Streams in the Desert

When Calvary Chapel came to the Tri-cities, our family was struggling with very serious problems. Bobi and Steve and everyone that came up from California made all the difference in our family. I could never begin to adequately thank God for them.

I got to thinking, what if they hadn't come? What if they were unwilling to leave everything? Where would my daughter in law or son in law be now? They were both saved there. Our kids are faithful and fervent because of the sound teaching and love that is taught there. And for us? At best we would still be looking for somewhere to belong and grow.

Dan found out that Calvary Chapel had a Bible study. He asked our daughter in law if she was doing anything Tuesday night. Son Dan was off at the Army National Guard boot camp and she was having a really hard time.
Thinking Dan would take her to a movie or something she said she was free, only to find out that she would be going to a Bible study. It even had childcare. She had not one excuse.
I had a meeting that night and when I got home, I found her so excited. She started telling me about the Bible study almost word for word. She got gloriously saved.
Son Dan came back from boot camp to a whole new wife, new church and friends. He was busted. He gave up and gave his life to the Lord. Our daughter stayed strong through her teen and college years. And later her future husband was saved from alcohol and depression.
We were the oldest ones for most of our first year. We even crashed the collage and career study on Sunday nights. As the fellowship grew so did we. What a relief to get back into the word and excellent teaching.
It was a wonderful time in our lives. There were all sorts of activities...which built the fellowship and lifelong friendships. Steve’s teaching brought answers to the many people seeking the truth. As the church grew and out grew 3 places, more and more people got saved, a firm foundation was laid.
Eventually Dan became an elder and would take the pulpit when Steve was gone. I started and ran the bookstore.
The Tri-Cities truly became home and better yet, we felt we had fulfilled what God wanted us to do: helping to start a much better church than we ever could have.

So knowing what it has all meant to us, how then can we not accept the call? God has tasks to do and lives to change. We know and have experienced how God will strategically place those who are obedient.