Cross-Country Move … Days 1 and 2

On Saturday morning we woke up at 6am. Brendon, Jackie, and Stan came over to the house to help us load the final small items around the house. Actually they just came to say goodbye, but we had to find any nook and cranny to cram everything in. We completely filled our POD as well as our van and Uhaul trailer. At 8:15am we got on the road. We had an uneventful ride through the city, across New Jersey, and up to northwestern Pennsylvania where we stayed at my Grandma and Grandpa Larkin’s home. Coincidentally my cousin Bjorn had graduated from high school the day before and when we arrived they were having his graduation party. Four of my aunts were there, some cousins, as well as some other relatives. It couldn’t have worked out better for us to see a lot of people on our way through.
On Sunday we awoke at 8am, got ready, ate breakfast, loaded up, took some pics, then drove about 6 hours to my sister Naomi’s house in Fort Wayne, Indiana. My Aunt Sarah and Uncle John drove up from Indianapolis to surprise the girls and visit with us as well. We had a fun evening together. The girls loved playing with their little cousins Taylor and Jordan. The dogs have been awesome too! We have learned well from the Dog Whisperer Caesar Milan how to introduce them to other dogs in a way that eliminates unnecessary conflict. They’ve gotten along great with both my aunt’s black lab and my sister’s husky. Today we’re off to Chicago for a couple of days with my parents.

The Greatest Gift I Could Ever Give My Successor

Earlier today I shared about my joy at seeing my friend Michael Lawver take over the leadership of Planet Impact, the youth ministry I have led for the past 6 years. Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to introduce Michael to my adult leadership team. During our time together I gave each team member a baton and challenged them to run on into the future as God has called us to move on. I then presented the team to Michael and told him that they were hands down the best gift I could ever give him as I leave. And I truly meant it! It was a tremendous honor to run with such an incredible group of people who love God and love students. They are going to be such a blessing to Michael as they continue to lead students for Christ.

Passing the Baton of Leadership

Yesterday, as our family began our journey across the country I got a call that my buddy Michael Lawver was officially voted in as the next youth pastor at Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle. I couldn’t be more pleased with his selection as my successor. In a future post I will share about how God orchastrated the entire transition, but let me just say it was an incredible series of events! A couple of weeks ago I introduced Michael to my adult leadership team and passed him the baton of youth ministry leadership. Coincidentally, a few days later at our church’s missions convention, my two successors, Phil Baker and Ron Braaten were at SGT, so I took the opportunity to take some photos of us passing the baton. The three of us together represented 28 years of youth ministry at our church. What a rarity!

Kevin Mahaffy … Youth Pastor, SGT 2005-2011 handing the baton to Michael Lawver.

Phil Baker … Youth Pastor, SGT 1996-2004 handing the baton to me, Kevin Mahaffy.
Ron Braaten … Youth Pastor, SGT 1983-1997 handing the baton to Phil Baker.

My Little Girl’s Bible Club

Yesterday my daughter led the Bible Club she began for the last time. She started the club at the beginning of the school year, planned the topics to be discussed, wrote her own lessons and discussion guides, and made handouts for all of the participants. During the year about a dozen girls were a part of the club. Today as I eavesdropped on their club, I was so blessed to hear things like, “We have to do the right thing,” and, “So, how can we apply these things to our lives?”coming out of her mouth. She’s a very strong, gifted leader. We are so proud of her!