Got some work. How do you like your career or job? 65% of Americans are satisfied with their work, and only about 20% are “passionate” about what they do.

 "..then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, 'Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah 6:2-3 nasb

Did they all feel like doing the work on that wall? It sure was very necessary -- it was God's will.  

Stay on the Wall Bro — Let's Do Work That Protects People and Honors God

I will pray for you if you need some employment. 

Whatever your task, if you are serving the Lord where you are, you are doing a great work for God. Whether you greet guests at the church door, lead worship in song, guide children in truth, or labor quietly behind the scenes, your faithfulness is sacred. God’s measure of greatness is not position but obedience.

“It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). The world may rank work by importance, but heaven weighs it by devotion. Martin Luther once said, “The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays—not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps, but because God loves clean floors.”

Nehemiah knew this truth well. When his enemies tried to distract him from rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall, he refused to come down. “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). His strength was not pride but purpose. God’s work deserves our undivided heart.

Paul echoed the same spirit: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Work becomes worship when done for God’s glory. Whether in ministry, at home, or in the marketplace, your labor can become an altar of praise.

Work is also a means of love—toward family and others. “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8). Diligence is not drudgery when seen as stewardship; it’s an act of worship.

Charles Spurgeon reminded, “To a man who lives unto God, nothing is secular, everything is sacred. He puts on his workday garment and it is a vestment to him.”

So keep building. Keep serving. Don’t come down from your wall until the work is done. You may not see all the fruit, but the Lord does. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Work for His glory. Provide for those you love. Finish your race with joy, knowing that in the Lord, “your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Ask God what you are called to do after getting right with Him through Christ. 

What is Christian tentmaking?

What is vocational ministry?

Where did Paul learn to be a tentmaker?

How can I know if I have received a call to ministry?

What sort of careers can a Christian consider?

Does the Bible make a distinction between the secular and the sacred work?

What is a timeline of Paul's life?

What does the Bible say about workaholism? Let's not make an idol of our work or of anything?

What is a bi-vocational pastor?

Who were Priscilla and Aquila?

What is really this “tentmaking” in ministry?

How can I overcome ministry burnout? 

What does the Bible say about fatigue? 

What does the Bible say about burnout? 

Where/how do you draw the line between helping someone and working too much. 

What the data says — Hey, you’re not alone

You asked how many people end up in careers they didn’t primarily want, or stay in jobs that aren’t their preference. While few studies ask exactly that in Christian ministry vs secular work terms, there are data on job satisfaction and related mismatch, which speaks to what you’re describing.

• A 2024 Pew Research Center study shows about 50% of U.S. workers say they are extremely or very satisfied with their job overall. Another ~38% are “somewhat satisfied,” and ~12% are not much satisfied with their work situation. PewResearch 

• Another source says about 65% of Americans are satisfied with their work, and only about 20% are “passionate” about what they do.  

• Among those least satisfied are the areas of pay, opportunity for promotion, recognition, flexibility, etc. PewResearch 

So yes — a large share of people work in jobs that are okay, or tolerable, or even good in many respects, but only a small proportion feel they are doing exactly what they would ideally choose, or are living out their highest calling every day.

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The spiritual & emotional side

What you describe — feeling anger, grief, loss over the path you didn’t choose, and even feeling like your ministry is limited — is very human, and in many traditions fairly common. If I may, some Biblical and spiritual reflections:

• God’s plans are not always the same thing as our plans. Joseph in the Old Testament didn’t think he would be sold into slavery, but God used that to save many. Paul’s missionary journeys were not always his own choosing, but Paul on these trips was instrumental in the growth of the early church. Sometimes God’s “yes” is behind paths we didn’t foresee.

• Our identity in Christ does not ultimately depend on what we are “doing” externally, but who we are in him, how we love, how we bear witness, how we serve. Blogging, audio teaching, caring for people — these are valuable ministries.

• Many people God used deeply were lay people, not full-time preachers. Your job in hospitality might give you ways to show Christ’s love in tangible ways: kindness to guests, moral integrity, encouragement to coworkers; maybe even sharing your faith in small conversations. That matters.

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How can you, with God's grace, better cope, moving forward, while finding hope

Need some practical and spiritual steps that may help:

1. Grieve & accept
   It’s okay to feel disappointed. Give yourself space to grieve what you thought your life would look like. Accepting reality doesn’t mean giving up; it means freeing your energy to work with what you do have.

