God's Faithfulness: Mission Begins at Home

The story of God’s faithfulness is woven through every chapter of our lives, often in ways we could never have orchestrated ourselves. From my upbringing in Rockford, Illinois, through a music career in Nashville, and ultimately to a radical encounter with Jesus, I have seen how God redirects our paths for His purposes. What began as a pursuit of music became a journey into mission, not in some far-off land, but right here in our own community. The longing to serve as a missionary was met with the realization, through the innocent insight of my daughter, that the mission field is often right where we are planted.

God’s call to care for the oppressed became tangible through relationships with people like Rodney Hammer, a missionary called back from China to serve trafficking survivors in the U.S., and Lori Medley, a survivor herself. Through a series of unmistakable promptings from the Holy Spirit, we were led to establish Rahab House—a place of rescue, refuge, and restoration for women escaping human trafficking. The vision was confirmed again and again, from prophetic words to miraculous provision, including generous financial gifts and the sacrificial service of many.

Rahab House is not just a building, but a living testimony to God’s heart for the broken. The mission is to provide immediate rescue, a safe refuge for healing, and, ultimately, long-term restoration. We have seen God’s hand in every step, from the first conversations to the provision of a home, and now as we prepare to welcome our first residents. The journey has been marked by both uncertainty and overwhelming grace, teaching us to trust God’s timing and provision.

This work is not about a few individuals, but about the whole body of Christ coming together, each bringing their gifts, prayers, and presence. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply mowing the lawn, every act of service is a part of God’s redemptive story. The hope is that Rahab House will be a place where the oppressed are set free, the hungry are fed, and the broken find healing—a small but significant outpost of God’s kingdom on earth.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s mission often begins at home. Sometimes we imagine that serving God means going far away, but the Spirit may reveal that our greatest calling is to love and serve those right in our midst. The mission field is not defined by geography, but by obedience to God’s prompting, even when it leads us to unexpected places. [12:27]
• 2. The Holy Spirit orchestrates connections and confirms His will in ways that surpass human planning. Divine appointments, prophetic words, and even the innocent questions of children can be the means by which God reveals His purposes. When we listen and respond, we become participants in a story much larger than ourselves. [14:46]
• 3. True ministry to the broken requires more than good intentions; it demands sacrificial love, persistent prayer, and practical action. The journey of Rahab House has shown that restoration is a process, often requiring years of care, patience, and community support. God’s heart is for the long-term healing of the wounded, not just a quick fix. [19:55]
• 4. God provides for His work in miraculous and unexpected ways. From large financial gifts to the willingness of people to open their homes and hearts, every need has been met at just the right time. This teaches us to trust God’s provision, even when the path ahead is uncertain and resources seem scarce. [22:40]
• 5. The body of Christ is called to be a place of refuge and restoration for the oppressed. Every member has a role to play, whether through prayer, financial support, or hands-on service. When we come together in unity, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who came to set the captives free and bind up the brokenhearted. [25:30]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:30] - Greeting in the Name of the Trinity
• [01:45] - Personal Journey: From Rockford to Nashville
• [04:10] - Encounter with Jesus and Early Discipleship
• [06:34] - Christ’s Death, Resurrection, and Mission
• [08:30] - Wrestling with Calling and the Role of Music
• [10:15] - Meeting Missionaries and the Call to Human Trafficking Ministry
• [12:27] - Realizing the Mission Field is Home
• [14:46] - The Birth of Rahab House: Divine Confirmations
• [17:20] - The Vision: Rescue, Refuge, and Restoration
• [19:55] - Early Steps and Miraculous Provision
• [22:40] - Financial Needs and God’s Faithfulness
• [25:30] - Volunteer Opportunities and Community Involvement
• [27:46] - Song: Giving Voice to the Voiceless
• [31:39] - Blessed Assurance: Worship and Testimony
• [33:59] - Invitation to Lori and Dori

Bible Reading

Isaiah 58:6-9 (ESV) — > “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’”

Observation Questions

1. According to Isaiah 58:6-7, what are some specific actions God desires from His people?
2. In the sermon, what was the “cornerstone passage” for Rahab House, and why was it chosen? [14:46]
3. What were some of the ways God provided for Rahab House that could not have been planned by people? [22:40]
4. How did the speaker’s daughter help him realize where his mission field was? [12:27]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does God connect acts of justice and mercy (like freeing the oppressed and feeding the hungry) with spiritual blessing and answered prayer in Isaiah 58:6-9?
2. The sermon describes how the Holy Spirit used “divine appointments” and even the words of a child to guide the mission. What does this suggest about how God communicates His will? [14:46]
3. The journey of Rahab House involved uncertainty and waiting on God’s timing. What might God be teaching us when He provides in unexpected or last-minute ways? [22:40]
4. The speaker says the mission is not just for a few, but for the whole body of Christ. What does it look like for a church community to be a “place of refuge and restoration” in practical terms? [25:30]

Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that “God’s mission often begins at home.” Are there needs or people in your immediate community that you have overlooked because you thought “mission” meant going far away? What is one step you could take this week to serve where you are? [12:27]
2. The Holy Spirit orchestrated connections and confirmed the vision for Rahab House in surprising ways. Have you ever experienced a “divine appointment” or a moment when God’s will became clear through unexpected means? How did you respond? [14:46]
3. True ministry to the broken requires more than good intentions—it takes sacrificial love, persistent prayer, and practical action. Is there a way you can move from “good intentions” to action for someone in need this month? What would that look like? [19:55]
4. The story of Rahab House included miraculous financial provision and people offering their time and skills. Is there a resource (time, money, skill, or even something simple like mowing a lawn) that you could offer to support a ministry or person in need? [22:40]
5. The sermon described the body of Christ coming together, each bringing their gifts. What is one gift or ability you have that could be used to serve others in your church or community? [25:30]
6. The speaker’s daughter pointed out that their family was already doing “mission work” at home. How can you involve your family or close friends in serving together, rather than seeing it as something only for “missionaries” or church leaders? [12:27]
7. The journey of Rahab House was marked by both uncertainty and grace. Is there an area of your life where you need to trust God’s timing and provision more? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week? [22:40]