belgards to houston...

this week presents a new task...waiting...argh that's the thing i do so well...never. bittersweet is the only word to describe our place in life right now. although we love birmingham, our friends we've made here, and our church; we know that our hearts are being drawn elsewhere.

casey and i have been seeking an opportunity for a new job for the last 6 to 7 months. we got an opportunity in jan to serve in youth and young adult ministry with michael & sheri luce in a little place known as houston, tx. we are truly ecstatic about this and have been to visit the church once. we leave again this friday and i feel like this week will drag on forever, but here's the info that was printed in the church bulletin last sunday - enjoy!





Casey is coming in view of a call for Associate Pastor for Teens & Young Adults next Sunday, February 8th during the morning worship time. Pastor Michael has known Casey over ten years and discipled him during his junior and senior years in High School. Casey (age 28) and his wife (age 26) have a deep passion for following Jesus wherever He leads them. They are extremely talented and display a great love for people. They came two weeks ago to meet our teens and young adults as well as to interview with the personnel team. The pastor and the personnel team recommend that we extend a call.

A note from Casey - I am a Louisiana native, born on August 29, 1980 in Baton Rouge and raised in the fast growing community of Watson, La. At the age 14, I understood there was a Savior named Jesus Christ and that I needed Him as my Lord to guide me on this path through life. That is when my journey as a disciple of Christ began. Soon after my decision I realized that following Jesus Christ is not always the coolest and most popular choice to make. However, I understood my encounter with my Lord and stood by that.

My decision to follow Jesus guided me along many paths such as Student Minister of FBC Albany, Worship Leader at the BCM of Southeastern University, and Student Ministry intern at Amite Baptist Church, worship/student Leader at New Covenant Church and currently in worship/student leadership at The Church of Brook hills.

I am married to my wonderful wife formerly known as Melissa Meadors, originally from Denham Springs, La. She is a graduate of Southeastern University of Hammond, LA receiving a degree in English and Minor in Spanish. She appreciates the arts, especially dancing. She is a beautiful dancer. Melissa is my greatest supporter. No matter what decision I may choose, she understands my intentions and supports me and partners with me in ministry. She has a heart and passion for people and the discipleship of young ladies. We have a wonderful dog named Marley. She is a Retriever and loves soccer, playing fetch and most important, people.

Melissa and I have been married going on 3 years and loving every moment. We enjoy Mt. Biking, Hiking (Anything Outdoors), video games, board games and anything involving being social. We are socialites 95% of the time. We have a heart and special interest for the Nicaraguan people. We love going there for short term mission efforts and serving there country as much as we can. We like to travel and seeing new places. We look forward to serving along side each other for many years to come if our Lord is willing.

My bottom line is to follow the Lord with all my heart and soul and be His instrument to make disciples of all nations. When I was 14, I realized that I was created for something this world could not offer me. I was created to follow Jesus Christ. He is my Savior and a hope and love that I must share and that is what I am going to do.

—Casey

Casey and Melissa will be with us this coming weekend. Teens and young adults will have an opportunity to get to know them on Friday night at the Simmons’ house at 7:30pm. Everyone can get to know them at the North Wing this Saturday from 2pm-5pm. On Sunday morning, Casey will share about his life, ministry, and calling. Right after the morning worship we’ll have a church wide vote to extend a call for Casey to serve at White Oak Baptist Church as Associate Pastor for Teens and Young Adults.