Rather than try to explain the whole process and tell you about our decision to move in the limited amount of space available on my Facebook page, I will tell you all about it here.
I have had a "feeling" for a number of years that God had something in store for me, as far as being involved in ministry is concerned. As with anyone who is seeking God's direction in their life, I spent a considerable amount of time praying about it and asking Him to keep guiding me. I didn't know where or why or how this would all unfold, but the key for me was to keep focused on God and not on myself. Amy and I had applied about 5 years ago to go to work with FamilyLife Ministries in Little Rock, Arkansas. We were really disappointed that opportunity didn't pan out, but (isn't hindsight great!) I can see now that God was directing us. As my father-in-law told us back then, "God can't steer your bicycle until you start pedalling." That was the start - that was the time when I finally told God that I was willing to go wherever He chose to lead me.
Since that time, I've been working at a good job in the railroad industry that has proven to be very stable throughout the turmoil in our economy in the last few years. I feel very fortunate to have a good job and good benefits, but this has felt very empty for me. In the past, and as is typical in most people's career, my desire was to be promoted and get a raise and have more authority and responsibility. This would allow me personal satisfaction and the ability to get out of debt and achieve a high level of financial comfort. That has not been the case for me recently. God has changed my heart...I was created to serve. I fought it for years because in the business world, we are taught to lead and get ahead and that is the only way to be successful, gain status and ultimately - a bigger paycheck. But what's the point of all that? How is it that I can have such a good job and go home every night feeling empty? As though I accomplished nothing of significance.
I've been watching job postings for multiple ministries and non-profit organizations and thanks to a friend at church who coordinates shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, I started paying attention to Samaritan's Purse. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ Boone, NC?? Really? Does God want us to move away from our church, our friends and our family? I really didn't know much about Samaritan's Purse when I first applied, but the more I find out the more impressed I am and the more convinced I become that this is a job I have been looking for. I'm not a missionary - I mean, I doubt that God is going to call me overseas to preach the gospel to a tribe in Africa. I am a support guy - I don't lead worship at church, I run projection or sing backup. I don't run my department at work, I help my boss manage multiple tasks. And at SP, I won't be digging wells, installing water filters or handing out Christmas shoeboxes - I will be at the home office, behinds the scenes, making it easier for others who are on the 'front lines.' My job, in brief summary, will be to purchase and arrange the transportation of materials around the world for their various projects.
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This wasn't an easy decision for us to make because we have so many good friends here in NJ. We are involved in our church and we started leading a small group study - all our kids have known is South Jersey. This will be a big change for us and we are truly saddened that we are moving away from so many of you. Having said that, we have seen God open too many doors to ignore. A difficult decision was made much easier because we have seen the sovereignty of God on display. And THAT is why we're moving to North Carolina.
There are too many people in the world who don't have clean water to drink or don't have shoes to wear. Imagine having no shoes and needing to walk 2 hours to the nearest water source, fill up a couple of jugs, and walk 2 hour back. This is the reality for so many people. I've been blessed to have born in America, have a house with clean running water and have food (sometimes too much!) at my fingertips. Kids in other countries with heart defects die all the time because they cannot see a doctor, let alone get the needed surgery. Churches in southern Sudan were torched during the civil war leaving pastors with no home and worshippers with no place to gather. The earthquake in Haiti - the tsunami in Japan - the conflict in Libya... my biggest concern is usually trying to choose from all the food in the pantry, but all these people are literally fighting for their lives every day.
Can I just sit by and watch? Can I just donate some money to help? Yes and Yes...I can do those things, but I have an opportunity to get involved and work with an organization dedicated to helping the people we see on the news every night. I'm not saying "hey, look at me getting involved" - actually this has been a big change in my life and part of that was readng about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Do you know anything about this guy? Check him out! In addition, I recommend a book "Chasing Francis" by Ian Morgan Cron. I have also been struck by a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan (no relation to Saint Francis!) Chan doesn't say anything profound or new, but presents God's love to the reader in a challenging yet easy-to-read format. I say challenging because it really got me to question the depth of my love for Christ. That wasn't easy for me...it was as though a good friend had come along side me said "Hey Kev...you're not getting it!" It has changed me to realize the depth of God's love for me and to see that service to others is part of demonstrating my love for Him. It doesn't earn me favor with God, but serving others is a response to God's 'Crazy Love.'
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