2. Reframe what “ministry” means
   You don’t have to stand at a pulpit to serve or preach. Ministry can be through writing, through hospitality, through photography, through caring for someone in need, mentoring, prayer, small group teaching, or hospitality to strangers. God sees those.

3. Set realistic, measurable goals
   For blogging / audio blog:

   • How many posts or episodes per month can you commit to?

   • What topics? Who specifically do you want to reach?

   • How will you share those posts? Social media, church newsletter, etc.

4. Learn some skills you’ll need: audio recording/editing, writing, how to reach an audience online, managing a small content calendar. These take time, but can increase your confidence and impact.

5. Find a community
   Connect with others who do similar ministry (bloggers, lay-teachers, etc.). Not only for encouragement, but also for accountability, shared learning, maybe even collaboration.

6. Do small steps in speaking
   Even if you’re not “invited” formally, see if you can speak to small groups in your church, at retreats, family gatherings, youth groups. That keeps your teaching muscles alive, even if it’s not the big pulpit.

7. Offer your services
   Maybe offer media or audio teaching in your church, or help teach a Sunday school class, or lead a small group. Ways to serve, share, teach without depending on being “professionally” called up.

8. Prayer & spiritual perspective
   Keep your heart with the Lord: studying Scripture, worship, communion with God. Ask for peace, clarity, perseverance. God’s spirit gives gifts: some are “speaking/preaching,” some are “serving,” some are “encouragement,” some are “giving.” (See Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12).

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Audio blogging / podcasting for free — how to do it now

Since you said you’d like to do an audio blog (podcast) but struggle to find free long-space:

Here are some platforms and their limitations, plus tips:

Platform	Free Plan?	Limitations / Pros
Podbean	Yes — free plan available. Podbean	Limited storage. Might have less bandwidth or fewer features. Good to start small.
Anchor (now part of Spotify for Podcasters)	Yes — free hosting/distribution. Lifewire	Sometimes less control over everything, possibly fewer bells and whistles. But good for starting.
Buzzsprout	Has a free plan (“free trial,” limited hours)	The free plan may limit how many hours you can upload or how long episodes are stored.
YouTube	Yes — you can upload audio + static image or video recording. Free, and huge reach.	You’ll need to do some extra formatting; might be different kind of audience. But it’s free, and many people find listeners there.

What you can do:

• Start with one episode — record on your phone or basic recorder; keep it short (10-15 minutes) if that feels manageable.

• Use free editing software (Audacity is free; there are free mobile apps too).

• Use a free hosting platform (Anchor or Podbean) to upload. Make sure your RSS feed is generated so you can submit to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.

• Promote each episode wherever you can: social media, church, email list.

• Over time, if people listen, you can invest in better gear or paid hosting.

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Hope for the future

You asked for hope. Here’s what I believe, based on what I see and some truths:

• You can still preach. Even if you’re not hired as a preacher, you still have a voice. God can use your writing, your audio, your influence in your community. Don’t measure impact only by large crowds — small lives are worth it.

• Your path may still shift. Certainly many people find a way later in life to move into what they thought was their calling, or find a hybrid way: part hospitality / work job + part speaking or ministry. Doors may open later when you least expect them.

• God is not unjust. Sometimes we feel that God “took something away” — but maybe he’s using this season to grow you, to shape character, to teach perseverance, humility, love, dependence on Him. Often those who serve well in public ministry have had long seasons of unseen or “hidden” work first.

• You are valuable. The difference you make by how you love, teach, serve, care is real — even if you can’t always see it. Your faithfulness matters.

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When God Redirects Our Calling

Many of us find ourselves on paths we never planned. You once dreamed of preaching the Gospel full-time, yet God led you into hospitality — a ministry of service that, though not from the pulpit, can still reveal His love.

You’re not alone in this. Studies show that nearly two-thirds of people work in jobs they didn’t originally choose — and only about one in five feel truly passionate about their work. Yet even here, purpose can bloom. “In all toil there is profit” (Proverbs 14:23), and “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

Joseph didn’t choose the path to Egypt. Daniel didn’t plan to serve in Babylon. But God used both where they were planted. The call of God is not confined to pulpits; it thrives wherever faithfulness abides. Charles Spurgeon once said, “To be a servant of God in the meanest capacity is honor enough for the greatest man.”

When the doors to public ministry close, God sometimes opens a hidden chapel of the heart — where your life itself becomes the sermon. Your guests, coworkers, and readers may be the very congregation God entrusts to you today.

