I Have Finished My Course

“… The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:6-8

I want to thank all of you who have read my articles down through the years and have expressed your appreciation or given me suggestions – truly “Thank you.”

These articles began in 1985 when Daniel Sirstad, then editor of the Oregon Apostolic Accent, asked me to write a monthly article on the ‘Family’. I wrote an article every month for the Accent until they closed the printed paper and went to a digital form for the internet. The reason given was that the paper was not being read, but a computer version would be more popular. This did not happen so I set out on my own.

With the help of Jason DiSenso and Pure Media, I wrote the articles each month until today. We send the blog to 890 people, of which at least 230 open it each month and read it. Constant Contact tells me this is a very high rate of participation. If you are one of those, again I extend a grateful “Thank you.”

Now, it is time for a change. I am now eighty-one years of age and can no longer remember my passwords. Moses, Joshua and the Apostle Paul all faced this time of life, but without passwords. They each took the opportunity to review some of the main events in their life, giving all the glory to God. I would like to do the same – so humor an old man.

God gave to mankind two institutions to help us throughout life. The first was the ‘family’ and the other was the ‘church’; I thank God for both of them. He gave to us the family first and I believe my ministry has been to preserve and protect our families. Even in the church, I see marriages and children being destroyed by this world’s culture. I have spent my life trying to answer this call.

Thank God for the Church. It has been this apostolic family that has given me the venue and the means to minister. First of all, they chose me to serve on the Curriculum Committee for eighteen years. This committee not only published our Sunday School literature for children, but served as a guardian for our apostolic doctrine. Fourteen ministers from different locals and different backgrounds had to come to consensus before any of the adult literature was published; no one or two individuals had control of what we officially believed and taught.

During this time, Dr. Sidney Poe and myself were going overseas teaching on the mission field. Brother Harry Scism then picked four men to lead a committee called ‘Global Training’ to improve the teaching methods of our Foreign Missions Bible School instructors. This committee included Dr. Sidney Poe, Brother Moehlenpah, Brother Blake and myself. This began my great journey in Foreign (now Global) Missions.

So far, I have held seminars in forty-three nations, making over seventy trips to foreign lands to teach. What started out focusing on teaching methods ended up focusing on ‘Families’. We found that the same things that bring problems to our families in America are the same on the foreign fields – Sin and Selfishness.

I want to thank all of the missionaries who believed in me and requested that we come to help in their field of labor. I thank them for their friendship and their hospitality. I also experienced many financial miracles during this time. I had four partners who supported my efforts, but time and time again, there was not the money to go when asked. But when I obeyed and said “Yes” to God, there was always just enough to go and return. God never sent me wanting.

The latest happened just last Fall. I was asked by Brother Walmer to minister in southern South America. I said “Yes,” and the next thing I knew they had me scheduled for seven weeks teaching six times a week. My schedule was for 13 air flights to Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and back to Brazil for the total cost of $2,600.00 – an unheard-of small amount. Just before I went, a Brother handed me a check for $1,000.00.

My first trip for Global Training (and the most memorable one) was three months in Papua New Guinea – this is one story yet to be written. I also made three airplane trips with Brother DeMerchant, ministering in the Amazon. On and on it went – every trip a blessing with miracles and moves of God. In between trips, I was active in seminars, writing books and serving on committees to advance the kingdom of God.

The UPCI church family chose me as Director of Christian Schools for the Northwest and I served on the Executive Board. I was privileged to serve three terms as Director of Sunday Schools for Oregon and also on the National Board. Next, I served six years as Global Missions Director for Oregon working with a great group of missionaries and ministers in this State!

Finally, I want to thank Brother George Sponslor and Brother M. David Johnson who believed in me and gave me opportunities to serve.

And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. Joshua 23:14

Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth… serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:14-15

As a parting note of gratitude, my website will remain operational for the entirety of 2019 so you may access existing articles. Should you need to contact me or send a note, please do so here.

Goodbye and God Bless!