Dear Good Shepherd family,

It is with a mix of emotions that I share with you that Laura Jean Martin is transitioning from our Good Shepherd team.

Below is a video from LJ, sharing her heart and her journey with God. As only she can, LJ explains how God has led her to this step of faith.

LJ has served as the High School Ministry Leader at Good Shepherd for 9 years. During that time, I have had the privilege of partnering with her in all sorts of ways; and, as many of you know, she is more than a coworker, she is a dear friend and sister in Christ. I have had the privilege of walking with LJ as she has been discerning this new direction from the Spirit over the last year, and I eagerly anticipate what God has next for this gifted, empowered, and joy-filled woman. I admire her obedience to the Lord and her trust in His provision for her next vocational call.

We have not yet determined an end date for LJ, and thankfully, she has committed to remain on the team through the summer. As you are reading this, plans are in motion to begin recruiting for this position right away. I invite you to please join us in praying for the person God is preparing to join our team to invest in students and families.

Seasons of transition can certainly be overwhelming, but I have never been more confident that God is at work in LJ and at Good Shepherd. I know that God will lead LJ to a new calling where the gifts she developed at Good Shepherd will bless others as they have blessed us. I can feel that the Spirit is moving us through a wilderness season toward a promised land that will be more beautiful than we can even imagine; and I am sure that as we lean into this transition together, we will find that Jesus is giving us more abundant life in community as we walk together with Him.

It’s my joy to continue to lead our Family Life Ministries (Children’s Ministry and Student Ministry). Please join me in praying for LJ, as God unveils the plans He has for her, praying for the people that will be joining our Good Shepherd team, and praying for you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or needs as they arise.

Walking together with you,

Elisabeth Lectka

Family Life Director

electka@goodshepherd-naperville.org