As we reflect on four decades of ministry, one truth stands out above all others: God’s faithfulness is unwavering. Through trials and triumphs, lean times and abundance, He has proven Himself trustworthy time and time again. This journey of faith offers profound insights into the character of God and the nature of His relationship with His people.
The story begins with a shy, insecure young man, lacking confidence and struggling with self-esteem. It was to this unlikely candidate that God’s call came – a call to ministry, to preach His word, and to reach the nations. This mirrors the biblical accounts of Moses, Jeremiah, and others who felt inadequate for the task God set before them. Yet, as with those biblical heroes, God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.
The early years of ministry were marked by financial struggles and acts of faith. A newlywed couple, just six months into their marriage, answered God’s call to Bible college in England. With only 50 pounds to their name after paying the first term’s fees, they embarked on a three-year walk of faith. Time and again, God’s provision came through at the eleventh hour, often in unexpected ways.
One poignant story involves the need for second term fees. As the young minister approached the treasurer with trepidation, he was met with surprising news – an anonymous donor had paid the fees in full. This pattern of miraculous provision continued throughout their time in Bible college and beyond, echoing the words of Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were times of extreme poverty, when cupboards were bare and groceries were a luxury. Yet even in these moments, God’s faithfulness shone through. A young man in the church felt led to provide a monthly sum for groceries for an entire year. When that provision ended, a church from another city stepped in, continuing the support for three more years. When that too came to an end, a business couple who had received a prophetic word about financial blessing began to send support.
These stories of provision remind us of God’s care for Elijah, fed by ravens and then by the widow of Zarephath. They echo Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
The growth of the ministry brought its own set of challenges. There were times of betrayal, when those closest to the ministry turned against it, spreading lies and causing division. These “Jezebels” and “Ahabs” nearly destroyed the work God had begun. Yet even in these dark moments, God’s faithfulness prevailed. A core group of believers stood firm, offering support and encouragement, embodying the spirit of Barnabas, the “son of encouragement” from the book of Acts.
Physical health challenges also threatened to derail the ministry. A stroke at a young age, followed by a prolonged battle with Lyme disease, tested faith and resolve. Yet God provided not only healing but also a supportive community that rallied around in prayer and practical support. These experiences mirror Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” and his declaration that God’s grace is sufficient, for His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
As the ministry grew, so did its reach. What began in a small, struggling church expanded to impact nations. Television broadcasts reached millions across multiple countries. Churches were planted, lives were transformed, and the faithfulness of God was declared to a wider audience than ever imagined. This growth fulfilled the promise God had given years earlier: “From here, you will reach the world.”
Throughout this 40-year journey, certain themes emerge that can encourage and challenge us in our own walks of faith:
1. God often calls the unlikely. He delights in using the weak things of the world to confound the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).
2. Faith is a journey, not a destination. It requires continual trust and dependence on God.
3. God’s provision often comes through people. We are called to be conduits of His blessing to others.
4. Challenges and opposition are part of the journey. They refine us and make us more dependent on God.
5. Faithfulness begets faithfulness. As we remain faithful to God’s call, He proves His faithfulness to us.
6. Community is crucial. We need others to stand with us, encourage us, and help us fulfill God’s calling.
7. God’s plans are bigger than our imagination. What starts small can have a global impact.
As we reflect on God’s faithfulness over the past 40 years, we are reminded of Samuel’s words in 1 Samuel 7:12: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” This Ebenezer moment – this stone of remembrance – serves not only to commemorate the past but also to inspire faith for the future.
Each of us has our own story of God’s faithfulness. Perhaps it’s a time when He provided financially in a moment of need. Maybe it’s how He sustained you through the loss of a loved one or a devastating life change. Or it could be the simple day-to-day provisions that we so often take for granted.
Take a moment to reflect on your own Ebenezer moments. Where has God shown His faithfulness in your life? How has He provided, protected, or guided you? Writing these moments down can serve as a powerful reminder when faced with future challenges.
Moreover, let the testimony of God’s faithfulness over these 40 years inspire you to greater commitment and deeper gratitude. If God has been faithful thus far, we can trust Him for the future. As Paul declares in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
As we look to the future, let us do so with renewed faith and vigor. Let us commit ourselves to prayer, to studying and applying God’s Word, and to reaching out to our communities with the love of Christ. Let us be people who reflect God’s faithfulness in our own lives, becoming living testimonies to His goodness and grace.
In the words of the psalmist, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (Psalm 89:1). May we, too, declare God’s faithfulness to the next generation, inspiring them to trust in the God who never fails.