John Wesley encouraged, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can.” Hospitality gives you that chance daily — to live the Gospel through warmth, patience, and kindness.

Blogging and audio teaching can still be powerful pulpits. Paul preached from prison through his letters; you can preach through your posts. “The word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). Even if you never know who reads or listens, the Lord does. “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

Don’t despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). One faithful word can change a life. One voice of grace can echo through eternity.

When you feel forgotten, remember: Jesus knows the cost of obscurity. He spent thirty years in hidden labor before three years of public ministry. “God’s delays are not God’s denials,” said Corrie ten Boom.

Perhaps this is your season of refining, not retiring. A time to grow deeper, not smaller.

Keep loving the Lord more than the platform, and people more than applause. As you walk humbly, teach quietly, and serve faithfully, you’re preaching a Gospel louder than words.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58

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When you rise up tomorrow to go begin your work, pause to pray. God help me be ready for anything you allow to come my way--I know you and I can handle it with your Spirit and wisdom. Help me see it not as routine but as ministry..even if it's practically helping someone. God, help me know that this diligence applied can encourage a coworker or visitor, or comfort a weary soul, or reflect You light..I mean Christ's character through patience, faith and humility. Assist me in obeying You, yes with every faithful act—seen or unseen—so that me and my work will become an offering. Help me be a living sermon where you stand. Make my whole life a prayer and praise to You. 

Lord, teach me to see You in it, yes, Your glory in my daily work. Help me to labor not for man's applause or recognition, but for Your pleasure. There is a lot of service demanded where I go -- help me not get over-stressed and overwhelmed. Keep me steadfast in You, and loyal where You have placed me.. and where you lead me. May my service, attitude and words—all of it, whether in word, deed, or duty—become pure worship that honors You and really blesses others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A good decision. Leaders, lets be and act selfless like Christ--like servant leaders. (a life long study)

Choose to take the high humble way by the Spirit.. even when some church leaders repeatedly opt for the low arrogant road in the completely opposite direction. Your flesly nature won't feel like it, but die to the worldly way.

The Bible says: "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." Rom. 15:5-7 kjv

What's this whole chapter 15 of Romans about? This...

A believer has a debt to the weak (1–6). The strong Born again Christian is to bear the weak up and help them grow, and that takes love and patience. If we live to please ourselves, we will not follow the example of Christ who lived to please the Father and help others.

A believer has a debt to the lost (7–21). God saved the Jews so that they might reach and win the Gentiles and lead them in praising the Lord. God has saved us so that we might win others. We have a debt to pay (1:14).

A believer has a debt to Israel (22–33). The Gentiles are indebted to the Jews (John 4:22). And that debt is paid by praying for them (Ps. 122:6), witnessing to them in love, and sharing our material gifts to assist them.

“To consider persons and events and situations only in the light of their effect upon myself is to live on the doorstep of hell.” ~ Thomas Merton

It is such a strange and sorrowful thing when the fellowship of believers, a local church—meant to be a garden of love and grace—in some pockets turns into a power struggle and battlefield of egos. 

There are a lot of very decent, healthy churches teaching the Bible with exemplary leaders, but not all leaders are what they appear to be in public.

Too often, we find not servants but self-appointed monarchs in our midst, small-souled emperors eager to rule their tiny hill of influence. They smile in the hallway and quote Scripture in the classroom, but behind closed doors their tongues become swords, cutting down those who might threaten their little kingdom. This is not the Spirit of Christ.

God’s vision for His Church is far higher, holier, and humbler. “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:5–7). The Church was never meant to be a stage for ambition. It is the living body of Christ, where every member is to work in harmony so that Christ Himself is seen—not our petty rivalries.

But what do we do when unity feels impossible? When the person beside us in the pew acts more like Diotrephes—“who loves to be first” (3 John 1:9)—than like Christ? The answer is not to mimic their behavior, nor to abandon the call to unity, but to remember that our conduct is measured not by their carnality but by God’s commands. We are to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21), to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), and, if necessary, to “mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine” (Romans 16:17) without becoming divisive ourselves.

And as for leadership, Scripture leaves no room for hypocrisy. Those who serve as deacons—and by extension anyone who leads in Christ’s name—must live by the standard God sets, not their own ambitions. Paul lists the qualities clearly (1 Timothy 3:8–13):

• They must be dignified—men and women of genuine respect.

• Not double-tongued—honest and consistent, not two-faced.

