Trusting in the Lord is a journey filled with both challenges and excitement.
After years of pastoral ministry in Richmond, Virginia, my path took a significant turn. While volunteering as a chaplain for the local police department, I felt a strong calling to invest more deeply in law enforcement and the community they serve. This sense of purpose led me to resign from my pastoral role and enroll in the police academy.
The transition was daunting. I spent countless days praying, seeking counsel, and discussing the decision with my family and many other mentors. Reactions varied widely; some thought I was making a crazy choice, while others questioned my motives. Yet, many encouraged me to pursue what I believed God laid before me. Taking that leap of faith, I joined the police academy, ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead.
The academy proved to be one of the most challenging experiences of my life. The physical, mental, and emotional demands were immense, pushing me to my limits. Initially, I thrived in the program, quickly gaining recognition as a leader among my peers. I was elected president and chaplain and was on track to earn multiple awards. But everything changed during a block of training called “officer survival.” This segment placed recruits in realistic, high-pressure scenarios, teaching us how to navigate potential dangers.
Unfortunately, I struggled during this training. My focus on ministering to individuals clouded my awareness of the threats they might pose. As a result, I met with the academy’s leadership, who informed me that they would not recommend me for graduation. This news came just six weeks before the end of the academy, leaving me devastated and confused. My fellow recruits couldn’t believe it. I was left questioning everything.
After grappling with disappointment, I prayed and sought counsel again, realizing God was closing that door. I took a job drilling water wells for a friend while I sought clarity about my future. After a couple of months, I began to feel a tug back toward full-time ministry. I updated my resume and reached out to friends and mentors in the church community.
One church in particular felt like the perfect fit for my family. I engaged in their search process, submitting applications and answering questionnaires. I even had two meetings with the search team, and everything seemed promising. But again, I was disappointed when they decided to pursue another candidate.
Hurt and confused, I was left wondering how God was leading me.
Despite the setbacks, I clung to Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
During this time, I remembered EveryEthne, an organization I had contacted as a pastor in Virginia. They provided a demographic assessment that helped our church learn how to reach our community.
After several conversations with EveryEthne leaders, I visited their headquarters for a face-to-face meeting. It became increasingly clear that God was guiding me toward a role where I could help other pastors and churches become more effective in their mission. This was a direction I had not anticipated, but it resonated deeply with my heart.
At this juncture, my wife, Carrie, was still uncertain about embracing a “missionary life.” We prayed, sought advice, and tried to heal from the recent disappointments. Still, we felt compelled to take the next step and attend the New Missionary Orientation with EveryEthne. As we drove to orientation, I sensed that Carrie was still struggling with her doubts.
During orientation, we were assigned to share our calling with others attending. In that moment, Carrie and I articulated our shared understanding: God called us to support pastors and churches across North America, helping them fulfill the Great Commission. It struck us that our combined twenty years of vocational ministry had equipped us for this mission, allowing us to reach hundreds of churches instead of just one.
The challenges, struggles, and doubts all shifted as Carrie and I realized together that God was directing our steps to serve with EveryEthne.
Reflecting on the road to this point, I can see how challenging it has been. We’ve faced hurt and confusion and felt as though we were spinning our wheels at times. Yet, through it all, we are excited about the path God has laid before us. We continue to trust in Him wholeheartedly, confident that He will make our paths straight and use us for His purposes.
This journey is not just about us; it’s about serving His Kingdom. What a privilege it is to be part of something greater, to encourage others in their mission, and to see God’s work unfold through EveryEthne. We look forward to what lies ahead and remain committed to following His lead.