Faithful Journey: Embracing God's Call in Missions
Summary
From humble beginnings in Alberta and Penticton, a journey unfolded that would lead to a life deeply intertwined with God’s calling and the global church. Early influences came from a mother who found faith through an evangelist and a father who later became a believer, shaping a home where faith was central. The path led through various churches and communities, from Penticton to Vancouver, where connections with Granville Chapel and West End Gospel Chapel would prove pivotal—not only for spiritual growth but also for meeting a life partner and nurturing a shared passion for missions.
The call to missions was not a sudden event but a gradual stirring, confirmed by the encouragement and commendation of multiple church communities. The decision to serve in the Dominican Republic was marked by both faith and uncertainty—selling a home, leaving behind financial security, and trusting God to provide. Time and again, God’s faithfulness was evident, such as the unexpected provision of food during a month when no financial support arrived, reminding that God—not institutions or individuals—is the true sustainer.
Ministry in the Dominican Republic was multifaceted: learning a new language, supporting local churches, and engaging in unique opportunities like prison ministry, outreach among Haitian sugarcane workers, and involvement in Christian literature and radio. The work was never solitary; it was built on the legacy of earlier missionaries and in partnership with local believers. The growth of the church, the flourishing of children’s ministries, and the expansion of Christian literature and media all bore witness to God’s ongoing work.
Challenges were real—civil unrest, shifting priorities, and the constant need to discern God’s leading. Yet, the most profound lesson was that the missionary is often more an observer of God’s work than the prime mover. The call is to join in, to cooperate where possible, and to marvel at how God weaves together people, resources, and opportunities across cultures and generations. The hope for the future is not just continued support, but genuine partnership—mutual respect and collaboration between churches in different countries, working together as equals in God’s mission.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Calling Is Confirmed in Community
A sense of calling is not validated in isolation but through the affirmation and discernment of the wider church. The commendation from multiple assemblies was not just a formality, but a tangible confirmation that God’s call is recognized and supported by the body of Christ. This communal discernment provides both accountability and encouragement for those stepping into new ventures of faith. [07:14]
- Faith Means Trusting God’s Provision Beyond Human Guarantees
Stepping into missions meant relinquishing financial security and trusting God to provide in unexpected ways. The story of the month without support, and the timely arrival of food, illustrates that God’s provision is not always predictable, but it is always sufficient. True faith is forged in the moments when resources run out and God alone is left to sustain. [09:25]
- Ministry Is Built on Partnership, Not Individual Effort
The work in the Dominican Republic thrived because of collaboration—between missionaries, local believers, and even across denominational and national lines. Whether in literature, radio, or children’s ministry, the most lasting fruit came from shared vision and joint labor. The church’s growth is a testament to the power of partnership over individual heroics. [20:46]
- God’s Work Transcends Generations and Methods
From early tent meetings and radio broadcasts to modern literature and medical missions, God’s work adapts and endures. The legacy of those who came before, and the ongoing ministries that continue today, show that God’s purposes are not limited by time, technology, or human plans. Each generation is invited to participate in new ways, building on the faithfulness of the past. [29:21]
- The Missionary’s Role Is to Observe and Join God’s Activity
Rather than seeing oneself as the primary agent of change, the deeper calling is to witness what God is already doing and to join in with humility. Sometimes the best contribution is to step back, listen, and cooperate, recognizing that God’s plans often surpass our own strategies. This posture fosters both awe and dependence, as we become co-laborers rather than directors of God’s mission. [45:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Early Life and Family Background
[03:00] - Connections in Vancouver and Granville Chapel
[04:22] - Missionary Influences and Early Encounters
[06:08] - The Call to the Dominican Republic
[07:14] - Commendation and Trusting God’s Provision
[09:25] - God’s Faithfulness in Financial Uncertainty
[12:45] - Language Barriers and Early Ministry
[14:11] - Prison Ministry and Transformative Testimonies
[15:17] - Outreach Among Haitian Communities
[17:55] - The Legacy of Early Missionaries
[20:46] - Christian Literature and Printing Ministry
[25:59] - Radio Ministry and Unexpected Opportunities
[28:01] - Milestones in Evangelism and Children’s Ministry
[29:21] - Literature, Tent Meetings, and VBS
[31:33] - Evangelism in Depth and Media Outreach
[35:15] - Medical Missions and Community Impact
[36:57] - Reflections on Returning and Ongoing Ministry
[38:25] - Navigating Civil Unrest and New Assemblies
[42:17] - The Call for Global Partnership
[45:30] - Observing and Joining God’s Work
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Joining God’s Work in Mission
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### Bible Reading
1. Acts 13:1-3
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
2. Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
3. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 13:1-3, who was involved in confirming and sending out Barnabas and Saul for their missionary work?
