We have seen some beautiful sights on our trip. The mountain passes in Colorado, the deserts of Utah, the ocean in California, and the very unique beauty of the Arizona desert. I cannot drive anywhere and not marvel at the beauty of God’s creation.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CREATION
However, the most beautiful part of God’s creation which we have enjoyed are the people that we are privileged to know and hang out with.
Although we have spent a few days alone or with new friends we have met at our campsites, most of our time is being spent with people we have known for years. Many are alumni of our past ministries. Young men and women who were between 19-24 when we first met them and now, they are 30, 40, 50, even 60 years old. It is beyond enjoyable to talk with them and hear of their struggles, their victories, and how God has shaped their lives. I am surprised by the impact we have had in their lives. They often recount conversations and events, which I don’t remember, that have helped them on their journey through life.
BUILDING SOMETHING PERMANENT
Shortly after I got out of the Navy I worked as a bricklayer, but I wanted to do something different. It occurred to me one day when I was doing a very difficult job in the Phoenix heat, that all the buildings I was working so hard to build would someday be torn down. I wanted to work on something that would last forever and the only two things that last forever are people and God’s word. That is when I heard the voice of God saying, “Go to Bible school.” (Okay, maybe it wasn’t the voice of God, perhaps it was heat exhaustion. It was 120 degrees that day, but it felt like the voice of God.)
So, in 1978, we made the decision to leave Phoenix, move to Portland, Oregon, and attend Multnomah Bible College (now Multnomah University) with the intention of dedicating our lives to the Word of God and people. We had no plan to become missionaries or serve with Cadence International, but we had confidence that, in the environment of Bible college, God would make our next step clear.
THE GIFT OF MINISTRY
I have regrets in my life, but going to Bible school and investing in people
was the right decision for us. To be clear, there are a lot of ways to invest in people without going to Bible school or professional ministry. I have worked with teachers whose classroom doors are covered with pictures of former students whom they have mentored and impacted. Last night we had dinner with a nurse, and she told stories and showed pictures of people who are forever changed because of her care for them. And we have met with business owners who provide jobs and living wages to people who need work. You can choose to invest in people wherever you are. You can invest in people where ever you are by seeing them and appreciating who they are.
However, a gift of the ministry we have had is the privilege of staying in touch with many of the men and women who have been part of our lives and taking a trip like this one. It is such a privilege to have some time together, often sharing a meal, and catching up on their lives.
I pray that today, wherever you are at, whatever you are doing, you would take time to really notice the people God brings across your path. I pray that you would see people and appreciate them the way you might appreciate a beautiful sunset or a towering mountain.
