I caught a glimpse of Him as He led me out of the rubble created by the great banking collapse of the late 1980’s. He had dispensed with the myth of my own self sufficiency and showed me, in a not so gentle way, who was in charge, and it wasn’t me! I witnessed a power much greater than my mind could imagine. Without realizing it at the time, I was embarking on an adventure that would lead me to the God I had never taken the time to know.

My faith journey began in earnest during the early 90’s. Unbelievably, my Sunday morning golf game would be replaced by Sunday services, daily prayer time, and Bible studies. One day I received a call from Palmer asking if I would be willing to teach a Bible study to people who were homeless. I still envisioned many self-important plans for myself, and teaching Bible study to the homeless was not one of them. I politely declined the invitation.

While reading the Bible during my quiet time, I turned to the Book of Luke, Chapter 4, Verse 18. It stated that “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” The timing was interesting, coming just a few days after the Church’s invitation to do just that. I considered it for a few moments, but then chalked it up to coincidence.

Shortly thereafter, I received a call from an old college friend. We had never discussed scripture before or since then. He said he had just read something that he thought might be important to me. He said it was from the book of Luke, Chapter 4, Verse 18. I felt goosebumps spring up all over my body as I realized that none of this had been a coincidence. I felt certain that the Master was asking me to do this, but for what purpose? I immediately called the church and told them I would love to teach their Bible study to the homeless. Could I start tomorrow?

I soon joined Jackie Campbell on the patio teaching our Way Station guests about scripture. The Way Station was Palmer’s ministry to the homeless. Without me realizing it, God had been preparing me for my purpose in life. In time, He would make clear that He wanted me to help poor and marginalized people make it through life.

My friend Bob Hawley and I would host the Palmer Golf Tournament for the next 25 years. Proceeds were used to pay expenses for the breakfasts that the Way Station served to our guests.

God has allowed me to serve Him in a variety of ways over the years. I have learned that the most exciting journey we can take is the faith journey. I learned that God is not a myth, as some people believe, but is reality. And this reality is the cornerstone of my faith. He wants to be in intimate relationship with us and has a unique purpose for each of our lives. He has revealed that He is just as concerned for the downtrodden today as He was when he walked the earth over 2,000 years ago. Most importantly, He has gifted me with a clear image of the enduring and eternal nature of the living God.

Proverbs, Chapter 29, Verses 11-14