2. According to the sermon, how did the wider church community play a role in confirming the call to missions for the speaker and his wife? [[07:14]]
3. What was the situation when the speaker’s family received unexpected provision during a month with no financial support? [[09:25]]
4. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, what is the relationship between those who plant, those who water, and God’s role in ministry?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chooses to confirm a calling through the church community rather than just through individual conviction? [[07:14]]
2. What does the story of the unexpected food provision teach about the nature of faith and dependence on God, especially in ministry? [[09:25]]
3. The sermon describes ministry as a partnership, not a solo effort. How does this align with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9? [[20:46]]
4. The speaker says the missionary is often more an observer of God’s work than the prime mover. What does this mean for how we approach serving God? [[45:30]]
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### Application Questions
1. The speaker’s call to missions was confirmed by multiple church communities. Have you ever sensed God leading you in a direction? Who did you invite to help you discern that calling? How could you involve your church community more intentionally? [[07:14]]
2. The family had to trust God for provision, even when there was no financial guarantee. Is there an area in your life where you are being asked to trust God beyond your own resources or security? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area? [[09:25]]
3. The work in the Dominican Republic thrived because of partnership between missionaries and local believers. Are there ways you could partner with others in ministry, rather than trying to do things alone? What might that look like in your context? [[20:46]]
4. The speaker emphasized that God’s work continues across generations and through different methods. How can you honor the legacy of those who have gone before you, while also being open to new ways God might be working today? [[29:21]]
5. The missionary’s role is to observe and join what God is already doing. In your daily life, how can you become more attentive to where God is at work around you? What practical steps could you take to join in? [[45:30]]
6. The hope for the future is genuine partnership between churches in different countries, working together as equals. How can you foster relationships of mutual respect and collaboration with believers from different backgrounds or cultures? [[42:17]]
7. The speaker faced challenges like civil unrest and shifting priorities. When you face obstacles in serving God, how do you discern whether to persevere, adapt, or step back? Who do you turn to for wisdom in those moments? [[38:25]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God’s Provision in Uncertainty
God’s faithfulness is often most evident when resources run dry and we are left with nothing but trust in His promises. In times of need, when human support systems fail or are absent, God has a way of providing in unexpected and timely ways, confirming that our calling and sustenance come from Him alone. This kind of dependence can be unsettling, but it is also a powerful reminder that God knows our needs before we even ask and is able to supply them in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves. [09:25]
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: When have you faced a situation where you had no clear solution or support? How might you trust God to provide for a specific need you have today?
Day 2: The Power of Community and Mutual Encouragement
The journey of faith and mission is not meant to be walked alone; it is strengthened by the support, affirmation, and partnership of a wider community. When believers come together—across churches, cultures, and backgrounds—to confirm callings, share resources, and encourage one another, the work of God is multiplied and sustained. This mutual respect and cooperation, not as senders and receivers but as co-equals, reflects the unity and diversity of the body of Christ and opens doors for greater impact and deeper fellowship. [44:18]
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection: Who in your faith community could you encourage or partner with this week to further God’s work together?
Day 3: God’s Work Through Ordinary People
God delights in using ordinary people—regardless of their background, profession, or perceived qualifications—to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. Whether through teaching, printing, driving, or simply being present, each person’s unique gifts and willingness to serve can have a lasting impact on individuals and communities. Often, it is in the simple acts of obedience and service that God’s purposes are most powerfully revealed, and lives are transformed for generations. [20:46]
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
Reflection: What ordinary skill or opportunity do you have that God might use to bless others today?
Day 4: The Importance of Reaching the Next Generation
Investing in children and youth through teaching, camps, literature, and creative outreach is a vital and fruitful ministry. By equipping young people and involving them in leadership and service, the church ensures that faith is passed on and multiplied. These efforts not only shape the lives of children but also develop future leaders who will continue to serve and expand God’s kingdom in their own unique ways. [29:21]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Reflection: How can you intentionally invest in the faith of a child or young person in your life this week?
Day 5: Observing and Joining in God’s Work
Sometimes, the most important role we play is not as the main actor but as an attentive observer, watching for where God is already at work and joining Him there. Rather than striving to control outcomes or take center stage, we are called to be sensitive to God’s leading, ready to cooperate with His plans, and humble enough to recognize when He is moving in ways we did not expect. This posture of openness and humility allows us to witness God’s power and grace in action, both in our lives and in the world around us. [45:30]
John 5:19
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.”
Reflection: Where do you see God at work around you right now, and how might you join Him in that work rather than trying to lead on your own?
Quotes
No, I mean, when you go as a missionary, in a sense you sort of think, well, I'm out here to do a job. The biggest part of it is that you're out there to see what God's doing. And you're more of an observer than an activist. Because he's going to do his thing, and he does his thing. And sometimes we can cooperate, and sometimes we get in the way. [00:45:19] (28 seconds)
And so you're called by God, you're not called by your church, you're sustained by God. When we went out we sold our house, we had no income coming in, but we trusted that the Lord would supply. And the amazing thing was he did. [00:07:45] (16 seconds)
The thing was that that box of goods from the American troops lasted us until the next MSC letter came. Now none of the assemblies knew that that was going to happen, none of the individuals knew that that was going to happen and none of them knew that well they didn't know that there wouldn't be any money number one and they didn't know that there was going to be this available food. God knew. [00:10:46] (28 seconds)
For $250 a month we could have these. I went back to to to Santo Domingo and I got an interesting letter. We had friends in Chicago and they said in the missionary study class we're going to have a missionary weekend and we would like to have a project that we could collect money for. Do you have a project? Why they chose a Canadian to be that? I don't know but it was God. They raised $1 ,500. That gave us six months on Transworld Radio. [00:25:55] (30 seconds)
Children. One of the big things in the missionary activity in the Dominican Republic is the outreach to children. The home Bible classes. They get them started everywhere. Every congregation has many of these. They try to get every home to have a home Bible class. And you don't have enough teachers for all that, so you get your teenagers and you get them helping you. And that's where they learn to preach. And so they're not only leading children, but they're learning. [00:28:47] (34 seconds)
But Lady's grandfather a very close friend of John and an amazing man, talk about gifted. Lino Gomez, a good preacher, he used everything and he got into this eye business as well. So on his own he would go to various places and he was able to use the eyeglasses as an entry. That was very impressive. Very. Because he wasn't waiting for the foreigners to come. [00:36:16] (35 seconds)
But in Santo Domingo today, it's a big, big city now, but there's more than 40 assemblies in that one city. Oh, Plus, I think around 130 in total throughout the island. Something like that. And they have quite a number of full -time Christian workers. I was talking to Manuel Medina this week, and he was telling me that things are stronger now than they've ever been. [00:19:46] (34 seconds)
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