Main fundraiser photo

Shoge Family Moving Expenses

Donation protected
Back in the fall of 2017 Stephen and I felt the Lord pressing on our hearts, on multiple different occasions, this interest, and burden for Worcester, Massachusetts. It was a few months after our church in Lynchburg, VA announced they would be planting a church up in Worcester, MA and asked the church to pray about how to be involved. Cold. North. Snow. Um, no thank you. That’s great, but not for me. These thoughts ran through both our heads for months. But the topic continued to be brought up in our home. What if we moved? What if we went up to Massachusetts to help? Why shouldn’t we? What is holding us back? When Stephen and I began to discuss these questions more it became so clear to us that God was preparing us for something big, and definitely for something that neither of us would have ever come up with on our own. So we said Yes to God and his plans, not wanting to miss out on something amazing that he is doing. Then we broke the news to the team of church planters (about 9 people in total), our friends, our family, and our church. We were amazed at their responses: pure excitement, support, a little shock, some sadness (of course), but it was all confirmation that Worcester was to become our next home. And so it began. Preparing to move (which was and is scheduled to be summer 2018).


So what’s happening right now? The past few months (and really this whole year) we have seen God work in our lives in seriously crazy and awesome ways. These past months have been difficult but have also been filled with the reminder that God is in control and he sees our needs. On June 12th, before we even put our house on the market, a family (who we heard were house hunting through a friend) came and saw our house. They texted us the next day saying they wanted to buy our home! So we are currently under contract and hoping to close on our home July 31st! This process, which can often be a difficult and stressful one, has been incredible and such a blessing to us. It also is so wonderful to know that our home will be in great hands with a family who also has two little girls, and we know that this home will continue to be filled with love and hospitality! On June 23rd Stephen got offered a job! After months of searching and applying, this one literally fell into his lap. Sparing all the details, he will be doing work installing insulation for a small family owned company right outside of Worcester. Stephen is looking forward to no longer working a desk job, and is also hoping to grow his photography business. I will continue to work part time teaching online and will possibly get another part time job if need be. Stephen and I will also be dedicating much of our time to helping with the church plant and serving our community in any way possible. We are still searching for an apartment to rent, so that is definitely something to be praying for. The plan right now is for Stephen to move up and start working on July 16th. The girls and I then plan to move up once we close on our home, and find an apartment to move into, which we are hoping will be the beginning of August!

We would love for you to partner with us in praying for this team of church planters, for the city of Worcester, and that the gospel would go forth. More specifically you can also pray that each family would adjust to a new city, new home, and new people and places. That our children would thrive in this new place and new season. That God would open up many opportunities for us to live out the gospel to those around us. That City Light, our church, would grow and that people would come to know the love of Jesus.

Stephen and I are also asking for financial support as we move our family out of state. As many of you know, moving is a very costly thing. We would love for you to partner with us in being a part of what God is doing in Worcester, and in our lives through giving. If you feel led to give, you can donate through the link below. Any amount is both greatly appreciated and needed. We would like to raise a total $5000 to help cover expenses such as: a moving truck, moving equipment, airfare, storage unit rental, security deposit on apartment, and other unexpected costs.
Donate

Donations 

  • Jennie Munson
    • $100
    • 7 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Jocelyn Shoge
Organizer
Lynchburg, VA

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee