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THE BIRTH OF WITNESS BREAKTHROUGH
The following 'GOLD REFINED BY FIRE' testimony is in the introduction to my book (published in 2015), IF WE ARE THE LIGHT, WHY IS AMERICA SO DARK?
“Like most, I have had numerous challenges in life. Prior to starting Witness Breakthrough we lost everything- our home and business- due to the 9/11 attacks and lengthy health-related expenses. My business was tied directly to the tourism and non-profit industries, which underwent very lean times.
CRYING OUT TO THE LORD
Daily, I cried out to God for wisdom, understanding, and direction. One morning, I read that "Jesus went to a quiet place.." (Mark 1:35).
THE KEY (for you, too?)
I found a quiet place on the Silver Comet Trail (a delightful 30 mile biking and walking trail on the west side of Atlanta), six miles away from dense crowding. The bench I found there provided a private spot overlooking a clearing.
For over 55 years, I have read the Bible daily. Through His word, I have found answers to every problem and challenge I've ever faced.. I love God's Word! In my quiet place, I did three things the Bible directed me to do:
• Cast all my care upon the Lord- health and financial challenges (1 Peter 5:7).
• Praise Him for everything that had come our way (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
• Humble myself and be still before God (Job 40:4-5, 42:1-6)
THINGS GOT WORSE!
Faithfully, for 2-3 hours several times a week for more than a year, I met with God at my quiet place and did the aforementioned. Guess what? Things got worse, not better! I knew I was doing all I could do spiritually, yet every work opportunity continued to fizzle. Work that normally came through dedicated effort never got to first base.
BREAKTHROUGH AT LAST?
At last I secured a financially significant four-month consulting opportunity- it was a “done deal”. I appeared in the local business section headlines as the consulting interim president of a major non-profit organization. The attorney had drawn up the agreement.
I arrived for my first day on the job with bags packed for an extended stay. But the job that was going to help me recover financially fell through! A number of similar experiences, coupled with extreme extended financial pressure, crushed me. I understood how Job must have felt.
I continued to go to my quiet place in spite of the setbacks , finding tremendous peace that passes understanding. At the end of my unhurried time with the Lord, I would pray Romans 12:1, "in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship.” This Silver Comet Trail quiet retreat became my place of deep worship and peace during the financial and health turmoil.
TRIALS KEPT COMING…health too!
However, my financial situation did not improve and in addition health wise I was hit from behind by a truck, causing extreme whiplash and ongoing therapy. While traveling for WB, I had two painful pancreatitis attacks and was hospitalized. I certainly identified with Revelation 3:18 —I was being refined in the fire of suffering.
HE GAVE ME A VISION FOR WITNESS BREAKTHROUGH
In the midst of these trials after a year, God gave me a vision at the Silver Comet Trail of what He was calling me to do: multiply the Gospel of Jesus….not just add.
The Witness Breakthrough (WB) non-profit ministry was birthed at the suggestion of Irwin and Larry as I cried out to the Lord for HIS direction.
The ministry soon expanded despite my poor health and financial pressure and longtime friend Jerry became the Chair of the WB Bd.
NOT EXACTLY "SMOOTH SAILING"
Many times, I would buy one-way airline tickets, sleep in my car, or hawk my '95 Buick to pay for essential health insurance.
It was quite a change from my earlier years of flying only first class, staying in luxury hotels, and living at the Atlanta Country Club for over 20 years.
MY WAYS ARE NOT GOD'S WAYS- and that is certainly true for myself and Witness Breakthrough! Eventually, I had planned on being financially independent and going into full-time ministry, but instead, WB is totally dependent on others for financial support through individual gifts, foundations, and churches.
TRAIN OTHERS TO MULTIPLY THE GOSPEL
Through the "fires" in Tudi and my life, I've gained a clearer vision. Without a doubt the church is the WB target market, and multiplication of the gospel is the goal. After being equipped, ordinary people will share Christ in obedience and love (Acts 4:13, 23, 29-31). Equipping has been through our weekly email newsletters (like this one put together by Trinda and proofed by Tudi) and in person for 6-8 week training using the book IF WE ARE THE LIGHT, WHY IS AMERICA SO DARK?
HIS WAYS, NOT MINE
By faith, I accept His ways as far better than mine. God refines the gold of our faith through trials, and when we endure, greater faith will result. I see clearly now that God wants me first to love Him, then to reach out to people.
People are the bottom line to life! (Luke 19:10). “Jesus came to seek and save the lost.”
OUR PURPOSE:
PEOPLE are our God given purpose for living. The WB Board (Jerry, Irwin, Trisha, Trinda, Tudi and I) are encouraging believers to look at Jesus’ purpose: IT’S PEOPLE!
AFTER ALL: “We are a witness every minute of every day whether we like it or not…so why not be a good witness?!”
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