A Providential Redirection and a Work of Restoration

There was a season in our lives when our family was fully surrendered to missionary service in Botswana, Africa. We had willingly embraced the sacrifices required to obey what we believed was God’s clear call. However, through a series of unmistakable providential circumstances, the Lord closed the door to Africa and, within a matter of months, redirected us to Buffalo, New York — specifically to Lancaster.

Through the confirming authority of Scripture and the evident hand of God in unfolding events, it became clear that this redirection was neither incidental nor secondary. The Lord had reassigned our missionary calling to a local church in need of healing, restoration, and renewal.

Upon arrival, we quickly discerned that the congregation had endured significant hurt. Trust in pastoral leadership had been deeply shaken. The work ahead would require patience, humility, and steadfast dependence upon the Lord. While my ministerial background had afforded diverse experience, it did not fully prepare me for the depth of spiritual and relational rebuilding that would be necessary.

In those early years, progress was slow and often painful. Changes intended to strengthen the ministry sometimes revealed underlying divisions. The departure of longstanding members proved especially difficult, both personally and corporately. Financial strain intensified as attendance fluctuated and morale declined. Despite earnest efforts — through preaching, teaching, visitation, organization, and personal investment — the visible fruit was limited. Over time, discouragement and fatigue began to surface within my own heart.

A significant decision early in this transition involved the purchase of sixteen acres of land adjacent to the church property. Having previously witnessed another congregation lose a similar opportunity, I believed it wise to act in faith for future growth. Initial arrangements were secured; however, unforeseen departures of key supporters placed unexpected strain upon the church’s finances. Debt obligations related to the land, existing facilities, and operational expenses became a heavy burden. At one point, church leadership prayerfully considered selling the property to avoid default, prepared to accept the outcome as part of God’s sovereign will.

During this season of uncertainty, the Lord used adversity to accomplish a deeper spiritual work. I vividly recall laying the church’s unpaid bills across the floor of the children’s ministry wing and kneeling in prayer over them. In searching the Scriptures for guidance, my attention was drawn to Revelation 2 and Christ’s message to the church at Ephesus. The Lord’s rebuke — “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” — became a moment of profound conviction. It was evident that our greatest need was not strategic adjustment, but spiritual renewal. Before structural restoration could occur, the pastor himself needed renewed devotion to Christ.

In response, we adopted our first annual church theme: “Each One Reach One,” emphasizing personal evangelism and a return to foundational priorities. Since that time, it has become our practice to seek the Lord each year for fresh direction rooted in Scripture and prayer.

Providence soon brought unexpected encouragement. Within two years, another local congregation merged with ours and contributed a generous financial gift of $96,000. This unanticipated provision stabilized our finances and enabled us to move forward with renewed confidence. Within seven years, both the church building and the adjacent property were fully paid. Today, the ministry stands debt-free, better positioned to steward its resources for ongoing outreach and development.

In 2014, fellow ministers challenged me to consider the possibility of establishing a Christian school in Lancaster. Over the subsequent two years, the Lord used Scripture, study, and counsel to confirm that Christian education might represent the next phase of ministry expansion. The twenty-two acres once envisioned solely for church growth presented a natural opportunity for a future school campus. Careful research was undertaken, and a committee was formed to prayerfully examine the feasibility of such an endeavor. Leadership meetings regularly incorporated discussion and preparation for this potential ministry.

What began as a season of redirection and difficulty has, by God’s grace, become a testimony of refinement and renewed vision. Through hardship, the Lord strengthened our dependence upon Him, clarified our priorities, and provided abundantly in His time. The work of restoration — both personal and congregational — has served as a continual reminder that effective ministry flows not from human strategy alone, but from abiding faithfulness to Christ and a steadfast return to our first love.