Some of my deepest thoughts and highest aspirations have crept out of my inner mind and into Sojourn lyrics with the help of the guys in the band. For nearly 15 years we have enjoyed music, laughed, traveled, and shared an important ministry. Like really true friends we have irritated, supported, confronted, and stayed faithful through good and bad. Sojourn was born before all but one of our children. So, for our families, Sojourn has been the soundtrack of our marriages. It has been a consistent privilege and at times burden through changing times, jobs, health and finances.
So, how could I leave something this good? Is it because I am pursuing something so much better? No. I've fought the call to go for many years. It has been a good fight as God has refined me, matured me, and given me a closer walk with Him. Sojourn is both a ministry and a tool that God used to help me grow up in Christ.
I believe that God is now taking all those words and ideas that I hold to be true and asking me to live them out in a new arena. Am I willing to give up everything, even Sojourn in order to dive into a largely uncertain future? Am I willing to give up an excellent job and risk failure in ministry? Do I trust God to do something new?You see, in my growing relationship with Christ, I see the next level for me is to learn to rest on faith in God, and follow this calling. I believe God is calling me and my family to the mission field to teach men, women, and children the Word of God, and (more importantly) to teach them how to teach the Word of God others. To do this involves walking away from some very good things, and some wonderfully rich relationships.
Yet, my family and I are compelled to follow this new path.
I am grateful for the opportunity to follow God into the mission field regardless of where it will be (don't know yet), and I am so very grateful that God let me be in Sojourn.
Dean Newell (guitar/vocals) is a life long friend, example, and in many ways, a spiritual mentor. I am grateful for his example and for being the voice of reason in Sojourn and often in my life.Tim Hamm (bass) has been my friend for 14+ years.
Tim is my reality check. He doesn't mince words, but deals it straight. I admire that. I may be the "front man" and a co-founder of the band, but Tim has become the leader, and under his leadership Sojourn's level of quality and artistry has flourished. I also appreciate Tim's leadership in the local Christian music scene. I know that he is a blessing to other local Christian musicians.
John Chapman (drums)is the newest guy in Sojourn, but has become a close friend and inspiration. He has a simple, uncomplicated faith. His positive outlook helps balance my natural cynicism.
I've enjoyed it.
Thanks guys.
I love you all. Guys aren't supposed to say that and I doubt I'll say it to your face, but once in 15 years it should at least be in print.To all of you that have enjoyed Sojourn over the years, thank you. It's because of you that we had a reason to show up and play our music (sometimes for 1, sometimes for 100).
I'll keep blogging, and keep you posted on what comes next."The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." numbers 6:24-26
Adam Parmenter
The Journey Continues
(Originally published in Sojourn blog at www.sojournband.com)
