A Not So Brief History, Pt. 4

cont'd. from 5/22

But for now, more practical considerations were at hand. We had to sort out how we were going to make a living. Beth put pen to paper and figured that if she would take on some more piano students, her income would cover our mortgage. Having a background in construction and knowing how to handle people, I put in applications at Lowe's and Home Depot. With my experience with things technical I also spoke with management at All Pro Sound. None of these panned out.

Then, without any effort on my part, I began to get call after call asking if I was back doing carpentry, the trade in which I was engaged before entering the ministry. Thus began my foray back into the world of construction. I also realized that now I could do what I hadn’t had the time to do for the past 14 years – teach voice lessons. Even now, 22 months later, I have had very few days without work and we have never been in want.

I often think back to, "...if you step out of the boat, I have you." He indeed has held us and sustained us.

Back to the aftermath of my resignation...

I resigned on Thursday, July 1, 2004. Sunday, the 4th was our last time to lead worship at Calvary Chapel. It's probably a good thing that we didn't know it at the time, as it would have been difficult to keep it together while leading.

Molly arrived home on Tuesday from Cork, Ireland. We sat her down that evening, knowing that word of my departure from my position would be made public Wednesday night at church. It was hard news for her. She had grown up in that church. For as long as she could remember, I had been the Worship Pastor at CCGB. She loved Ireland, but the thought of actually moving there didn't settle so well.

From that time until now, I knew in my heart of hearts that God had a plan. God's plan is always good. "All things happen for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." If it was His plan for me to resign and if it was His plan for us to go to Ireland, it was a good plan and it would be good for everyone affected by it. It was a hard sell at times, and I felt callous reiterating it, but I was convinced of this truth. That's what kept us looking ahead, seeking Ireland.

We are just now really seeing that plan take shape before our eyes -- but more on that later...

On the GEM (Greater Europe Mission) website, we found an initial interest form. We filled it out and sent it.

Now we just had to wait...


To be continued...