Back in Michigan: An End to Puerto Rico or a Divine Confirmation?

Back in Michigan: An End to Puerto Rico or a Divine Confirmation?

The familiar chill of Michigan air hit me differently this time. Arriving back felt less like a homecoming and more like an unexpected pit stop on a journey that had just taken a sharp, jarring turn in Puerto Rico. Once the initial shock settled and I navigated the delicate task of sharing the truth of what had transpired just days prior, a distinct impression settled over those closest to us. The unspoken consensus seemed to be: "Well, that's that. Puerto Rico is clearly off the table. God wouldn't have allowed that to happen if He wanted you there, right?"

It was a logical conclusion, a comfortable narrative. But little did they know the seismic shift that had already occurred within my heart. The day I surrendered my life fully to God, uttering those now-familiar words – "I will go where you ask
, do what you ask, and say what you ask, without question" – it wasn't a casual commitment. It was a deep, unwavering covenant.

As my wife and I looked at each other back in Michigan, a quiet understanding passed between us. The recent events in Puerto Rico hadn't deterred us; in a strange, almost paradoxical way, they had solidified our resolve. It was as if the enemy, by his actions, had inadvertently revealed the very ground God was calling us to. He was upset. He was pushing back. And in that resistance, we felt an undeniable pull, a divine confirmation that we had to go. We had to bring the good news of Jesus to Puerto Rico.

So, amidst the well-meaning assumptions that our island dream was over, we began to plan.

My first step was to scour the internet for any English-speaking churches in Puerto Rico. I sent countless emails, reaching out into the digital void, sharing our intentions and the stirring in our hearts. Months passed, filled with the silence of unanswered messages. Then, a flicker of hope. An email landed in my inbox – a response from Church Without Walls in Rincon, Puerto Rico.

I connected with the pastor, sharing our story, our calling, and the deep conviction that God was leading us to the island. To our immense gratitude, we received an invitation: come visit Rincon, see what Church Without Walls was doing, and explore the ministry opportunities.

Finances were… well, non-existent. But the invitation felt like a breadcrumb on the path God was laying out. Without hesitation, we accepted and began to pray fervently.

The plan took shape: a trip in September 2014. The most logical way to fund this initial reconnaissance mission? Sell almost everything we owned. And so, in August, my parents' pole barn in Michigan transformed into a missions fundraising hub. Neighbors and friends came, drawn by curiosity and support, and through their generosity, we raised just enough money for my wife and I to book tickets to Puerto Rico for a week.

Our goals for this whirlwind trip were clear: meet the pastor and the congregation of Church Without Walls, explore potential ministry avenues, and, if possible, begin the daunting task of finding a place to live. We made arrangements for the pastor and his wife to pick us up at the airport in San Juan. Think about that for a moment – we had never met these people, and had no visual reference beyond a name in an email signature (this will come into play later). Our entire connection was built on faith and a shared desire to serve God.

As we boarded the plane in Grand Rapids that September morning, a potent cocktail of emotions swirled within us: excitement for the unknown, a healthy dose of nervousness about stepping into the unfamiliar, and an unwavering anticipation for what the Lord had in store. We had no idea, truly no idea, what awaited us.

The week that followed? Well… that’s a story for another time. You’ll have to stay tuned for the next post to hear about the unexpected twists and turns that marked our first week on the ground in Puerto Rico. Let’s just say, the adventure had only just begun.

To learn more about our ministry go to www.theexchangemin.com