Although I was not the most skilled or the most experienced draftsman or builder, and although construction has never been my career, it has been my privilege to design, build or help with the construction of six church buildings and several houses. I had taken some high school drafting and construction classes, but I did not set out to be a builder. My college training was in education and my formal position was school principal or pastor. But then opportunities came along, and my life was made richer and more productive as I embraced those opportunities.

It should be noted that the main reason I was given these building opportunities, was because I had committed my life to doing whatever I was asked to do – in the way of reaching our world with the Good News. I had volunteered to teach, to provide transportation, to raise money, to do maintenance and janitorial work… anything that needed to be done. My consistent availability led people to trust me with drafting, framing, electrical, plumbing, and the operation of heavy equipment. I did things many people never get a chance to do. I gained skills I would have never gained, had I not been whole-heartedly involved in God’s work.

Another key factor in my broad array of experiences was that my mentors had modeled the mindset of all-out ministry wherever help was needed. As a result, I became involved in many projects and activities as a teenager. So, at a young age, my skills were developed and my disciplines formed. I became more capable than I would have, had I not followed their example and been willing to give freely of my time and energy. 

I should also make it plain that most of these opportunities were costly. They required time that was not usually renumerated at market rates. Many situations meant that I needed to work with people and circumstances that were not ideal. Often times, the learning curve was steep. In other words, I had to buy in… I had to choose the cause over the comfort. It meant long hours, low pay, sore muscles and surviving many situations in which I was in over my head. Many of these opportunities presented themselves as big asks and hard work. Usually, somewhere in the middle of the project I would ask myself why I had ever agreed to be a part. But as buildings took shape and people benefitted, I was always glad I had said “Yes” to the opportunity. In hindsight, those opportunities are what has given meaning and direction to my life. They cost me, but I was the beneficiary. They were challenging, but they made my life more meaningful. And the physical buildings were only the start. Giving my life to building people and ministries were even more costly, but also the path to more wonderful opportunities.