• Not given to much wine—disciplined and sober-minded. (I say that your leader ought not to drink at all, cuz people need Him to consistently make wise evaluations and decisions)

• Not greedy for dishonest gain—free from selfish motives.

• Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience—deeply rooted in sound doctrine and integrity.

• Tested and proven—faithfulness demonstrated over time.

• Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded and faithful.

• They must manage their children and households well.

Such leaders do not fight to be kings of small hills. They stoop low to wash feet. They do not smear their brethren but bear their burdens. They do not grasp for power but pour themselves out in service. This is the way of Christ—and anything less is not leadership but theatre.

The believer and the church’s witness in the world depend on the difference.

It is one of the great griefs of the Christian life: sometimes, those who bear Christ’s name wound more deeply than those who deny Him altogether. Liney and I have been treated with more kindness, respect, and honesty in certain secular workplaces than in a few church halls that claimed to be houses of grace. That should never be. The local church—Christ’s bride—is meant to be a refuge of love, not a field of competition. And yet, even among those who open Bibles on Sunday, we sometimes find hearts that are closed on Monday.

A.W. Tozer once warned, “The church that can’t weep over its own sin is too blind to weep over the sins of the world.” Sadly, too many fellowships are poisoned not by false doctrine, but by fleshly ambition. 

Elders and pastors are called to set the spiritual temperature, modeling humility, accessibility, doctrinal soundness, and above all, Christlike love. Paul’s charge remains: “An overseer must be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach… not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:2–3). If the shepherds are proud, dismissive, or cold, the flock will mirror them.

The wounds inflicted by lost “religious” leaders are not small. Dishonest, competitive, self-promoting deacons do more than offend—they corrode trust and deform the witness of the gospel. Charles Spurgeon put it bluntly: “Of all men, we who serve at God’s altar should be the humblest. Pride is doubly monstrous in the pulpit.” Some love their titles more than their Lord. They crave recognition, make promises they never intend to keep, and speak piously in public while gossiping in private. 

They position themselves for influence, stepping on others as they climb the church ladder. And when they do, the result is often tragic: disillusioned volunteers, embittered servants, and cynical hearts that want nothing to do with “church” again.

But hear me: Christ is not like them. If you confuse the failures of men with the character of God, you will stop praying, stop trusting, and eventually stop gathering. Jesus warned that “tares” would grow among the wheat (Matthew 13:24–30), and that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” truly belongs to Him (Matthew 7:21–23). 

Hypocrites among God’s people are not new. Think of Diotrephes, “who loves to be first” and refused to welcome fellow believers (3 John 1:9–10), or the Pharisees, who “honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Matthew 15:8). God records these stories not to embitter us, but to warn us—and to teach us what never to become.

What is spiritual abuse?

What is a real spiritual leader?

Why are there so many religions with all the various so called "leaders"? Do all religions lead to God? Nope.

What is the definition of a cult?

What is the difference between a sect and a cult?

How can I help someone to leave a toxic cult..or toxic group?

What can we learn from the laws that God gave for the kings of Israel?

What does it mean to be a godly husband?

Got some general questions about the Church?

What is spiritual abuse? How can I recover from it?

How should conflict in the church be handled?

What is the spiritual gift of leadership?

Are we supposed to obey our pastors? 

I have been burned and hurt by the church in the past..so now what?

What is gaslighting?

What does the Bible say about emotional abuse?

Is it wrong to be a solo Christian?

What should you do if you have been burned and hurt by the church? Ask, was a real crime committed? If so, first go report it to the police..DUH!

What are some signs of spiritual abuse?

The pastor and leaders in a church are to be good examples, setting the tone for a healthy situation for all. What are the qualifications of elders and deacons?

What is spiritual manipulation?

I really want you in a safe place, in Christ, and in a safe church as well. God the Father wants that for you as well.

Even the injustices we suffer can become teachers. I’ve been promised platforms only to have the microphone snatched away. I’ve watched others jockey for visibility while claiming to “serve.” Yet even here, God whispers: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Bitterness is a prison we build for ourselves. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

There will be a reckoning. “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). At the Judgment Seat of Christ, every hidden motive will be laid bare (1 Corinthians 4:5). At the Great White Throne, every false profession will be exposed (Revelation 20:11–15). 

The goats will be separated from the sheep (Matthew 25:32), and the wheat from the tares (Matthew 13:39–43). Until then, we press on—not becoming bitter, but better.

So forgive people and God. He's never done you wrong. Be encouraged and comforted in Christ's Spirit and His word.

