on my hands.
May God bless you as you bless us. The Wortham's are a better family because you are a part of it. If you have anything that we can pray for please email us back and let us lift your requests to God as you lift up ours.
Much, Much, Love,
Todd and Family
July 24, 2008 -The Eagle Has Landed
"Houston (and friends and family)... the Eagle has landed."
I can't believe it. We made the big move from Nashville to Dallas. 2 U-Haul trucks, one transport trailer hauling our 4-runner, 3 guys, 2 women, one red-headed little boy, and one baby traveled an exhausting 14 hours from TN to TX. We hit town at 1:30 in the morning last Saturday. I don't think I have been that exhausted in a long time. We packed for 2 weeks, loaded the trucks for 13 hrs straight and then drove 14 hrs the next day. Can you say, "Shooooooooo Diggity"?
By the grace of God we are here. Thank you to all who helped pack and load us in Franklin and to all who unloaded in the TX heat on Saturday morning. A special shout out to Ben, Josh, and Kristy who traveled the Death March of Bataan with us from TN to TX. My mom deserves a medal as she has allowed us to explode into her home for a bit. I haven't lived here since college. Thanks God for the ability to relive the experience.
By the way did I say how much I hate moving (I know my mother taught me not to use the word hate but I think it is appropriate at this time... God hates things, why can't I)? Wow!!! I think we are finally caught up from our exhaustion from the move being almost a week later. I pray that the next stop is a permanent one.
Cassi and I travel to Houston for our assessment on planting a church this Tuesday. We hope to meet with the church in Austin right after that to see the possibilities of starting a church with them. We are indeed living by faith right now. Oh... did I tell you that we are still on hold for selling our TN home? Yea, our buyers are still waiting for the people purchasing their home in GA to get the right paperwork together. They can't close on our home until their home gets closed on. It is now delayed another week. Who needs money to live on anyway? Money is so overrated.
If you are still reading this long winded tirade, please pray for 1. Our house to sell (still)
2. The next ministry door to open as we travel to Houston and Austin and 3. for Jackson and family to acclimate to the new-old surroundings.
You are all so loved and appreciated,
Todd and Cassi
PS- A lot of you have phoned or emailed and I am sorry if I haven't been able to return your message. Please keep trying as all circuits are busy now.
July 13, 2008 Here We Come!
Let me just say, "PPPPPPRRRRRRAAAAAIIIIISSSSSSE JEEEEESSSSUUUSSSS!" We signed on the bottom line yesterday for the sale of our house. Everything is quite a whirlwind. I am definitely multitasking right now. We are busy... Prepping for the church plant assessment, trying to work out the details for the sell of the home, packing, getting trucks and storage, just had a garage sale, etc. etc.
TN is a great place and we have enjoyed it, but it is time to get going. We are sad that we will be leaving such great friends we have made in TN. The hearts here have been wonderful. We look forward to reuniting with all of you Texas friends and family. It is hard to be out of Texas and we are welcoming the chance to be home again.
We are packing the trucks at 121 Pebble Creek in Franklin on Thursday the 17th at 10am and will be unloading in Carrollton (1414 Tierra Calle) on Saturday the 19th at 10am for anyone who would like to help. We are so grateful for all of you and feel blessed to have such a wonderful extended family.
If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 214-727-6653. And... if you would like to read a little more about what is on my heart and plans for the church, you can look up missioni3.blogspot.com.
Much Love,
Todd and Cassi
July 6, 2008 - The House
Friends and Family,Ps 34:10, "...Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." Hb 10:35 "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."We have been hanging on to God like a starving dog on a chicken wing. Like a fat kid on a lolly pop. Like... you know what I mean. So here's the latest, we have a contract on the house. It will be inspected and appraised this week. The last contract fell apart after the inspection. We need prayers for that. We also need the house to appraise for what we are selling it for. If these two scenarios workout OK then we will be home free.We are packing up the house and will be loading trucks on the 17th. If anybody wants to help us load on that day we will accept your help. We are traveling to Big D on the 18th and will be unpacking on Saturday the 19th. If anyone wants to help unpack on the Dallas side we will be glad to accept your help.Things have been a little tight as we have awaited God's guidance for the future. And I have to say that God, as expected, has been faithful to take care of the Wortham family. As we come to the end of this chapter in TN, Cassi and I have been overwhelmed with everyone's support. Your words, prayers, and help have meant more than you will ever know. This latest time period of unknown has been a new area of growth for me in my relationship with God. Thanks to all of you that have helped us.After we get back to Dallas, Cassi and I will travel to Houston for the assessment on the 29th and then to Austin to see if I will plant with Hill Country Bible Church. We could use your prayers in several areas:1. The house will close without difficulties2. We need to Pack and travel back to Texas in a short period of time3. The assessment in Houston will go well and the door will be opened in AustinThanks again for all the help. Financially we are now able to rent trucks and purchase gas to get home. How did we know that when we asked for help to get to Houston it would take us first to Dallas. Ben Dion and Joshua Imlay will be accompanying us back to Texas and we are so grateful for their help.You are the best friends and family we could ever hope for,Todd and Cassi
