The Nomadic Lifestyle
“By faith Abraham…went out, not knowing whither he went.” —Hebrews 11:8
I’ve reflected on this verse several times over the past few weeks since Barb and I left the comforts and security of our home and pastorate of the past 32 years in Port Orchard, WA. We are now traveling “nomads” living a 23′ travel trailer seeking the place God wants us to be. We are not vagabonds without a home—We are pilgrims seeking a home! While we may have a tentative itinerary, God only knows where we will end up. We travel and keep looking for the right “open door.” It is both exciting and challenging at the same time.
For example, today we are camped in our home state of Michigan. (BTW, I do NOT like Michigan. The roads are very bad, the mosquitos love the taste of my blood, and the winters are harsh.) We are at a crossroads—Do we remain here for a while or move on to Vermont where we started the Barton Baptist Church 40 years ago? Or, do we journey in a different direction altogether? It is similar to the Israelites as they journeyed in the wilderness. When the pillar of cloud/fire moved, they packed up and moved. When it stopped, they stopped and camped. The difference is we don’t have a visible pillar of smoke to follow. We travel by faith as the Holy Ghost leads us.
Barb and I appreciate everyone who prays for us regularly. As long as we know people are praying for us and we have the Holy Ghost guiding us, we can travel on until God tells us otherwise! God bless you.
8 Replies to “The Nomadic Lifestyle”
May God bless you and guide you on your journey
Thanks Karen! It was so good to see you at the Jubilee and my Farewell service last month. Barb and I love you and your family. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
Al: I have so enjoyed and have been encouraged by your sermons and devotionals over the years. By your standards, I am new to pastoring, as I have only served for soon to be twelve years here in a rural Southern Baptist church here in East Texas. While I was following your progress only on Pastor Mail, I am now following you directly from your new site. God’s speed in all you do and I am praying for His perfect guidance to you and Barb as you seek His next place of service for you. (JOHN 10:27-29) 27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
Perhaps we’ll see you when we pass through Texas the first part of next year! God bless you!
We also are praying for you always.
Thanks again Alice! Please tell everyone at BBC we miss them and are thankful for their prayers. The new pastor at Prayer Baptist asked me to preach this Sunday. Barb and I plan to head towards Vermont next Monday or Tuesday. Love you guys!
I PRAY FOR YOU EVERY DAY. GOD BLESS YOU TWO AS YOU TRAVEL AND PRAY.
Thank you Brother Blue. Your prayers mean a lot to Barb and I. It’s comforting to know that no matter where we go, you are with us in prayer! We love you and pray for you and Joyce.