Ministry at Arise

We have been here in Phoenix, Arizona for two months now! We have had 5 Sunday morning services, and have officially launched our weekly services as of Easter Sunday. We had a sports camp in March, and an egg hunt that brought in over 100 people! That's not all that's happening though. Things are going well and we are so thankful for all we've been able to experience so far. Even greater things are ahead!

Matt and I are starting to see some of the reason God has us right here, right now. We have encountered many people who are sick and are undergoing treatment. We've been able to pray for (and even with) these people. God has really opened doors for conversations about Him, his grace, and healing power. It has been so eye-opening to see the needs of these precious people, and know that it is our responsibility and privilege to pray for them. And we have seen God answer prayer! We pray, he answers. He is faithful and good! 

Personally, it has been an adjustment for our family that is still in motion. Living in an RV without having planned to do that has been a big point of transition. Had we known we'd be in our camper for 2+ months, trust me, I would have packed differently (clothes, medicine, my curling rod!, etc.). Having almost 300 square feet for five active people poses a daily challenge, but thankfully we can get outside for more space. Matt has begun working (full time) for the Scottsdale Unified School System, overseeing their 5 theaters. He enjoys working there and we are thankful he got the job! 

Even with the full time job, we are unable to make ends meet. So far we've been ok because we have been living off our savings for the past two months, but once that's gone, we won't be able to sustain ourselves. I have been job-searching, but with no car and needing to be with the kids, I am left with fewer options. We have enough money to get through this month. But we need to raise more funds. 

This is where we need to let you know of our genuine need. We need to be able to pay our bills so that we can continue to serve the community and be a part of the Arise Church leadership team. We believe that everything we have is God's, and that the whole world is His. He has access to everything. He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider, and we trust in that as we submit ourselves to Him and His will. Please consider supporting us financially if you are able, and/or if you know someone looking for an opportunity to be a blessing and support the ministry we are doing, please send them this information as well.

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you to those who have given financially. You are a part of the ministry happening here & what we are doing here because of your support. We are ONE CHURCH, serving ONE GOD, loving ALL people! 


To give financially, choose one of the following options:
     - Go to arisechurchaz.org/give and choose "Matt and Tori Walker Fund"
     - Send a check to
          Matt or Tori Walker
          P.O. Box 1292
          Sun City, AZ 85372 


Like our Facebook page "Arise Church AZ" for more updates, stories, and pictures! 

We're in Arizona!

Well, we did it. We moved to Arizona. That is something I never thought I'd say (or type, in this case). We are thankful for what we've experienced in the past month. God is good, always. He is our helper, provider, our friend, and so much more. We know we could not have done this without his leading, nor without the support of our friends and family. This is a genuine, heart-felt THANK YOU to everyone who prayed, gave financially, sent treats, and bid us farewell. Your generosity is a reflection of God's goodness and provision in our lives. THANK YOU!

The Move
It took us about a week to get from Kalamazoo to Phoenix. There were a few hiccups along the way, but nothing bad, thankfully! The kids travelled very well (mostly) and Matt drove the WHOLE trip! I had my important role of navigator and child-entertainer-discipliner. ;)
We stopped in Wichita to see extended Walker family. We stopped in Amarillo to stretch our legs at an RV park. It was so exciting to drive into Arizona, coming down from Flagstaff. We didn't know where we'd stay. We had been looking for several months, but found nothing suitable (or in some cases, even available). We spent our 1st night in Cracker Barrel in Phoenix. The next morning we drove to an RV park that we had already called & declined admission. However, because GOD goes before us and works ALL things for the good of those who love him, he made a way, and they let us come... but only for a week. Thank you all for praying. A week became 3 weeks. Then 3 weeks opened up to "as long as we need." PRAISE GOD! We're not in a house. We don't have our clothes (other than what we packed to travel in) or toys (stuff is in a local storage unit for now). We are still figuring things out. But we HAVE A PLACE TO STAY! God is just that good. We are trusting in His perfect timing for the rest as we continue to seek out, plan, and work toward the next step.

