Beyond Belief: The Power of Radical Faith

From Dune Dreams to Island Reality:  Our Leap of Faith to Puerto Rico The Michigan air felt different this time. Gone was the tentative curiosity of our first trip; replaced by a tangible buzz of anticipation. Puerto Rico wasn't just a possibility anymore – it was our future. The question that now danced in our minds, and in our prayers, was the how. How would this happen? Would we need to fundraise? Seek employment on the island? Or was there another path entirely? The Lord's response remained consistent, a gentle but firm whisper in our hearts: "Trust me." It was far from September, the month of our previous visit. Our bank account held no moving funds, and the exact timing of our relocation remained a mystery. Then, one crisp fall afternoon, as my wife and I walked the familiar dunes of Saugatuck, Michigan, the weight of the unknown settled upon us. We talked about the logistics, the uncertainties, the sheer magnitude of the decision we were contemplating. Suddenly...

A Cliffside Church and a Coded Book: Our Island Immersion Well, folks, buckle up because once we got our hands on Jack's Ford Ranger, the island of Puerto Rico truly opened up to us. My wife and I were eager to explore beyond Jack and Dama's property and get a real feel for what life could be like here. Our initial focus was the west coast. We spent a good chunk of time driving around Aguadilla, specifically looking at communities that might be a good fit for our family. It was exciting to see "For Rent" signs and actually tour potential future homes. Many of the properties we looked at were near the old military base, and we found several rentals in nice communities that were surprisingly well-priced. Things were definitely looking promising on the housing front. Throughout this initial exploration, Jack and Dama were their usual hospitable selves, but largely let us do our own thing. They were fantastic hosts, providing a base for us, but this week felt very much li...

Bleach Blond Hair and a Bucket Toilet:  Our Puerto Rican Welcome If you know anything about church culture in Puerto Rico, you likely have a certain image in your mind when you picture a pastor. Well-groomed, always in a suit, exuding a specific, practiced persona – it's a look deeply ingrained in the hierarchical structure prevalent in many Puerto Rican churches. The higher up you are, the more respect and honor you receive, often to an unhealthy degree (but that's a topic for another time!). Suffice it to say, there's a distinct "pastor look." And that "look" was precisely what my wife and I were subconsciously expecting when we landed in San Juan. Stepping off the plane and into the humid embrace of the tropical air, we navigated the familiar route to baggage claim. The San Juan airport has a unique setup – those waiting for arrivals must stay outside the luggage area. As we exited, scanning the crowd, we anticipated spotting an obviously "pastor...

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....