There have been big things happening in the Dozier’s lives lately. Actually, 4 years ago this month, we announced something similar as our family stepped out in faith to pursue ministry. God called us to Elberton, Georgia. He blessed us with a beautiful home, wonderful neighbors, and a church family. When Covid hit just months after settling in, we felt confused. Our personal expectations weren’t being met and what we had imagined for ministry got put on hold as M.A. and I built the bunkhouse with our own hands. In 2021, we kicked off events and began using the bunkhouse, our property, and the respite room to pour into men, husbands, families, and pastors. We were blown away in 2022 as we hosted more than 20 events. We thought we were exactly where we were supposed to be. But God works in mysterious ways. Well, at least to our finite human minds.
Through a series of events that have unfolded over the past year, it led us up to this point. One thing M.A. and I said from day one of being in our beautiful farmhouse is… well, it actually isn’t ours. It is God’s. We prayed over it often and tried hard to remember that this space was/is His and that we used it to bring Him glory whether it be through Nimrod Outdoors, or building relationships, or providing rest for pastors and missionaries. We thought we would be here for a long time but God had other plans.
M.A.’s family purchased a property in Carnesville, Georgia last August and are building their home there. We planned on eventually moving in that direction to be closer to his family as his dad has Parkinson’s. Although the goal was to still do ministry in our current home until things were ready, God directed us to something different.
We were led to Liberty Baptist Church in Carnesville. There is a pretty amazing God story here that I will try to summarize briefly, but really, all you need to know is God orchestrated every piece of this. Through a mutual friend, Pastor Souderes at Liberty Baptist, was connected with M.A. on a spur-of-the-moment hog hunt through Outdoor for a Dream Foundation. M.A. began to share a bit about Nimrod Outdoors which led to an invite to the church for M.A. to share a bit about Nimrod Outdoors, which really turned into a sermon of men stepping into their role of spiritually leading their families. The support we received from this church was beyond amazing. Not long after this, Pastor Souderes asked M.A. if he would begin praying about stepping into the role as a youth pastor at Liberty. And we did just that. For several weeks/few months, we talked and prayed and really sought the Lord in what direction our family should go. One thing that stood out to us most was that Nimrod Outdoors was not supposed to be replaced by ministry at Liberty Baptist Church but instead come alongside it. Youth ministry is not just for the youth but also an opportunity to pour into parents and men. It is an opportunity to make men disciples in their homes and teach youth how to disciple others before they step out into the world. So, M.A. has accepted the role as youth pastor and in another month or two, we will be relocating our family to be closer to the church there.
Nimrod Outdoors is not done, by any means. Actually, what we see unfolding
in front of us is pretty incredible. We are doing our best to not set expectations or plan out all the next steps but instead prayerfully take each step, pause and seek Him until He says it is time to step again. Although, Nimrod is taking a small respite for now as we transition to the next phase of our life, what we see in the future for our family and the ability to do ministry is beyond what we could have ever dreamed.
We are so appreciative of the prayers and love and support our family has received over these last few years. From our NC friends and family to our Georgia friends and family. Words cannot express how thankful we are for each of you.
Lastly, if there is anything we have learned these past few years, it is this - To be obedient in what God is calling you to, and not get stuck in what He has previously called you to. He puts us in places for reasons we might not ever understand. We spent over a year building the bunkhouse which was used for only a year and a half and to think we didn’t get more out of it can feel disappointing at times. But we used it for exactly what God called us to use it for. It is His and if we only stayed focused on what he had told us to do in the past, we would miss out on the opportunity to step into faith and go where He is calling us to in the present. Our prayer for you is that you are seeking Him and willing to open your hearts to obedience and take those steps wherever He is leading you to go.