Friday, January 1, 2010

Kuckel Family Update


The Kuckels are excited to usher in 2010 after a wild ride in 2009 that presented a myriad of challenges and opportunities. The last few months of the year were especially eventful beginning with a call to ministry in October from First Baptist North Spartanburg to become the Pastor for Stewardship and Administration. For the better part of 2009, God had been moving me to an overwhelming desire to full-time ministry. We explored the potential avenues of ministry that we had been prepared for and seriously considered pursuing becoming missionaries to China. At the same time, I knew that the only other desire of my heart was to pastor at my church in the area of stewardship. Little did I know at the time, but that was exactly what the senior pastor of our church had in mind!

I told Hope that I was ready to go to China, but if the church called us that would be the only other thing I would do as I was already there in my heart. The following day I had a meeting set with the pastor to tell him that I was ready to lay down my career in investments and go into ministry. Apparently, he had been wanting to ask me about joining the staff for some time. During the meeting, he asked if I would be willing to consider a calling to become the stewardship pastor and I about fell out of my chair!!

We made the transition and I was ordained November 22. It was a very moving time and I am so thankful to God for guiding us and providing us this calling. May He receive the glory in everything we do!

The night of ordination was when we found out our second big announcement--Kuckel baby #5 is on the way! We are all excited about our new addition and the kids have been very supportive and are eager to meet their new brother/sister. As with Hope's other pregnancies, this one has made her quite ill as she deals with morning, noon, and night sickness! She is sensitive to smells and noise which means she doesn't want me around much lately!!

We see the doctor on January 5th and will get a more firm due date though we expect the baby sometime in July.

Psalm 127:3-5 "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

We praise the Lord as a family for His blessings including this new child and a new vocation. We also praise him for a wonderful extended family and the support of our friends. May you all have a blessed 2010!

Mike, Hope and the kids

Thursday, November 15, 2007