HERE WE ARE. USE US
Isaiah was listening for the call of God. It came and he responded, “Here I am, Lord; send me. “ (Isaiah 6:8). This does not just happen!
Let me share with you a part of my story. I was born and raised in a family that taught me Christian values. My church family (West Goshen Church of the Brethren) mentored, encouraged and taught me Christian character; the importance of the Word of God and how to approach God in prayer; as well as the values that were specific to the Church of the Brethren. It was during my childhood and youth that I began to hear the whisper of God calling me to Christian Service. So, I responded, “Here I am, Lord; send me.”
The call led me to Manchester College (University) and, at first, the call seemed to be for me to prepare to be a teacher. Yet, my being was restless. Is that what God wanted from me? I was free to choose, but the restlessness led me to begin exploring the call to ministry through many conversations with my mentor and friends and family.
My first sermon was weak, but the call, nurtured through the caring love of my mentor, helped me to remain steady. I first accepted a ministry call with the Clear Creek Church of the Brethren. Preaching was hard work, but teaching and offering pastoral care, even though not well trained, caused me to listen for God. The Call began to have clarity. While my wife finished her education at Manchester College, I served two yoked congregations—Clear Creek and Roann Churches of the Brethren. Additional maturity from experience and continued mentoring kept the voice of God clearly beckoning me to further prepare for ministry.
So, we packed our few worldly belongings, including our cat, and off to Bethany Theological Seminary we went for three important, rigorous years of training in Bible, theology, church history and the skills for ministry. A growing desire to respond to God’s call led me to continue to say to myself in prayer: “Here I am, Lord; send me.”
Ten and a half years at Kokomo resulted from a strong call. I did not know it would include assisting a congregation with their grief from a Palm Sunday tornado that totally wiped out their new church building. If they would have been in that building, many could have been killed, but they were across town helping another church learn about the Brethren Love Feast.
After Ordination, I discovered I needed further skills to effectively lead them forward. I began committing time and money to continuing education—skills in conflict resolution, further Biblical understanding, how to help a congregation regain a vision to fulfill its purpose. But a restlessness emerged along the way. I wondered what God was tapping my heart and mind to pay attention to. Then the call came, and I said, “Here I am, Lord; use me”!
As the District Executive of Middle PA, I joined the Board of the newly inspired Satellite (in partnership with Bethany Theological Seminary) which is now known as Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. I was committed to call new people to pastoral ministry, but realized some could not leave home to enter seminary. Additionally, I held a vision for local, quality continuing education for myself and pastors of Middle PA. The Satellite became an excellent resource for both the training of pastors and providing outstanding continuing education.
I am retired now, but I continue to listen for the call of God. I am ready to be used where the church needs my experience and help. At the present time that means serving on the Board of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.
Are you hearing the call of God? We are here to train and support that call; please use us!
Randy Yoder
