yesterday frank and i went up at the end of the church service to ask for prayer from the congregation--frank feels like he is suppose to be doing more, like maybe preaching or something---our pastor and another pastor at church have been talking to frank for some time now and have been nothing but supportive----
over 25 years ago frank went forward at church and dedicated his life to the Christian ministry-----he was the pastor's associate for a time at our home church----but then life happened--our special needs children were born and things changed
i feel it was like--the saying "preach the gospel at all times and use words when necessary"----as you may have read if you follow my earlier blogs---we have been visiting an institution since 1989----one little girl turned into a long relationship with the residents there and in a hospital on the grounds-----frank basically did the hospital ministry alone---most of the times i would have kids with us that were not allowed to go on the floors--so we waited----we did the institution together-----i share this to say that for all of his faults (not to say he has more than i do)-- frank has been a real unseen hero for many years, esp. to people that couldn't tell anyone about all the kind and selfless things and time he has given to many through these many years-----
years ago he also had a radio ministry that he paid for himself--it was called "people need the Lord"--it was very good i thought, but we just couldn't afford to keep it--
i have always known that frank has a gift, he has an unnatural desire to read everything spiritual he can and esp. the Bible---i have witnessed that the Spirit definitely gives him keen understanding of what he reads--
-i have to tell you i have asked frank, "are you sure you heard right, and do you think God knows who you are married to" -i know i do not have to depend on my feelings or lack of them--"obedience is better than sacrifice"--i am in support of frank doing what he feels he is to do-------in my unsolicited defense--i have to tell you that i have always been there in frank's corner--telling him he can do whatever he wants, that i believe in him---i even told him once that he could cut open our roof and raise it to make a cape cod expanse--he did it even though he had never done anything construction wise in his life---again, one time i told him to go paint a mural on the boys wall--something also he had never done, never really ever drawn or painted---and he did a beautiful job!!--the point is i am an encourager if nothing else haha---but i have no illusions or romantic notions about what being a pastor or minister is, esp. in our culture---and of course i believe, like my pastor was saying yesterday, that all Christians should be ministers--
frank lost many jobs through the years, because when i or the children needed something or there were hospital times--he would take his sick days, vacation days, whatever he had to do--there was little help--so we had no other choice------he lost one of his favorite secular jobs a few years ago and probably one of the best ones he has ever had-----these last few years have been some of the hardest financially that we have seen, as so many have experienced----frank has no plans to quit his full-time job but may have to give up his second one------
i hope it wasn't wrong to brag on frank------one thing, if he is a minister, i know he will start trying to be better and better at everything--so i told him that was a bonus---he even was going through his closet the other day, tossing stuff--i think that is partly God and partly watching "hoarders" the other day--
i have a willing heart to do whatever God wants of me and so with that as my basis, i know i will be okay as a pastor's wife or whatever ministry our family is lead to be in---thanks for your prayers
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteMy husband has been a pastor since 1975. When we got married I told him I didn't care what job he had as long as he wasn't a preacher or an undertaker. I don't remember why--something about pastors living in fishbowl and undertakers doing creepy jobs--although not even that would bother me now.
God has such a sense of humor. Less than two years after I said that, God called Dick and me (for a pastor's wife IS part of the pastorate) into ministry. Once we came to know Jesus as Savior, (that's a long story I have posted on my blog) not only did God gift Dick for ministry but ministry became a gift to US. If your husband is called to ministry, he won't be able to do anything else and be happy. God will not let him alone. However, Dick and I both tell anyone considering ministry, both of you have to feel that it is God calling you, setting you apart for this wonderful journey. I am so thankful that your husband has your support and God has your willing heart. You are right when you said, "with that as my basis, I know I will be okay as a pastor's wife or whatever ministry our family is lead to be in."
Prayers and blessings as you discern His will!
Pam
i just saw this pam---what a nice thing for you to take the time to do---i appreciate, so much all of your encouraging words---frank is preaching at our church this Sunday, which is baptist mens day----many blessings go out to you and your family also--thanks again :)
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