The Church
We have now had two Arise Church services! Our 3rd service is coming up this week. What an amazingly welcoming community we have walked into. Pastor Joe and Joy and their kindness, leadership, and friendship have meant a lot to us. Ethan, Jennifer, Jordyn, Tyler, Vivian, Megan, and Tiegan, and others have already become a bit like family to us. We are excited that these are the people we will be serving this community with. We had a women's luncheon last month and are anticipating a kids sports camp coming up in a couple weeks. Good opportunities to meet people and share the love of Jesus with them.

RV Living & Friends
It has been nice to learn to live with less. Some of the (older) people at the park aren't too friendly with the kids, but MOST of the people we've met have been super friendly. We met a family who had 5 kids around our kids ages, and the kids clicked so well. It was so nice to become friends with them! They loved biking and swimming in the park pool with them. They just left the RV park to head north (as they are doing this full time). I also reconnected with a high school friend staying in the same place (CRAZY, right?!?!). I think these are all God's way of helping us feel at home and making sure we have friends here. We have also met up with at least 3 families from Michigan who are here on vacation (Sanfords, Bosmas, & Joan VanderWoulde). So... anyone else want to come visit?!? We are looking forward to our family coming down here to visit in the very near future!

How to Pray
Matt is going to orientation tomorrow for a new job. Praise God for that! He may still have to pick up another job outside of that, but we're both willing to do whatever we need to do. Please pray that he gets paid well with this new job. Please pray for the things we are still figuring out, such as health insurance, making schooling official, family health and strength, wisdom & Holy Spirit vision as we plan & lead at Arise Church. We bought a mini van (similar to our previous one in MI). Pray that it makes it and keeps us safe! Funding... it's hard working part to full time for a church. It's mentally/spiritually and sometimes physically exhausting. Don't get me wrong... it's worth it. We love it. But it is hard work. Doing that AND working an outside job can be taxing. Please pray that we (and our team) don't get burnt out. Please pray for financial wisdom, stewardship, and blessing.

Giving
If you would like to give a monthly gift of any amount, or if you can make a one-time contribution, we would greatly appreciate it! Know that your support of us is supporting our ministry as well. It enables us to serve this community to the best of our ability. And of course, the less financial stress, the better. We thank you for whatever way you're able to give. Please go to arisechurchaz.org/give to make an online payment. Be sure to choose "Matt & Tori Walker Fund."

Thanks for keeping up with us. Thanks for the continued prayers. Thanks for your friendship and partnership. We pray for our friends and family as well and hope & pray you are a light and blessing wherever you are!

Love, The Walkers <3

Winter Blues

This has been a hard winter for me. Matt and I would love to move south, except we don't want to live away from our family. (Hint, hint, family!) Last year we couldn't afford to take a vacation and this year is the year we are getting out of debt, so we have chosen to put all extra money toward making larger monthly payments instead of taking a vacation. So here we are, stuck in the cold, cold, freezer we call Michigan, with no chance of even visiting someplace warmer.

I actually haven't been as affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as I was anticipating. I think it helps having kids in the house and not being alone when Matt goes to work. But there are still very unpleasant, tiring parts of winter that I am just... done with.

I want to be able to take my kids outside to play (in a decent temperature, not negative ten). I want to take a day off and go to the beach. I want to go for walks and runs, and get back into shape. I want to go to the farmer's market and buy fresh and locally grown produce. I want to not worry about bringing extra shoes/boots, a coat, gloves, and a hat everywhere I go. There are so many extra steps you have to take in winter. And I'm TIRED of it!

It's true--I have the blues right now. Every time I stand by the door before going outside I think to myself, "Do I really have to leave? Is this necessary?" But I suppose I can't call in because I have a case of "I don't like winter."

This winter has been so long, so cold, and so persistent, that I am starting to doubt that spring will ever come!

But alas, it will. A new chapter will open. Life and new growth will sprout, the sun will shine, and once again, people will come out of their houses and explore the great outdoors. And I will be a much happier camper. And hopefully I will be a camping happy camper!

So I'm done with my rant about disliking winter.  Can you relate, or are you one who truly loves this season?

A New Year (2014)

What a wild year it has been! Okay, maybe not 'wild', but definitely eventful for the Walkers! We did not send out a family photo/card this year. So here are some snips from the past year...

2014 Family Recaps (in no particular order)

We had a lovely visit from our former exchange student, Bea, in July/August. It was so good to see her! 

