The effects of Huntington's disease
had taken enough toll on Carri mentally and emotionally, that her job as a
nursing instructor had become too much. We knew that this day was going
to come. Our hope is that it would be after our children were grown and graduated. Guess
what? It did not wait. After a season of sincere prayer, Carri and I both
agreed that it was time for her to resign the teaching position that she held
at the local college. Carri had been teaching students to become
registered nurses for over ten years.
After making the decision that Carri
would resign, I began the pursuit for another job. We both knew that if
we were going to survive financially, I was going to have to have a second
income. We also were going to have to find a way to pay off a huge amount
of irresponsible debt. Prior to Carri’s resignation, our household income
was pretty much split 50/50. Yes, we were living check to check. The
scary part of this decision; knowing we were going to lose half of our income.
The first thing we did was cash in
Carri's retirement savings. We saw no other option other than
bankruptcy. Bankruptcy was not an option. We acquired the debt; we
were responsible for paying that debt back. It was hard closing her
retirement account, but it was rewarding at the same time. Cashing out
retirement early does not come without a significant penalty. We lost
about half of the money to penalties, fees and increased taxes. Our
financial advisor advised strongly against cashing in this account. She
understood how great the financial loss would be. In spite of what seemed logical,
in our hearts we knew paying off debt was the right thing to do. We had
to take the loss in order to ensure our future.
More importantly the ministry God had given us. In paying off most
of our debt, we had a piece of mind. A large portion of the debt we owed
had been redeemed.
Paying off most of our debt was
still not good enough. It was going to take more than that to manage our
mortgage, utilities, and keep food on our table. I began to working extra
with my current employer as an RN and a medic. Carri accepted a
part time job with a Hospice program. That may seem like more stress, but
it has actually become a ministry for Carri. She can relate to dying and
has something more to offer. At
the same time I was also searching for a second job. It seemed like every
opportunity I found had a direct impact on my ability to continue leading youth
group on Wednesday nights and Sunday morning bible classes.
Needless to say, I became extremely
frustrated. I knew in my heart God had called me to ministry. I remember
thinking; “If God had called me to ministry then why would He take me out of it
because of the need for income?” He wouldn't. I began to pray;
"Lord you know my needs, and I trust in you to provide. Committing
to a job that involves working on Wednesdays and Sundays in not an option. I
refuse to compromise the ministry you have called me to." Let me
tell you, that prayer and vow pretty much eliminated every plausible option I
had for a stable income. There were no other options left. Yes I
became stressed and worried. I had no idea how I was going to provide for
my family. I was willing to sell all we had in order to make it
happen. However, some things you just can't sell. Like medical
debt. Over the previous few years and even recent months we had acquired
medical debt that weighed a heavy burden on us financially. Like every
other debt, we were going to pay back what we owed and still owe.
I was sincere in my vow that I was
not going to compromise the ministry God had called me to. Even in my
sincerity, I also needed a sign. I was hoping for something only God could
reveal to me assuring that I was being faithful and doing the right
thing. Randomly one Sunday after church services, our pastor said he
needed to talk to me. I thought for sure he knew the problems we faced
and he was going to find a youth pastor to fill my role. Someone who could
be more committed and less strained. To
my surprise he said this "The church affirms your call to ministry and we
want to ordain you into the ministry.” Now that was a sign! He went on to say; “We also want to hire you
part time. We cannot afford to pay you much, but we feel led to pay you
something." "WOW!" I was thinking, “Are you serious?” Tears
poured out of my eyes. It was so surreal, my mind was questioning; “Did I
really just receive the sign I had asked God for? Yes I did!”
Matthew
6:31-34 So do not worry, saying, 'What
shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the
pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need
them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things
will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for
tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own
Easter Sunday April 4, 2010 I was
ordained into the ministry. It was one of the greatest highlights
in my life. Sure things are tough, but that does not matter. The
investment Carri and I are now making is not in a retirement, it is not in
things that will fall apart, waste away or be destroyed. We are investing
in something money cannot buy. We are committed to investing into people’s
lives.
The picture is me sharing the gospel
with some children during a MFUGE mission trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was
using an evangicube. The Boy next to me
is playing with it.
Matthew
6:19-21 "Do not store up for
yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves
break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
May my life be the proof and evidence
of Christ’s love!
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