Hopeful Path
I was born June 18, 1958. Before I had been exposed to any religion or religious ideas, I always had a sense of a relationship with God from my first memories. However around 15 years of age, I began to rebel against my parents and God by violating my own conscious.
Around 19 years of age, through a series of relationships and events, I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior; born-from above by the Spirit of God. In 1978, I knew that my sins were forgiven, that I would live forever, but I had trouble living out His life in mine. Being a first generation Christian, I had some thought patterns and behaviors that conflicted with God’s will and ways. Though I was young in the Lord and immature, I married a young lady in 1979.
Eventually a family of five, we consistently went to church. My wife and I eventually rose to leadership positions in church(s). However, our marriage was troubled, primarily because of our inconsistent walks with God. In 1997, my wife asked for a divorce and left our home. It was a difficult time for our family; we sow what we reap. I met another woman in 1998 and married her in 2001. We were married three years, as she too asked for a divorce and left home in early 2005. God is gracious and faithful, he disciplines those he loves! However, I continued to grow in the Lord; through the joys and trials, successes and failures. Along the way, God was developing a new life perspective and a host of skills to prepare me for the coming mission.
In mid-2005, I left a career to move to California to live with my parents. God made me honestly face my life and the consequences of my decisions. I realized that I was sitting on the fence, not really committed to anything wholeheartedly, but meandering. My lack of values were evident in my life, as I sometimes did what was easy, expedient or pleasurable. I realized the struggle within me was my relationship with God.
In late 2005, I found my vision — “To Walk in the Light and Help Others Grow in the Light.” There is no fence sitting now. I committed my life completely to God, who cherishes every fiber of my being. I discovered that Jesus is not only Savior, but trustworthy of being my Lord. He is a loving and compassionate God; the One who knows my weaknesses and strengths, and patiently works through me to reach out to heal this world. I now know that I will never “arrive” in this life to perfection, but I am joyful to strive in love with God to accomplish those tasks He has prepared.
Joining Seabreeze Church in January 2006, I immediately enrolled in Seabreeze’s 18-Month Discipleship Course, found accountability partners, joined the Men’s Prayer Group, and volunteered to serve in various ministries. In Feb. 2006, Rev. Johnson Asare spoke at our Men’s Bible Study. The desperate circumstances of the people in Northern Ghana and Rev. Asare’s personal dedication touched my heart. Meanwhile having the mind-set to be singly devoted, God continued to re-prioritize my values and life goals.
From January 2007 to Feb. 2008, I was a full time AmeriCorps-Vista volunteer as the Director of Development for a network of homeless shelters. My heart for those living in desperate situations and un-anchored lives grew greatly. My experience at the homeless shelters convinced me that I was better suited to serve those trying to survive and seeking salvation from oppression. Ghana came to my mind.
Early 2008, in prayer and after discussion with accountability partners and staying under the authority of Seabreeze Church leadership, I contacted Rev. Asare to determine if he would be willing to accept me as a short-term missionary over the summer 0f 2008. He said yes, so I used my own funds for a three month mission trip. Seabreeze leadership maintained contact with Rev. Asare to learn about my mission suitability and gain insight to my call. In Ghana, Rev. Asare entrusted me with the gospel allowing me to evangelize, teach and preach. Rev. Johnson and the CGN board of directors invited me to return as their first long-term missionary.
I returned to the US in late August 2008. In September, Seabreeze leadership concurred that I was being called to Ghana. In October, Seabreeze confirmed God’s call by granting me a minister’s license. I have been volunteering full time for Seabreeze Church, since returning from Ghana. While I thought I would return to Ghana within a few months, God had other plans. Today, I continue to learn about working on a church staff, to strengthen relationships with Seabreeze and other churches, and for my character to be better shaped for the work in Ghana and life!