First Kings 19 tells of the occasion after Elijah challenged the prophets of baal to a “duel” of Biblical proportion - the Lord won. His life threatened, Elijah headed for the mountains. The Lord provided for his needs 40 days and 40 nights. Finding a cave, the Lord spoke to Elijah telling him to stand at the mouth of the cave. There was a great wind - the Lord was not in the wind. There was an earthquake - the Lord was not in the earthquake. There was a fire - the Lord was not in the fire. Then, a gentle blowing…a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
For us, as a family, the “gentle blowing” took the form of our county Baptist newsletter in the Spring of 2009. While I haven’t studied this in the Bible, my perception is that when the Lord chooses someone to do a work for Him they don’t usually know it when they enter into the “assignment”; and they don’t really understand the scope of what they are being asked. As parents we feel it is our responsibility to place opportunities, crafted by the Lord, before our children and encourage them to get involved (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
We were going into our ninth year at Live Oak Baptist pretty much doing the same thing we had the previous eight. As services ended in the usual manner on that warm, May Sunday, with congregational members milling and conversing, my wife picked up the monthly Johnston Baptist Association newsletter. Buried amidst the field of other announcements was Mr. Clifton Woodruffs’ call for assistance. His mission? Collect and repair bicycles then deliver them to towns in the Appalachian area throughout the year; often with other supplies as well.
After some discussion with our son, Silas was encouraged to call Mr. Woodruff. Silas spent a good portion of the 2009 summer helping to restore bicycles. During that time my wife and I had a hand full of interactions with Mr. Woodruff and his wife, Sylvia; this eventually resulted in the Woodruff’s inviting us to accompany them on their trip to West Virginia. In Dec 2009, we found ourselves packed and ready to go deliver bicycles and some other goods.
A hair-pin turn off the main mountain road took us on our last leg of the trip to Rhodell. The chilly December air matched the emptiness of the town. The absence of typical amenities most places have was filled by abandoned stores along the main road of this town populated with less than 300 people. This was one of many coal towns scattered across West Virginia that had been built to support the local coal mines. The communities were created so the miners could have their families nearby foregoing long commutes from the city. These coal towns were typically supplied with shops, services, and schools - self sustaining. As coal lost its popularity in the 80’s coal mines were shutting down and families were being left behind - but that’s another story.
Our destination was The Open Door. This one and-a-half story concrete-block building serves as a kind of “Salvation Army”, a community center for the people as well as those in neighboring towns. The building appeared to have been built in the 1950’s; warmed only by a wood-burning stove. It is supplied with food and clothing only by the occasional donations from churches. Upon our arrival we were welcomed. Later, the kids arrived showing there excitment about getting “new” bicycles. We unloaded the other goods from the trailer and spent time hanging out.
Something happened after we returned from Rhodell. It’s not anything I can describe or pinpoint because what happened occurred “under the radar”. Our family went about our normal lives, but with each passing week Rhodell seemed to be tugging at our hearts. My wife, Evelyn, spoke of our trip at work, we brought it up at church and next thing we know we found ourselves getting clothing donations. Unhindered by any doubt we bought some additional items, talked with some others in our church, and found ourselves discussing what we were going to do when we arrived there. By Aug 2010, there were seven of us headed back to Rhodell; Evelyn seemed to lead things on this first mission trip We focused on having a backyard Vacation Bible School, serving a community meal, and handing out backpacks with school supplies; which was received very well by the community.
The success of the trip generated its own excitement after we returned. Life had demands and requirements; yet, Rhodell seemed to filter its way into our conversation. With the passing of Christmas and jumping into a new year my thoughts sharpened on another mission trip. Evelyn and I talked about doing a “kick-off” at the church to signify mission preparations were beginning. We felt it would be an opportunity to tell the congregation what the mission focus would be for the coming year; of course the Lord had His plans.
Jan 2011; this kick-off turned out to have a decent format; praise and worship songs, a guest speaker, people from other churches! But what was I going to say? Pastor Keith opened in prayer; that’s when the Lord provided! It didn’t qualify as an out-of-body experience, but I was no longer at the kick-off. I was with Jesus and his disciples, on a hillside, getting ready to feed 5,000 people. That’s when I knew what the Lord wanted me to say. When it was my turn I shared the vision I had and proposed that we were to take up monthly offerings to collect pocket change! Jesus fed 5,000 with what seemed an insufficient amount, let’s see what the Lord will do with pocket change. The seven offerings that were taken yielded over $3,000!
Other ways the Lord has moved are posted in the summary of other trips. What we’re learning through this is how what seems like barriers to us are actually opportunities the Lord uses to “pole vault” us to greater faith in Him. The question has to be asked, “What’s He going to do next time?” Continue to check in, especially the “Pray for…” tab and see how things are unfolding. In fact, would you pray for us and pray that the Lord would be glorified by the work He is directing us to do for Him. Thank you.
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