Choose to be spiritual, and the encouraging voice in a cynical room. Be the gentle presence among the harsh. Be the Christlike servant when others seek the spotlight. 

As Corrie ten Boom said, “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred.” And never forget: the failures of the Church’s people cannot undo the faithfulness of Christ Himself. God delights to use people in both evangelism and biblical discipleship. He is still building His Church—and the gates of hell, nor the pride of hypocrites, will prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18). Read more.. Fish4souls.org

Thomas Sowell said, "When you want to help someone, you'll tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you'll tell them what they want to hear."

Please tell em what's really so.. as much as they can handle at that moment.

What questions do you like to ask as you read the Bible?

Do you regularly check out and  believe the Bible or find it irrelevant for our world today? Man I still, after thirty three years, find it very interesting and relevant. In fact I can’t seem to get to the bottom of this Book. And Oh, what peace I enjoy when reading or listening to it via MP3s!

People have questions today. The Bible has answers!  People have problems today. The Word of God is our Solution. It doesn't even mater what the question or need is, the Word of God is the Answer. He addresses it. Jesus Christ, the living Word, can meet all your needs! 

Do we believers ever outgrow the need to memorize or internalize God’s Word? No way! Putting God’s Word in your heart is kinda like planting seeds that will eventually bear the fruit of a righteous life. This is so important!  

If you are faithful in reading God’s Word, you can be sure that you’re growing thereby; and if you’re hiding His Word in your heart, you’ll be rejoicing to meet Him on high. ~Hess

Do you have questions for when you study that can help you think deeply and grow spiritually? The Bible may be way old, but its truths are always new.

Fresh!!!

We don’t study it for mere head knowledge. Who wants to become puffed up like a religious Pharisee who doesn’t do what Scripture says?

We dig in because we desire to worship the Lord better, to mature spiritually and to practically help others with God’s truth as they apply it. So many people lack understanding. Too many preachers are unclear. We need to be ready to explain the Scriptures in terms people can understand.  

Ask for wisdom and ask God to use you to fish with His Word!

Perhaps in this high-tech world that we live in, there is a new application of an old truth that God will show you as you pursue Him and meditate upon His Scrptures?

One thing to remember… the Bible wasn’t written to us but it was written for us. So with that in mind here are some good questions for any fisher of people to ask as you prayerfully read your Bible.

1.    Who is the author of this letter, book, or passage?

2.    When was it written and who was it written to (the recipients)? Why?

3.    What can I find out about the historical context, the location and background of this book?

4.    Can I see a general outline or structure emerging in this passage?

5.    How many repeating words can I find and without over spiritualizing the text.. is there any significance to this repetition?

6.    Can I discover any prominent theme or unusual words here that call for deep, closer, better investigation?

7.    How does the passage fit into the surrounding paragraph? Chapter? Book?

8.    What is the reason for the author placing this passage or verse here and not in some other context?

9.    In a nutshell, what does the author want us to know and do? Can you put these in two sentences?

10. What is the main point of this passage?

11. Can I see intercession or personal evangelism ..or anything that reveals the missionary heart of God in this text (if you can, perhaps this verse could become the main nugget as you appeal in whatever sort of altar call that God leads to present, pastor/study leader)?

12. How do I think this passage would have touched or affected the original audience?

13.  Is there an eternal truth or principle that can be applied to my own culture where I live?

14.  How does this text reveal the urgency, compassion, burden or holiness of Jesus Christ our Savior?

15.  How does God desire to see this passage function in my life?

16.  What kind of response does this passage call for from you?

17. Can I see ministry happening in the text as a natural outgrowth of spiritual strength from a person’s walk with Jesus? How specifically did the person get so strong in the Lord? Did they put personal worship ahead of ministry service to others? How do you do that in your own life?

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ~2 Timothy 2:15

Give me the insight, Lord, as I hear Your Word today, so I will truly understand Your Message and Your way. ~Monroe

Now we have received.. the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. ~1 Corinthians 2:12

Come to Jesus today. Do you ever tweet the Word, or inject God's truth into a Facebook conversation? Why not? Do you ever ask for permission to share a Bible verse when you are telling some fellow student or work friend about what Christ has done in your life? 

Maybe there are some more questions to ask that you’d like to add to this list? Feel free.

A West Coast Life Was Rescued And Commissioned By Christ, It Was Mine!

