|
|
My call to ministry began over 24 years ago while managing a
shoe store in a local mall shopping center. I had hired a
young man for part time employment who had happened to be a
Christian. Everyday he brought his bible into work and would
sit and read it during his breaks. I can remember that one day as he went to go get himself a soda, that he left his bible open upon the counter by the cash register, I felt very led to read what it had to say. As I did the words became like fire within me. And so each day from then on I would wait till he went for a drink and I would once again begin to read. One day as he returned he saw me flipping through the pages and said, " do you have any questions? " It wasn't long after that, that Jesus became the Lord of my life and my wife and I began our search for a local Church home. Throughout the years I have always served within the Church. From my career as a salesman to later on as carpenter, re-modeler, living life as Christ would have me live has always been the desire of my heart and the heart of my family. To be actively involved in the Church as well as within the community is something both my family and I hold dear to our hearts. I remember growing up and getting ready to enter into the work world and hearing my dad say, " son, always remember, the greatest leaders are those that lead by example". So if there was a hole that needed to be dug I dug the first hole, if there was garbage to be taken out I'd take it out, if there were apologies to be made I'd say I am sorry. I'm not perfect, not even close, as a matter of fact I messed up all the time, but the real truth is that I gave my life, my heart and my soul to God. One night almost 8 years ago now while sitting on the back deck of my home in New Jersey, Jesus once again spoke clearly to my heart and laid before me the purpose for my life. That was the night that I was called to full time ministry. A call that cost me everything I had. Many friends turned their backs on us as well as our family and our Church. Without a doubt Jesus was becoming the only friend we had. People called us broken and not fit for service. I even went into depression seeking and asking God why, why do things have to be the way they are and why such a price. But deep within my heart and the words always seemed to roll off my lips, whatever you want I am yours. It ended up that my family picked up and left New Jersey for the Sunshine state of Florida. After packing away what was left into storage I answered an add on the Internet for a full time worship leader position for a new Church plant within the United Methodist Church in Sarasota Florida. People talk about changing your life at 40 well I was on my way to doing just that. And for 2+ years I served as a worship leader for a Community Church. Building new relationships, facing the challenges of a new career and a call that was well beyond my own strength and ability. God was strengthening my faith in Him. I got involved with community outreach and programs that helped with those less fortunate. I became a part of growing local ministries that fed and clothed the poor. I delivered food, furniture, helped folks move and prayed with the hurting. The more I opened up my heart the more it seemed that God was molding me for something more. He was preparing me, my heart, my life to become something that I had only been able to dreamed about. And yet as excited as I was, I was afraid. I can't do this, I'm not worthy, I don't have the gift's, the abilities needed to do this. I remember weeping at the throne of grace seeking and asking God why me. Surely I was honored, and I had always tried to lead by example but was I really an example that reflected the life of Christ and could I make a difference? Well the bottom line was I didn't have to be, He was. The Church needed me to rise to the challenge and to deliver a series of messages for an unknown period of time. The Pastor was needed to go and serve at a sister Church and I was asked to deliver the sermons and too Pastor this congregation. And I once again learned the faithfulness of God. That was more than 3 years ago and today I am still in awe of God's faithfulness to allow and use me. Did God call me to become a minister of the gospel, to pastor a congregation, to teach His word and to lead by example? Yes, there is no doubt within me at all. Not because I am able but because I am willing, not because I'm qualified, but because He is faithful. In Him I will find the wisdom and the strength. I will live my life under and by the power of His grace and I will stand by the strength of His love forever desiring to bring glory to His name. God's peace, Bob |
|
|
|
|
