The Fields Family – Growing Through the Years – February 2009

 

When Karla and I entered the full-time ministry in 1996, we moved to Tacoma to assume leadership of the church.  I had prayer list a mile long!  I had a “wish list,” and among other things, asked God to send us people who would be an instant blessing for the ministry, and who would be a crucial part of building a strong foundation in Tacoma that would last for years.  After only one month, my phone rang.  Chris and Annie Fields called to let us know they were being stationed in Bremerton, and were eager to meet us and start the next phase of their life in the South Sound church.  Shortly after they arrived, we had them over for dinner.  Immediately after meeting them, we fell in love with them, their young family, and with their strong convictions!

 

Chris and Annie have been married for 18 years.  They have two beautiful daughters: Kendra (12) is now in 7th grade, and Ciara (8) is in 3rd grade.  Chris recently retired from the Navy, where he spent 23 years in active duty.  He holds an MA degree in Organizational Leadership, and currently works as a Human Resources Specialist for the Navy Human Resource Center Northwest.  Annie holds a BA in Workforce Education and Development, and currently works as Assistant Day Care Director at Peace Lutheran School (she especially loves the job because her kids attend school there!).  Their family and faith shine brightly in the South Sound Church of Christ, where they have raised their kids, served in nearly every capacity, and built strong relationships that will surely last a lifetime.

     Chris and Annie became Christians in November, 1990.  Recently, I asked them what made the biggest impact on them as they considered becoming a Christian:

Chris:  “It really was the openness and honesty of Christian relationships.  I had never seen such a depth in people committed to sharing about their lives.”

Annie:  “Obviously, it was God’s grace and mercy – I realized that with God I was never abandoned, although I always felt like it outside of really knowing Him.  Also, it was amazing that people were willing to invest in me in spite of who I was!  Lastly, I was so inspired by witnessing people who committed to daily living for God.”

     One especially inspiring example of the Fields’ faith is their ability to move around often, yet continue to grow spiritually and maintain a healthy perspective about relationships.  They have been a part of ministries in San Diego, Memphis, Fresno, and now in Bremerton.  Each church and situation has been different.  However, what remains the same is their commitment to God, even in spite of challenges, or the ever-present temptation to “compare” ministries or leaders.  I asked them to share their convictions about this:

 

 

Chris:  “The important thing to devotion to mature relationships in the church.  As we get close, we help each other grow, and are bonded together through experiences such as raising our children.  In my opinion, depth of friendships means everything.  Even in tough times, the people I have seen stay faithful and grow have various strong relationships.  Those who do not invest in the relationships in the church seem to struggle, and sadly, some have left.”

Annie:  “I’ve learned that in a transitional ministry like the military, you have to be personally and wholeheartedly devoted to your relationship with God.    Faces and friendships change, but God doesn’t.  Also, those who invest in strong relationships with other brothers and sisters, getting advice and input about all phases of life, will be successful and faithful.  Lastly, for those that move around a lot, it is extra important to be immediately active in the ministry you are a part of.  Otherwise, it’s easy to get critical, and you won’t grow like you should.”  Annie had some wise words for the future of our church, saying “The young Timothy’s in the faith really inspire me.  When I look at young people as a whole in our church it gives me great faith to know that we are building a great foundation for generations to come.  Also, I know some of these young people will walk with and lead our children.”

     Talking with the Fields is impressive.  Their family revolves around the church, and it shows.  They serve people, the open up their home to the ministry and the lost around them, and they maintain a strong desire to build up their church in any way they can.  They have obviously remained committed to growing deeper through the years, and with each move they’ve made.  My prayer for them now is that they stay put for years to come!

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