Carl's Bend in the Road

From Carl: In the 1970's I had a great job with Dun & Bradstreet in Florida. By my late 20's God had transformed my life and as a result there was a bend in the road. I left the business world, went to seminary and have spent the last 25 years as a pastor. I've served in fantastic churches and have been truly blessed. But 20 months ago everything changed. We adopted a 5 year old from China, and through that experience God was preparing me for a bend in the road like no other. One year ago we took a leap of faith that didn't make sense on paper. I was 56 years old, with one in college and one headed that direction. It was not the best time for a complete career change. But what else do you do when you hear His voice? What else do you do when you see the orphan crisis firsthand at your little girl's orphanage, realize there are 153 million orphans with less than 1% being adopted each year? What else do you do when you know God is calling you to reach the vast majority that are forgotten that are forgotten and left behind? This switch required me to trust Christ like I never have before. It meant moving from success to significance with the time I have left. It's required giving up being "comfortable" in my job. To start an organization from the ground up and implement a mission that I know God wants done in this world has stretched me beyond anything I've ever experienced. To trust Him for our finances and future is hard, but good. I've learned, if you follow the Savior, He will lead you into places and situations where you come to a place of deep humility and desperate dependence on Him. It's such a paradox, but that's a great place to be. I've learned that when I come to the end of my resources, I'm at the beginning of His. I've learned that when you step out onto the edge at His leading, you create a moment where He has to show up. He will either give you wings to lift you in the moment or put a firm foundation under your feet. There is so much suffering in the lives of the fatherless. There is so much work to be done on their behalf, and time is short. And so God has led us here. I've learned so much. I understand now that life is not about playing it safe. It's about stepping out into moments where God has to show up. And He has.