I grew up on sand.. along the many beaches of Southern California. I was lost as a lizard chasing after gated community beach parties, after glassy waves, and after the worldly things most surfrats go after. Did we resist our fleshly nature? Nope. Didn't know about that, or even care. But in the 1970s, amid the swell of the Jesus Movement, Jesus Christ rescued me from destroying myself. He gets all the credit.  

As a senior at Dana Hills High School, I made the most important decision of my life one evening in a Bible study: I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and Lord. 

That decision to turn/repent and believe.. and that miracle of salvation soon took me back into the ocean at the Dana Point Harbor for my real baptism—fully immersed in that Pacific sea again on purpose. Yes, it was in obedience to the Bible, and to tell the whole world who I love most. (It was my outward declaration of the inward reality of regeneration that came from Christ!) 

I look back on that So Cal Great Awakening of the 70s with deep gratitude! The Spirit of God was moving mightily from there across the entire nation now. 

But until then, I didn't think I needed to be baptized again (yeah after my mandatory Catholic baby sprinkling), but doing so was only right and brought about a new season of yielding and spiritual growth for me! So exciting! 

The Roman organization merely gave me a wet head, more sacraments to do, and smiley-faced lost parents, but after getting saved in '77 that full dunk in the sea put a smile on my heavenly Father! We can't earn salvation by any works, not even by sacraments! 

Wanna do your will with your way, God! 

I like what Jonathan Edwards said: “The Spirit of God may be moving among His people for revival at any time; our job is to yield fully to Him.”

During that time, I was attending Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, sitting under the verse-by-verse teaching of Pastor Chuck Smith. Man, I think he went through God's Book 8 times for all of us. Greg Laurie taught there on Monday nights, and all those teachings lit a fire from God inside of me. It happened for countless surfer kids like me. Even for my dad, who personally hated our long hair.  

I kept falling in love with Him (Jesus), over and over, and over and over again! I still do and am in love! I fell in love with the Word of God and the God of the Word. He has changed everything.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 esv

Out of that one-time manumission and biblical foundation being laid.. came a burden for the lost. (for unregenerate people headed for a real place called hell). There's not 3 destinations, only two and God wants you to join him at the other place. His home in heaven.. entering through His Son! 

Jesus felt and feels that concern for lost people! You can too! Not naturally, but it can start in you supernaturally! 

I couldn’t keep quiet. Had a bad case of the can't help its.. can't help but share the truth with people desperately needing Him!  

I began sharing my testimony straight and simple, the Scriptures, and inviting my surfing and volleyball buddies to Jesus, Bible studies and church. By God's grace, some of them also gave their lives to Christ. 

As D.L. Moody once said, “There is no better evangelist in the world than the Holy Spirit.” 

And I simply wanted to make myself available where He wanted me to be. I still want to follow wherever.. His way. He does the work, but He totally delights to use any of us for His purpose and glory. Be and stay willing to be used of God--I dare you to be! Please be!  

What a great moment being born again was.. and still is! The Greatest One makes it great! Hey, you must be born agin because Jesus said you must be born again! That was literally a time of Great Awakening in the USA here! Let's together pray in a 5th great awakening here! Americans need that more than ever before!  

I did’t think I needed the Lord, or church, or to be rebaptized (by full immersion this time) but this all was biblical!  

These happenings brought about some good decisions in me and a spiritual growth season too. Yes, and it was while attending Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa with Pastor Chuck Smith. Greg Laurie taught there on Monday nights. A crowd went up into the altar every single night after the altar call because Christ was working. Greg and the rest never failed to cast a hook or a net in every situation! 

The out-growth of their Bible teaching was that God gave me (Kurt) a real love for the lost. That had to be from him and I believed God started using me because my surfing and volleyball buddies came to Christ when I would share Scripture, when I would share my story, when I would invite them to Christ, or I would invite them to a study or church with me.  

After high school, Kurt (me) sold real estate at the Tarbell San Juan office for some years (my dad was a broker up the road at the Mission Viego office, and later he worked as a Broker for Caldwell Banker office, and at the ReMax ofice across from Salt Creek).  

But I (Kurt) would often find myself respectfully questioning, inquiring about, and addressing the spiritual needs of my Sea Bright farm of homes clientele. I enjoyed living for and talking about Jesus more than anything else. Then I believed that I was called to Gospel ministry in 1980.

Kurt then drove to North Texas in his VW bus with the flowered curtains and Aloha Surf Racks to prepare for missionary outreach. He studied at a couple Bible colleges in the Dallas area during the 80’s and it was during this time that I met my beautiful wife at the City Hall.. Liney, who was also a Bible school student at my school. Separately, they were involved with the Lord and in summer mission trips.  

