I was raised in a good Christian Family, but I never understood “Relationship with God”. There were expectations it seemed like, and that was not in my category of “what I wanted in my life”. I rebelled, not so much against God, but against religion – I looked for one that included letting me be me, many had false gods, tempting, but in my heart I knew better. I married young 18, Suzie 16 and continued my search, went to church, even taught Sunday School – and continued my search, but that Religion, rules, plus limitations just became too much – rebellion, drugs, motorcycles, I tried it all, and I did it my way – all the way. Then my wife had complications in her third pregnancy – Looked like neither she nor my daughter would make it. I needed God to intervene,  so I shut myself in a hospital room, and repented – all the way and it took some time, ending with my plea to the God I’d rejected. He heard my cry saved my soul and spared my wife (we’re now getting ready to Celebrate 50 years) and He spared my daughter who will soon be 46. I found CC Costa Mesa, no rules, no pressure, unmistakable and pure LOVE that was the God I wanted and the people I loved being with.
Many years later (about 31 or so ago) a group of us asked God in prayer for a Mission. It’s a long story but can be read online in my book “Journey of Faith” God gave us an orphanage to visit and years He later told us to move by faith and care for His kids, which we have done with the help of untold hundreds of people, probably thousands.
The obstacles have been numerous, although I don’t like any. I believe the verse that says “in this world you shall have tribulation, but be I good cheer for I have overcome the world”. He is in control and the trials have served one purpose – they make us stronger and clingers to the cross. We always need prayer for “our” kids. They each have a different story to tell, and most would bring you to tears and then to your knees. And of course also for our staff and missionaries, it’s not an easy job, but on a long day when it seems like nothing’s going right or getting done, and one of the kids comes up and out of the blue hugs your socks off, your heart rejoices, and then you know you are exactly where He wants you to be! “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20