Posted by His Servant at 8:12 PM 0 comments
June 21, 2008
OK,That was fun. I got up at 4:30am to write round two on the letter I just sent you and my computer lost it in cyberspace somewhere. Let's see if I can remember what I just wrote. This may be hard with my ADD, ADHD, and dementia all rolled up into one.After spending more time in prayer and reflection with cassi, we feel that we need to elaborate a little more on the detail to what God is calling our family to do. I have been asked why I just don't find a church in need of a pastor and plug in. Well... I could do that. However, Cassi and I feel overwhelmed with the calling to be missionaries to America by starting a new church.The traditional American approach of doing church is not reaching the Masses. I am not saying that the churches we grew up in are wrong. I am just saying that the world doesn't listen the same way it used to. I see the need to reach out to people with a hand of love, the Word of Truth, and an ear to listen, not simply wave our self-righteous finger in peoples faces. No, not everyone does that but the unchurched hear us as a right wing political party and not with the Love of Jesus who cares about the hearts of everyone and offers the hope of second chances.I have been offered several pastoral roles in differing churches but can not shake myself free from the calling to plant a church. Cassi and I are praying multiple times a day for God's picture to be clear to us. God shines just enough light to take the next step and that's all. We are trying to be as diligent and responsible as possible with out going ahead of God and demanding our won way. God has given us the opportunity to go to Houston to take a very extensive assessment to find out our Merritt on starting a church. Cassi and I feel we have been asked to take this next step. Please pray for us. I mean it. Please pray for us.We would love to hear from you if you have more questions or just want to talk. You can contact us by snail mail:Todd and Cassi Wortham121 Pebble CreekFranklin, TN 37064or phone, (615) 794-5444.You can also read more details and letters at: missioni3.blogspot.com. Please know that we are not just winging it or trying to act in foolishness, we are holding on to God like Jacob, asking him to bless our steps and vision. We so appreciate your love and prayers.Much Love in the Lord,Todd and Cassi
Posted by His Servant at 8:11 PM 0 comments
Cracked Doors- June 19, 2008
Dear Loved Ones,In Matthew 8 the Lord commanded the disciples to get in the boat and cross over to the other side. (Now, I know we have heard this a million times but when you are sitting where I sit you hold on to these nuggets of truth.) As you know the storm arose and the disciples freaked out and lost faith. They cried out to the Lord and he rescued them from their fear. He already told them that they were going over to the other side. When God calmed the storm they were there with their mouths hanging open. After all the time they had spent with the Son of God they were still amazed by who he was.The best part of the story is in between the command and the miracle. A teacher of the law told Jesus he would follow him anywhere. Jesus cuts through the chit-chat by saying that foxes and birds have a home but it if you follow me you may not have a place to lay your head. Two key points for me, 1. This ain't going to be easy but 2. Hold on tight because the Lord said we are going over to the other side.So... I have held off writing as to wait for God's direction on my next steps. I want to inform you on the current status of Todd Wortham and Family. I have been gone from New River since the end of April. We are showing our house a ton and may have an offer coming in by tonight, Lord willing. We have spent the last 8 days in Texas traveling 2,400 miles in an Accord with 3 children (We picked up our niece along the way). We went from Dallas to Austin and back to Dallas before arriving back in TN on Tuesday.Austin is a door that has cracked open with the possibility of planting a church. I could look up a church in need of a pastor on line to obtain a job, but feel that the Lord is leading me to plant a church. I have been talking with their leadership about the opportunities with their church. They have just promised 3 openings to some guys who will start in the Fall. I have come in to this process kind of late. They want to extend a 12 month church planting internship to me but they need for me to go through an assessment in Houston. There is an organization there that determines the aptitude and fortitude of church planters.I feel God is asking me to continue to walk through this door. The cost to take this assessment will be around $1500 and that includes traveling expenses. I am confirmed in my heart that this is the next door I am to walk through on this journey.Cassi and I are looking to the Lord for daily provision. Since we have been away from the church for over a month we are practicing the Dave Ramsey method of stretching a buck. All is well as we continue in prayer and Scripture.I would ask that you might pray about supporting our trip to Houston. We need your heart felt prayers and funding as you feel led. We so appreciate you and are comforted knowing that you are on this journey with us. May God bless and keep you.All my Love,ToddNo virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG.Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.3.0/1505 - Release Date: 6/16/2008 7:20 AM
Posted by His Servant at 8:09 PM 0 comments
Friday, May 23, 2008
May 19,2008 -Trusting the Lord