After their marriage in August (14th) in 1982 Kurt continued to make mission trips into Western Europe and Eastern Europe (even went through Checkpoint Charlie into East Berlin witnessing with a German tract I made). Yes, this was an exciting time for Kurt before the wall fell in Berlin. I was there with communist solders on the streets. The East Germans would get off work daily and disapper into the unground kneipe eateries and bars to be left in peace.. but they needed the Prince of Peace!   

We both participated in short-term mission trips, and I later made some trips into Western and Eastern Europe—even crossing through Checkpoint Charlie into East Berlin. Kurt had been serving for over a the decade in the eighties as a U.S. Pastor over East Dallas home groups at the eleven-thousand-member, Church on the Rock in Rockwall, Texas. This place wasn't a Calvary Chapel but it seemed like the closest thing to one that I could find. The Southwestern Sem style preaching and altar calls there had many lost people coming to Jesus in their altars. There was an evangelistic gift and that church grew spiritually.. and numerically from 13 to 11K in 7 short years. The pastor was a hippie that had gotten saved due to the 70's Jesus Movement from Costa Mesa. It was God simply blessing His word expounded–Jesus alone saves! They were doing a lot of contempory concert evangelism with the Word of God in Dallas as well.

In 1990 Stephan, Nathan, Christian (our three boys), Liney and Kurt von Schleicher were (not went out of the church, but were ordained and) sent out to Germany where we served as independent missionaries. We were involved in helping to establish five new local churches (basing from one in Augsburg near Munich. All glory to God--we were simply enjoying fellowship Him and his people there).  

As a missionary, Kurt taught for some four years in Harvest (German) Bible School in Bavaria, he oversaw what was called “a thriving German youth ministry” and traveled extensively doing itinerant evangelism work throughout the European Union and Eastern Europe. 

After the von Schleichers finally returned to America to serve under David Shibley at Global Advance in Rockwall we had to find a local church, and Kurt was then invited to be an assistant pastor at another ten-thousand-plus-member Church in Carrollton (I love local church ministry more than para-church ministry).  

I enjoyed teaching through differnt Bible books and assisting new believers with water baptisms, basic foundations, basic spiritual disciplines.. but after four years (in spite of the excitement and pay), Kurt knew it was time to head back to his roots in what we discovered to be more biblically sound churches. The one where we’d been serving was drifting way off into left field and they were pressuring Kurt and Liney to come with them. No thanks, we'll stick with Christ and the Essentials! 

In their travels, the von Schleicher’s have learned a lot about differnet winds of doctrine, denominational constraints, prevelent spiritual abuses related to offerings, and the good nuances of many different streams of Christendom. Bible doctrine that’s 100% sound is vitally important for us all!  They (Kurt and Liney) still desired to remain non-sectarian in their attitudes and hearts and are still open to evangelistic gifts (if the bait is also clean) with in their approach, but they absolutely refused to put up with the Charismainia that has turned off so many people longing for the genuine from God.

Since April 6, 2013 Kurt started working at GMO and then teaching in small groups at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano Texas. Wonderful people. It's a spiritually healthy church.  

Kurt gladly served as a Global Media Outreach Community Leader responsible for 16 Online Missionaries while coordinating some follow-up and discipleship efforts for Greg Laurie’s Harvest America that came to Dallas for three years (these groups, including Prestonwood all worked together in followup). I love Jesus most! I'll petistalize Him alone, but I enjoy helping reapers to reap.. and afterwards with the harvest (like we saw on June 6, in 2016, and June 10, 2018 here). We had 3 cost-free nationwide simulcasted events that were held in the AA Center downtown, and one in Cowboy Stadium that featured top name Christian bands (effective bait) and a very clear Gospel message given by my former California pastor, Greg Laurie. God blessed!  

Yes, the last one was at AT&T Stadium—with the gospel also being presented in literally thousands of host locations, including churches, theaters, civic halls, and even living rooms.

Tentmaking too? Yes, there’s been lots of hospitality work to support the family. Kurt has done concierge work for Hilton Hotels, Marriott Int’l, Aimbridge at high-end hotels in Dallas. If I could find work that worked with churches better, I'd go with this. Liney and I didn't relocate to Texas for secular work, but for the Kingdom's sake.  

The VIP Services Department was formed to better serve Hilton’s Diamond and Gold level guests when in town and I sure get to dialoge with a lot of people! The Ritz-Carlton has other ways of rewarding loyalty. I seek to make friends for life.  

