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Peter's Story: I was on leave
from Telstra spending time on a 'working party' trip with 15 others
at HCJB Global's property in Kununurra, WA. A three-week break from
work doing something different, and then back to work. That was my
plan, but God had other ideas.
It was while standing on a ladder painting a ceiling that God
spoke to me. I didn't actually hear a voice, but he did put a
thought into my sub-conscious - "What would it be like to give up my
current job and work for HCJB instead?" As I kept painting I allowed
my thoughts to run. The more I thought about it, the more feasible
it became, and then a conversation later that day with HCJB's
director confirmed there was a role for me if I applied.
Up to this point I had always relied heavily on the security of
my job and a good salary; my superannuation was in place and I
intended to retire at 60. Giving up a paid job to become an unpaid
'supported' missionary with HCJB just didn't fit my planned future.
So God had some work to do. First he had to remove my dependency on
'things' and transfer that dependency onto him. He would need to
help me believe that I could trust him.
On the way back to Melbourne I made a deal with God - "I'll give
you three months to confirm to me that this idea is what you want me
to do." Again, God knew me better than I did. In three months I
would have forgotten about the experience, so within two days of
returning home he convinced me. I arrived home on a Saturday. My
devotion on the Sunday was Matt. 6:25, "… do not worry about your
life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will
wear." My wife Margaret's devotion that day was also significant. I
went to church and the hymns and sermon were directed to me! I had
asked for confirmation, and now I had it, as clear as a flashing
neon sign. My application to join HCJB was accepted, and handing in
my resignation after 36 year's with Telstra was easy.
HCJB Global is an evangelical Christian organisation that shares
the gospel through shortwave radio and health care. HCJB began
broadcasting in Ecuador in 1931. It now has two hospitals in Ecuador
plus offices around the world. HCJB Australia has studios in
Melbourne and broadcasts 15hrs/day from its shortwave transmitter
site at Kununurra.
Looking back now, after 10 years with HCJB, I can say that God's
promise to me through the verses in Matthew 6 is true. He has taken
care of us and provided for our every need. I was 52 when I got my
"second wind". Has it been worth it? Has it challenged me? Have I
learnt new things? Yes to all of these.
Going into mission later in life had distinct advantages. Our
children were grown up and independent and this gave us freedom to
try something new and perhaps risky. Previous work experience and
skills became invaluable in my new job, and our life experiences
gave us maturity and wisdom to cope with the challenges.
Don't ignore the gentle whisper when God seeks to get your
attention. You may miss an opportunity to be involved in sharing the
gospel with those who may never hear. You may also miss the rich
experiences and blessings God has for you along the way.
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