My Family,One of my life verses, Prov. 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."Do we believe that? I do! Even when the picture is not completely clear? I do! Even when the funds are running low? I do? Even when your family is looking to you as the leader to make the right decisions for them? I do! Is it easy? No!I am on my knees with my heart held to the sky asking our glorious Lord to paint a picture with my life. I am longing to hear the complete answer to the exact location with the exact team that will fulfill the dreams that God has laid upon my heart. Will he answer? You bet he will. Today?... Maybe. Might be tomorrow or the next day. Am I willing to wait upon the Lord? I am. Is it easy? No!But, I will wait because my God is faithful and If I give him the chance he will blow my mind. This whole venture is not my idea, it's God's. He has just told me to GO! I will obey even when it doesn't make sense. I will go because my God doesn't make mistakes and he is up to something BIG.As this story unfolds, there are many people who are going to be a part of it at different times. I have 4 young men in their 20s who are loyal and want to move from Nashville to serve Dallas at this new church God is creating. I have 3 pastors in the DFW area who are wanting to be a part of this team as well. God is doing something.Cassi and I are well. Jackson and Bethany are the best kids in the world. We are trying to live each day for the Lord. We have a couple of prayer requests. 1. Location and spiritual covering for this new church 2. House will sell 3. Provision through this transition. Please commit to pray for us.We love you all so much. God is Good!!Todd
Posted by His Servant at 10:20 PM 0 comments
May 10, 2008 -Life Is Good
I pray you and the family are well. We are here in Tennessee. God is good. He is my strength and shield. Life is joyful with a surrendered heart unto God. He is up to something huge and Satan wants to cause confusion and discouragement. Eph 6 - We don't fight against flesh and blood... I was reading Daniel yesterday and that guy is one big stud. Two words always comes to mind... Integrity and faithful. He fasted for 21 days from choice foods waiting on the answer of God. Finally Gabriel came because he was in a battle with a demon. The attack is on. Satan is waging war. I can feel it. However, My Daddy can beat up his daddy. I take refuge and joy in the Lord. For the joy of the Lord is my strength.All is good here. No matter what, God is good. I am fasting unto to God knowing the answers lie with him. Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. I am great and only getting better. Buckle up baby, this going to be big, Lord willing.I read this out of a book on Stonewall Jackson,"The only true happiness of life is knowing that you are living undaunted for Christ." Amen.Love you and your family,Todd
Posted by His Servant at 10:18 PM 0 comments
May 6, 2008 -Seeking the Face of God
Family,I have always felt the heart of Isaiah in 6:8, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" and I said, "Here am I. Send me!"I desperately want to follow God and the next step of this challenge. Situation... The picture has become a little clouded again. In one weeks time it looks like the perspective buyers have walked out of the contract, our Accord was demolished by a charging deer on the highway, and I got a ticket going 40 in a 30 on the street that turns into our subdivision.Our 2 week severance package is over on the 15th and "opportunities to overcome" are mounting. A friend that I respect and that is in ministry feels that we are called to stay in TN and preach the word of God. Many signs seem to lead us to Dallas. And other calls are coming in for me to help minister with friends that are leading other churches. Dilemma.I would like to ask you to please pray for God's direct and quiet voice to speak to me clearly. I have been known to be in need of remedial classes for understanding basics. I am desperately seeking the will of God in this circumstance. If the picture is clear and I don't see it, I am willing to have my eyes opened wider. I do not wish to step to the right or the left. I want to follow the heart and will of God.6:9 "He said, "Go and tell this people:..." I want to go and tell the people. I long to tell the people. Please pray for Cassi and I. We just need to hear God clearly and have him guide our path through the many obstacles.Yes, that deer shot about 8 feet in the air and 20 yards in front of us by our bumper like he was exploded from a canon. Jackson was quite thrilled. Sick kid... pray for him too.Much Love in the Lord,Todd
Posted by His Servant at 10:17 PM 0 comments
April 28, 2008 -God's Confirmation
Friends and Family (Hangers on),Wow, is all I can say. God is doing amazing things. I just got back from Orlando on Thursday and I have realized that all the things that God has placed in my heart for ministry and leading a church others are doing. God has given me confirmation after confirmation that it is time to start a church. I don't have to change my method or view point. I just have to get busy on the work he has already begun with so many other church planters in America.I am working on writing out the Vision and Structure to make it more clear but I can tell you that I know exactly what God has called me to do. 1. Inspire the Christians that are asleep to a live and dynamic walk with their savior 2. Love the community and the world with the message of hope and truth in Jesus 3. Teach the word of God and Disciple those to go out and change their world the way God has gifted them.So, where am I going. I believe that God is calling me back to Dallas. I have been praying and fasting and the slot machine keeps coming up DFW. I put my house on the market in this dead economy on Tuesday and Friday we had an offer. That is unheard of in this market. And... They are giving us our asking price. Crazy!Got two phone calls today that are significant. All I know to say is that Dallas, the land I love, is beckoning. There is work to be done and my heart is aflame for reaching and inspiring the Dallas area. Please continue to pray. Pray for open doors, continued clarity, and support.I need you on my team. I want you to walk this through with me. I believe we will look back in a couple of years and be overwhelmed with all God has done. If you have time read this passage in Exodus 7:14-16. It is time for the people to be let go so they can worship their God.All my love in the Lord,Todd Wortham
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