Sabbatical

In Hebrew: shabbat

In Latin: sabbaticus

In Greek: sabbatikos

The word literally means “a ceasing.” It is a rest from work, and traditionally, it finds its origin in the Biblical idea of Sabbath. In Leviticus 25, God commands the Israelites to take every 7th year and rest from working the fields. In verses 3 & 4, these are God’s words: For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards.

We find ourselves at the 7th year of Commonway, and so, it’s good that Matt and Liz are taking some time to be away and rest. There will be time for family, time for fun, time for reflection, and time for travel. Matt’s plans include visiting Scotland & England, and the whole family will take some time to go together to Costa Rica.

This is also a good time (an exciting time) for Commonway. We have our new church home and upcoming move to look forward to. We have another team traveling soon to support, love, and spend time with our friends in Caulatú, Nicaragua. We continue to find ways to be involved in Muncie and influence the Kingdom of God here. We may be a small part of the body of Christ, but we trust that God has plans for us. We continue to be obedient. We continue to seek Him. And we continue the work of transformation.

Here’s how you can pray.

• Pray for Matt, Liz, Silas, & Claire….Pray for God’s blessing, rest, and protection. Pray that God’s love would knit them together even more.
• Pray for Matt…Pray that he would be able to quickly relax from the work at the church. Pray that he would hear God’s voice during this time.
• Pray for the staff, elder board, and ministry team…Pray that God would give us what we need, and pray that we could seek Him for wisdom.
• Pray for Commonway…Pray that God would continue to guide and direct us, and pray that we would continue to hear His voice and follow where He leads.