The Call
I was unchurched as a child. My parents grew up in
the non-Pentecostal Holiness movement, but they abandoned their faith when
I was about two or three years old. Eventually, my father slipped into
alcoholism and spent many hours at the tavern. Following his example,
I adopted a similar lifestyle and developed a desire to find the "ultimate
thrill." This led to a downward spiral of drugs and self-gratification that
led to unhappiness.
In 1977, at age 15, I accidently took an overdose of drugs. During
this experience, I was overcome with fear. I knew that I wasn�t ready to
die. It felt as though darkness was closing in on me. In my terror, I
prayed, "Lord, if you let me live, I�ll change my life." I�m not sure how
sincere that prayer was, but God did allow me to survive that experience.
During my recovery, the mother of one of my friends began to minister to me.
She took me into her home and showed me love when I was most unlovable.
She invited me to her church several times and, finally, one October day I
went with her.
I was amazed at what I saw in that assembly of believers. The people
seemed ot love each other with an indescribable passion, and they appeared
to have a happiness that I could not explain. I returned to church with
her for the next four weeks. I don�t remember what the pastor spoke about
on the evening of November 7th, but something touched my heart. As he gave
the altar call, I heard a voice say, "I will give you peace that passes
understanding." I later realized that this was the Holy Spirit speaking to
me. This was exactly what I had been searching for my whole life! I
immediately responded to that altar cal and accepted Jesus Christ as my
Lord and Savior. He changed my life and He changed my desires. I
immediately stopped doing drugs, and I began attending that church.
This Southern Baptist church in Reeds, Missouri, became my home.
It was a good church. The pastor, Kenneth Holman, had a real love for
the Lord. I admired his dedication and conviction, and observing him
birthed in me a genuine hunger to commit myself to God. I also developed
a desire to do something significant in my life for God. I didn�t yet
feel a call to the ministry, but I also knew I didn�t want to live an
average Christian life. During this time I remember praying, "God please
use me for Your glory. Whatever it is You want me to do, I�ll do it."
Seven years later, on June 4, 1984, just weeks before I was to be
married, my fiancee, Melissa, and I were driving home to Sarcoxie,
Missouri, on a Sunday afternoon. As I sat behind the wheel, the Lord began
to speak to my heart. He placed an undeniable calling on my life to preach
His Word. The next day, I told my pastor what had happened. He responded,
"I�ve been expecting this." What a confirmation! His support inspired me.
He asked me to preach the following Sunday. Soon, I began preaching in
various country churches.
The idea of pastoring was becoming more and more attractive. I LOVED
to preach! I was on fire for God and ready to win the world for Him!
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