Callings

It was August 12, 1993 that Janet and I with the five kids drove into Huron exploring where God might use us in the next phase of life.  A Christian high school was very high on the list as Jettie was to be senior and it was our desire that she have a group senior experience and graduate with a class.  We camped overnight at a lake in Mitchell and then drove the hour north to Huron.  We stopped at a Hardee’s for lunch and saw a table of folk bow to pray.  I went over to inquire of their faith and learned that they were associated with a local camp which sat next to the Christian school we had heard about.  We followed their directions to 12 miles north of town and a mile east.  We walked in and met the superintendent and his assistant who was in need of a Bible teacher for all the upper grades and I was in need of a job so we struck a deal.  There was a mobile home nearby that was vacant, so we moved from Lovell, WY to Huron, South Dakota over the next few weeks.  The following June we were hired as an assistant pastor and charged with a host of duties.

Then it was August 12 again, this time in 1998, that we met with the pulpit committee of Gretna Community Church (now Standing Stone Bible Church).  After we set up that meeting another Omaha church contacted us about candidating and once back to South Dakota, two more churches inquired if we were available – this was all in response to NO action taken by us.  After the second meeting in Gretna we were called and moved to Gretna in October.

Thus, we ministered in Huron as an assistant pastor for 5 years (some months were as the Bible teacher at the Christian high school). Those five years were a rich time of growth and change.  Serving under a lead pastor after being a lead pastor for 17 years meant I rarely preached – rarely!  Could I submit after being “the boss”?  It worked out well as God was further molding me for the next phase which were for these last years at Gretna.

So, today – August 12th and 13th, we joined 8 previous pastors at the Huron church celebrating that church’s 80 years of ministry by remembering what God “hath wrought”.  It was a rich time learning how the Lord has used those men since their days in Huron.  It was rich in reconnecting with those we served amongst for the five years.

On August 12 (this year) I pondered how God had opened doors on August 12 in past years and wondered what God might be moving us toward in the future.  Nothing jumped out!

However, I am constantly aware of God’s sovereignty over my life.  When God calls, we must be always ready to respond and quickly.  I warn Janet often to not get rooted too deep as God might call and we’d best be quick to respond.

In these very days we are working with the Ashland Bible Church seeking ways to recharge them to a vibrant witness for Jesus with a great passion for God’s glory, a desire to teach the whole counsel of God, and an effort to engage people with the truth both for salvation and successful living in victory for God!

Three of the pastors at the Huron reunion joined me in lamenting the condition and direction of the church.  The days ahead are ominous as storm clouds build.  Only being firmly planted on God’s Word and surrounded by people of deep faith will there be victory over temptations and false teachings.  May SSB and ABC (Ashland Bible Church) be bright lights for truth in the coming days and I desire to be part of such a testimony.  God is sovereign over nature, nations and the church.  God is leading His people, so let us today be committed to following!  Amen?!

A pastor who served in Huron from 1980-1982, shared this verse:  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. I Thessalonians 5:24

Amen!