We had our second child, Ephraim, in May. And what a GOOD baby he has been. Thank you, Lord!

Our oldest, Cali, turned two. I can't even explain how bright, sweet, spunky, and delightful she is. 

Matt took on a third part-time job, which has been a huge blessing, financially speaking.

In June Matt and I celebrated my 30th in Chicago.

I began leading worship once a month in our "big" church. (Normally I'm on the other end of the building with the little ones!)

We are focusing on paying off debt. Our washing machine broke, so we bought a new one on credit and just paid that off! We decided to hand-make many of our Christmas gifts this year to cut back on spending. It was really fun putting the time and thought into each person's gift! 

I (Tori) have learned how to make some more dishes (meals). Most of them are vegan/vegetarian and involve fresh ingredients. It's been fun--I actually enjoy it. I think I'm getting good at it too(but you can ask Matt). I still am a big failure when it comes to making cookies! 

No vacation this year. But we did travel to Tennessee to visit my dad & his wife. That was nice to have that time with them. It's not fun living so far away from loved ones.

I (Tori) have begun writing music after a nearly one-year hiatus. (Is 'hiatus' the right word?!) I miss having an outlet for creativity. I have hopes of writing and recording more, especially as the kids grow older. 

Matt went to Passion in 2013 in Atlanta, and I get to go this year (2014)! 

My sister had a baby and made me a proud Aunt! I love it. I'm going to spoil that baby.

Those are basically the highlights. Here's to another good year, wherever The Lord may take us...

Blessings! 

Summer 2013

JULY 2, 2013

I cannot believe that June has come and gone! It is now July, and we are finalizing our 4th of July plans. It will be fun bringing Cali to see fireworks this year! I realize it has been a while since I've updated my blog, so I have some big things to write about...

BABY BOY IS HERE!

We finally decided on a name, the day after he was born. And it wasn't the one we thought we were going to go with. Ephraim Gilbert Walker was born just after midnight, May 25, 2013, at 12:16am. He weighed 8lbs 15oz and measured 20in long. Here are the more graphic details... if you can't stomach it, then I suggest you skip the rest of this paragraph! I went in on the 24th at 6pm and was dilated to 4cm. I decided to try to deliver with no drugs (no epidural) and do it as "naturally" as I could. It was WAY more painful that way, and I wanted to give up in the moment and just have them cut the baby out of me around 11:00pm that night. I had tested positive for "group strep b", which is no big deal, except I had to have to injections of antibiotic that last for a half hour each, and had to be given 4 hours apart from one another. So the second one was administered at 11:15pm. So at 11:45pm I was finally able to start pushing. The baby came out all in one final push... head and shoulders all at one time, so that was sorta cool! I had a small tear, which I am not recovered from. All in all, MUCH more painful than my first, but a much better delivery and recovery! Ephraim, pronounced [f-rum], is a really good baby. He doesn't cry much at all, and sleeps well, getting up at night at most 3 times to feed & goes right back to sleep. He is breastfed and all seems to be going well. God has blessed us and we are very thankful for everything He has done for us. 

Cali is now 21 months old and just loves her little brother! She is very "helpful" and enjoys giving him his passy when he cries. Every once in a while she asks to hold him, and it's just adorable! 

As if that wasn't enough excitement for one month, my sister had her first baby and made me an AUNT!! I am so excited! Reed Amon Schuiteboer was born 3 weeks and 2 days later (June 17), the day before Rachel & Rusty's anniversary! Rachel allowed me to be in the room when she gave birth, which was a surreal experience. I had never witnessed a baby being born (other than my 2, which is a totally different experience). I was/am thankful she let me be a part of that process. I am so proud of her and Rusty and know they are and will be great parents! This will be really fun watching these two boys grow up together and be tortured by their mothers who will want to dress them in matching clothes all the time. :)

GETTING OLDER

This June I turned another year older. This was a big one... it was the year I turned "29 again." I wanted a big celebration. I love to party with lots of loved ones around... but the timing just wasn't good for many people. So Matt and I went to Chicago and enjoyed the city last weekend. Our wonderful parents were able to watch the kids while we were gone. They really are the best!!

