At 42, I was drowning - financially, relationally, emotionally. Single and feeling betrayed by the Holy Spirit, I was bitter at God, feeling like a forgotten and foolish character in His grand narrative. Years before, I had chosen to move to one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods to lead a group of hurt teenagers from broken homes. In two and a half years, we mourned the loss of 10 of these young souls. Ignoring the advice of friends, mentors, and my father’s pleas to join him in Africa, I believed my calling was in Chicago for five years.
My only prayer was that God would allow me to return to Africa, marry in a bride quickly, work alongside my father, and give him the joy of grandchildren. But God the wise king of heaven, had other plans.
Yet, through the storm, I found healing in the unexpected kindness of friends like Scott and Mark. I embraced a new beginning, fueled by a promise to my father and a desire from God two decades old - to return to Africa and build a ministry to combat poverty through church planting, education, and leadership development.
Resigning from my dream job in America, I embarked on this journey. Fast forward 34 months and 12 days - I’ve married, we’ve welcomed a child, started a church, and are in the process of building a school in Africa.
Our school now nurtures 35 students on a temporary site; our church grows under the guidance of three pastors and a congregation of forty; and a friend’s generous gift of a bus has greatly aided our ministry.
While still tackling some debt at 45, I am rich in ways that truly matter. I have a loving wife, a son who finds peace napping on my chest, a mother who sees me as her gift, a congregation that resonates with my sermons, 200 kids who come hear me speak every summer!
So, to everyone reading this, thank you. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND! And a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
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