Remembering God’s Faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) | CCCH 35th Anniversary
This expert summary draws from a special address commemorating the 35th anniversary of the ministry, focusing on the foundational role of biblical authority, the nature of a divine calling, and the miraculous ways God sustains His work. The core mission is rooted in the command to diligently teach the Word of God.
I. The Foundational Command: Teaching God’s Word Diligently
The celebration of the 35th anniversary is framed by the imperative found in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up”.
The speaker admits that, due to busyness over the past 35 years, this commandment was, at times, difficult to fully practice. However, this scriptural mandate remains the definition of God’s heritage—having something profound to say to children, neighbors, friends, and one another.
II. The Journey of Faith: Trusting God Over Finances
The initial phase of the pastor’s life and marriage was marked by a necessary stripping away of worldly reliance.
Marriage and Financial Trials (1979): After getting saved in 1977 and marrying Lisa in 1979, the speaker initially made “really stupid money” legally. However, three weeks before the wedding, a new job offer was rescinded after the previous boss threatened the new company, resulting in the loss of both jobs. This led to a period where the speaker worked for minimum wage.
The Lord used this period to teach a vital lesson: when 21 years old with disposable income, there is a risk of trusting in money rather than God, even while loving God. The stripping away of worldliness was necessary for spiritual growth.
Living by Faith: The ministry leader’s wife, Lisa, showed great spiritual strength, refusing to postpone the wedding until a higher-paying job was secured, thereby committing to live by faith from that moment forward. The speaker recounts the encouragement found in the scripture: “Do not despise the day of small things“. Furthermore, they counted it a victory that their oldest daughter, upon hearing the story, remarked, “I didn’t know we were poor“.
III. The Prophetic Calling: Healing and Worldwide Ministry
Two pivotal prophetic moments confirmed the calling to teach and preach God’s Word.
1. Healing from Stuttering (1980): While attending an “afterglow” prayer meeting, the speaker prayed silently, asking the Lord to heal his severe stutter so he could tell people about Him. A man in the front stood up and delivered a word of knowledge: “The Lord’s answer to you is he’s going to heal you but not now. Wait and study to show yourself approved unto God a workman rightly dividing the word of truth that you need not be ashamed”.
Years later, while praying for a group witnessing on Leo Island, the speaker felt a clear, non-audible thought: “Go tell this person about me”. He approached a young woman, shared the gospel, and prayed with her—without stuttering once. This confirmed the moment when God had answered the word of knowledge.
2. Prophecy of Global Reach (1982): During a Saturday night men’s prayer meeting (attended by only 15 to 18 men), a man laid hands on the speaker and prophesied that the Lord would call him into ministry. The prophecy included startling details for the pre-internet era: “The world is going to hear you preach the word of God,” and the ministry would reach millions of people and be “printed and read around the world”.
This prophecy was fulfilled years later, specifically in 1992, when the church became one of the spearheading efforts in Russia to start churches after the wall came down. The speaker spent about a 10-year period traveling 200,000 miles a year back and forth to Russia, demonstrating that “God just kept his word and his word was bigger than our faith”.
IV. The Reluctant Pastor and the Final Catalyst
The transition into full-time pastoral ministry was marked by strong resistance, despite clear divine guidance.
Overwhelming Communication: After a Bible study began to grow rapidly in their home, the speaker felt an “overwhelming grab of your heart communication” where God communicated without words: “Go ye therefore into all the world and preach this gospel”. Despite this, the speaker tried to stop the growth, asking attendees not to tell others about the study.
Seeking a Replacement: As the fellowship grew, the leader approached Pastor Chuck Smith (of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa) and insisted, “You need to find a pastor for what’s going on”. When months passed, he sought advice from Pastor Roma, Chuck Smith’s assistant.
Humiliation and Clarity: During their meeting, Pastor Roma made the speaker load boxes and then publicly and repeatedly called him an “idiot” who had a growing church but “doesn’t want it” in front of other pastors. Though the experience was humiliating and angered the speaker initially, it served as the catalyst.
When Pastor Roma challenged him, saying “Don’t you ever open up your Bible in front of those people again,” the speaker’s spontaneous, answering question was the key: “Who’s going to teach them Bible doctrine?”. At that moment, the calling became crystal clear, leading to sheer obedience to teach the Word of God to God’s people.