Even Small Beginnings Need Faith

Faith must be tried and tested to prove itself real. 

Faith is not just a mindset and it is not just an action, it is in how you live and interact with your surroundings and God.

In the summer of 1977, Trisha and I moved from San Diego, CA to begin a pastoral work in Michigan, only to discover that God had a plan that would require much greater faith. We began to experience a stirring from God to plant a church in or near San Jose, CA. Having arrived in San Jose in October of 1978, we set about preparing to minister in an area we had not previously visited before. 

We began small, with humble beginnings as a bible study in our home in South San Jose. We soon overflowed to fill a bank building and swim club. Continuing to grow we moved into the Cupertino YMCA on Easter Sunday 1979. 

Early in 1981, we as church leaders felt compelled to look for a permanent church home. Believing that God was speaking to me through Isaiah 58:12 “And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.”

I began looking for run-down buildings in the waste places of our area. When we came upon this old boarded-up grocery store in Campbell, CA, my faith was stirred to believe in God for this property. 

Without adequate funds, but with a God-inspired faith we began a 25-year journey to acquire all six commercial parcels on six acres that the church calls home today. I was inspired by the faith of George Muller of Bristol, a man who supported hundreds of orphans without government aid, and only with the help of unsolicited donations. He did all of this relying on faith in God alone. Like Muller, I wanted to place my trust in God and not in man. 

Therefore, I made these requests of God. Do not bless me beyond my capacity to remain loyal to You; You must provide the finances for I will not beg or pressure your people for money. Today Home Church owns their property free and clear. Supporting missionaries across the globe and serving our local community are stamped in our DNA. Throughout these many years, God has proven Himself faithful, and hundreds of new believers are the fruit of this work. 

Yes, for faith to be real, we must be pressed out of our abilities and resources into His great grace.

The Red Cardinal was my first feathered watercolor; he was one of our first visitors on a 14-acre property we rented when moving back to Michigan in 2017. The Lord had fun with us while we were busy with the building of our home and we delighted in these daily visitors.

Male Cardinal Visiting During Winter