This type of work includes both face to face and preparatory coordination for company outings, business meetings, sporting events, the guest’s personal travel needs, Dallas shows, group dining and even ceremonies like weddings. Liney has done a lot of weddings.  

A couple has got to do what it takes to pay the bills right? Liney and I are determined to be involved with our top passion. It’s for Christ, His church, and His Kingdom! (Liney has served Ken Cooper and other Dallas doctors in the medical field. We've both have these combinations of work for decades here as we've seen the moneygrubbers fall. Yes, it’s because we’ve seen too much of how TV preachers regularly fleece God’s flock rather than simply feed His flock. We don’t want any part of that weird overemphasis and fleecing.  

Liney has done a lot of weddings (with the flower arrangements, big cakes, dress designs) domestically and in different countries. With Bible lesson prep, hospitality work and her medical field with doctors (work with people), it’s always been quite interesting and challenging. It's always a joy to hear the people’s own stories and to serve them. 

I met my beautiful wife and fellow Bible school student friend, Liney at the City Hall in Dallas. This was the second-best decision of my entire life after receiving Jesus by faith. She's still my 2nd best friend today and we still love to pray together for our each other, for our fam, for Dallas and for the nations. God called us both separately, but He united us in mission together after August 14, 1982.

As A.W. Tozer warned, “We must not think of the Church as something that is to be dragged through the world, weak and begging for recognition. The Church must be as God intends: pure, powerful, and full of truth.”

We individuals in His Church are either evangelizing or fossilizing. Daily we must choose. Let Him be Lord more than in theory!

"..for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 nkjv 

“The evangelistic harvest is always urgent. The destiny of men and of nations is always being decided.” ~ Billy Graham

In our journeys together, we’ve seen God doing His work through the church (Bible teaching is predominantly for the saved as He sanctifies, and Bible preaching is predominantly for the Lost as He justifies them.. yes, so we'll eventually be glorified together with Him). 

We've seen firsthand the highs and lows of so-called church life (real church life as well as mere religious church business). We've seen real blessings, real spiritual abuses, and all. We want to be real blessings for the Lost and saved as God uses us. We all can be--you can be used of God too! 

"God often goes to the gutter to find the recipient for His grace. He lifts him out, washes him and transforms him - making him into a child of God fit for His kingdom. That is God’s grace." ~ Chuck Smith Sr. 

Still, Liney and I choose to remain committed to the Jesus of the Bible, and to sound doctrine, to open-hearted candid evangelism, and a Christ-centered life. AI and computers are good with words these days, but with no emotions, or empathic heart, or feelings for people in their need..they can't minister like that. 

Do I have a ways to go spiritually? Uhh yes, I ain't there yet. I have a ways to go with Him. He ain't finished with Liney and I yet. Glad about that. 

Since April 6, 2013, I've had the privilege with Global Media Outreach as a Community Leader overseeing 16 online missionaries, and then teaching at Prestonwood Baptist Church in the years followibng. I had the privilege of coordinating some follow-up and discipleship three times for Greg Laurie’s Harvest America crusades in Dallas..THRILLING TIMES.. but what matters most isn't what any of us have done, it's who we know and walk with. It's about heading home with our Lord, worshipping Him acceptably. Bringing others with us is important just like all good works are, but these are still secondary.   

"Prayer and worship are the most important activities a born-again Christian can perform. They should head your list of priorities, for certainly the world around us desperately needs prayer. Prayer will open the door for God to do a glorious work in these last days. Prayer will stem the tide of evil." ~ Chuck Smith Sr.

To worship Jesus biblically is our top priority, then we like to nurture saints and win lost people. To help support our ministry life, Liney and I have worked hard like so many Christians. We're all full-time ministers if we are saved. 

Where God guides, he generously provides. Where He leads, He graciously feeds. Where His finger points, His loving hand of provision opens.. just as long as we are willing to go. Where will you go? 

Liney works in the medical field and in children's church, and I have as a concierge with Ritz-Carlton, but we want to be Christians first.. that are rapture-ready before all else.. before being teachers or workers. What has God called you to be?   

"For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences." 2 Corinthians 5:7-11 nkjv

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last." ~ C.T. Studd

It’s been a joy to serve and hear people’s stories inside the church and outside, lost or saved. God loves us all and He has a good plan. It's been a joy to meet people where they are, to hear them, and to try and lift them up in love with the word if they are willing. Where is God leading you?