Life’s Purpose: To have an intimate loving relationship with God, that shows Jesus as the greatest satisfaction of our souls and reflects the Glory of God.
Goal of Life: To Know God in Truth
Friday, April 29, 2016
Today I am cleaning out my office at Next Chapter. Monday, May 2nd will start the Next Chapter of this ministry that I have been blessed to be a part of from the beginning. This room that has been called my office for most of the time from October 2002 to now is filled with lots of life stories. Life stories of pain, brokenness, anger, fear, failure, forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation, restoration and learning to live. God showed up here daily. As I sort through the few effects and papers I have here I am reminded of so many people that God has brought to my life. Residents, seekers, volunteers and supporters even some detractors. Each and every one taught me about life. Each and every one God brought to me to teach me about how great and mighty He is. I am so very grateful to each person that has entered through the old door to this office. A number of times people have encouraged me to decorate it up a bit, but I just never felt the need to do that. How many times I have sat here in silence and just rested in the knowledge that I am part of something that God is orchestrating for all eternity.
“I have had the joy of knowing that Next Chapter has been a part of reconciliation and restoration one life at a time, working toward a more peaceful community.”
The question that I have asked many times and it comes up again as I sort through letters I have received, notes, and documents I have written is Why me? I don’t know why I have had the privilege of the experience of being an intimate part of such a unique ministry. I don’t know the mind of God or the eternal effects of the work of Next Chapter but I do know that He has been faithful in providing everything we need to live out our calling to build lasting relationships with those in our community who have been impacted by crime, restoring them to God, family and community with the gospel. I have had the joy of knowing that Next Chapter has been a part of reconciliation and restoration one life at a time, working toward a more peaceful community.
I am thankful that my children and my grandchildren have had the opportunity to be a part of Next Chapter and witness lives that are being transformed. I am thankful for all who have given to Next Chapter from the person who left one plate of cookies who remains unknown to the folks who paid for most of our properties. The many kind and generous gifts of time and resources are too numerous to count. I don’t know the number, but God knows and your reward is in heaven.
The office is now empty and my time here has come to an end but I know that this room will be a part of many more life stories that will be written at Next Chapter Ministries. All Glory to God!
Andy Kilen
Executive Director and Founder of Next Chapter