I really loved being in my twenties. It was a growing, at times tough, at times awesome decade, and I really was not prepared to leave it and enter a new one. But, I have come to understand that numbers to not determine one's age. I still have lots of learning, growing, and maturing to do! So I'll rest in that truth to keep me feeling young! 

I am on maternity leave for another few weeks. My dad is in town to visit his new grandkids. It's been great to see him! Our former exchange student, Bea, will be here in a few weeks to visit. I'm looking forward to catching up with her! Summer is not really summer yet, as the temps here in west Michigan are more like a good spring than a summer. That is sort of a bummer to me, as we didn't get away and travel south this past year, as we normally do. So I am hopefully anticipating some hot days ahead. 

Well that's all for now. Time to put my daughter to bed. Feel free to comment below! Thanks for reading. Enjoy the pictures. I hope you and your family are doing well! Take care!

2013 Update

Well, it is now January of 2013. The world didn't end in 2012 as the Mayans predicted. I have seen countless jokes about that on many social media sites! 

FAMILY LIFE

Our baby girl is now 16 months, and I am 20 or more weeks pregnant with a baby boy on the way, due May 29. Cali is amazing, and really makes me enjoy being a mother! She is so active, and is just now discovering that she can make really high-pitched noises. Yay for me. So I now have to balance allowing her to discover and explore all while teaching her that it's not always good to make those noises... especially in public! She has a contagious laugh, and a smile that melts your heart. I'm sure most parents think that about their kids, but it's so true. I love it when Matt, Cali, and I sit on the living room floor and just laugh at whatever is going on. She is able to repeat most words that we say, some of her favorites being cracker, backpack, sock, bubbles, and more. 

With only 4 months to go, Matt and I are struggling with settling on a boy name. If it turns out that this baby is a girl, we'll be set with the name. We have asked for suggestions on boy names. With the good, comes the bad. People feel they can tell us what not to name our baby. I don't care if 100 other babies were just named something, if I like that name, I will use it. So I ask you to only say positive things, please. We do have a private list of names we are making, but at this rate, I'm not ready to share any of them! We are praying that God just gives us a name that is easy for us both to decide on. 

Matt and I will be celebrating 6 years of marriage this May. Since we didn't do anything big for "#5", we may try to get away this time. Any affordable suggestions?

WORK LIFE

I am working at the church as the Children's Director. It has been a year now and I absolutely love it. I love the volunteers I work with, the staff I work with, and the children that I see on a regular basis. I have been volunteering in youth ministry helping Matt out with the worship arts ministry. He enjoys that as he continues to teach percussion lessons at Marshall. 

OTHER

God has been teaching me a lot over the last year. I feel I have grown a lot closer to him and have been challenged in many ways. The Passion conference is always a flame-igniter. Matt and I both went to it last year. This year he went with a group, and I stayed home with the baby. I listened to all the main sessions through the website's live-stream, though. I don't have things figured out. I'm just trying to make good choices by being obedient to God. I am trusting him as we continue on this adventure!

The Secret

Finding Out You Are Pregnant

The first few weeks are the worst. Because it’s too early to tell anyone, so you have to keep it a secret. But some of the side effects make it quite difficult at times. The nausea, the heightened sense of smell, the frequent trips to the restroom, and the constant tiredness make being secretive a tricky talent.

If you were to speak up and say anything about anything, your friends and family and those close to you might likely ask in a half-joking manor, “are you pregnant?” And you don’t want to lie, but this is not the way you wanted to inform them of your exciting news, so you either pause awkwardly, which usually gives it away, you lie, or you tell them.  Perhaps you just shouldn’t speak up! But it is hard not to at times, especially if you are one who is used to speaking how you feel or talking about new things in your life. And then, if you try to avoid it in conversation, it’s still in the back of your head. And if anyone looks at you for too long, you start to make an uncomfortable smile, like they know. And then it’s all down hill! (Okay, not really, but the secret is probably out at that point!)

Making it through the first few weeks (2-10) is the toughest. But once you are willing to share the news, what a weight that is lifted! You can now explain why someone’s pot-roast lunch, which normally you would do anything for, is making you leave the room. Or why you just can’t eat as much in one setting. Aha! The news is out! Now people won’t think you are going through a crazy distant phase in your life. Sure, they might be afraid of the pregnant version of you, but hey, at least they’ve been warned, right?