Chased by Goodness and Mercy: Reflections on My Spiritual Birthday
Today I turn 63 years old spiritually speaking. God has tremendously blessed my life.
Today is not just another day. It’s a day that marks the beginning of the most important journey of my life. On May 6, 1962, I trusted, believed, and accepted the free gift of God’s gracious salvation. And now, as I reflect on the years that have passed since that life-changing moment, one truth keeps echoing in my heart: goodness and mercy have pursued me all the days of my life.
God didn’t just meet me at an altar or in a prayer. He has chased, loved, and carried me every step of the way. His goodness and mercy have been relentless, showing up in the people, the moments, the blessings, and even the trials that have shaped who I am.
Born Into His Grace
God’s pursuit of me didn’t start in 1962. It started long before that in eternity past and then when He placed me in a faithful Christian family. My parents raised me in a Christ-honoring home. My parents not only took me to church, but they lived out their faith in front of me. They taught me the Bible; they encouraged me to be and do all I believed God had for my life.
That, in itself, was a huge act of mercy. Being born into a home where truth was not just spoken but lived—a home where I was surrounded by love, discipline, and the steady example of faith—that showed God’s simple goodness.
A Call at Eleven
His mercy didn’t stop there. As an 11-year-old boy, I remember God dealing with my heart in a way I couldn’t ignore. I felt the tug, the call to serve Him, not just in any way, but specifically on the mission field. I was young, but the sense of purpose was real. God was already setting my life’s direction, calling me to something bigger than myself.
That call wasn’t a burden – it was a blessing. God showed me that He had plans for me, wasn’t finished with me, and had a purpose for my life.
A Wake-Up Call at Fifteen
At 15, God’s goodness showed up again – this time in the form of challenge. Two young men, full of passion for Christ, came into my life and wouldn’t let me stay comfortable. They challenged me to stop playing around with my spiritual life. To get serious. To stop coasting. That was a turning point. I saw that faith wasn’t just about knowing the right things – it was about living them.
God’s mercy sent those young men to push me, to help me grow, and to lead me deeper into the life He was calling me to live.
Friendship, Love, and a Lifetime Companion
God’s goodness has always been about the people He’s put in my life. In college, He gave me a friend who has challenged and motivated me ever since our first day. That friendship sharpened me, encouraged me, and has been a constant source of strength.
And then, at 18, God poured out even more mercy. He gave me the greatest friend, companion, and wife I could have ever asked for. From that moment on, we’ve walked this path together. Through highs and lows, ministry and family, joy and pain, her love has been one of the clearest signs of God’s goodness.
Nearly 52 years of marriage later, I can say with full confidence: God’s goodness and mercy are not abstract ideas – they are real, they are personal, and they have held us together.
Family Blessings
God didn’t stop with just us. He gave us four of the most wonderful children in the world. And now, He’s blessed us with grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Every time I look at them, I see His faithfulness, His promises, and the legacy of love, grace, and mercy continuing on.
Ministry: Mistakes and Miracles
Ministry hasn’t been easy. I’ve made thousands of mistakes. I’ve learned the hard way more times than I can count. But even there, God’s goodness was at work. He didn’t let my failures define me. He used them to teach me, to shape me, to make me depend more on Him.
When I met Thurman Wade, God opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about missions and church planting. That was a game-changer. And in Mexico, He blessed me again, with the deep, meaningful friendship of Alberto and Bertha Romero. Their love and partnership in ministry were another sign that God’s mercy was always near.
And then, Arequipa, Peru. Hunter Baptist Church. A place, a people, a calling – all wrapped in God’s provision. And alongside me, the truest yoke fellow and ministry partner I’ve ever known: Paul Forsyth. Our friendship, our work together, has been one of the greatest gifts in my life.
Through the Valleys
Goodness and mercy don’t mean life is easy. They mean you’re never alone.
God’s mercy showed up when cancer hit – the first time, and again, and again. COVID nearly took my life, but God was there — during my paralysis, 21-day coma, and critical condition. He was there in the darkest days when false accusations came, friends walked away, and I didn’t know what was next.
But even then – especially then – goodness and mercy chased me down. They never left. They never stopped.
Still Chasing Me
Now, all these years later, I can honestly say: my life is better than it’s ever been. Not because everything has gone smoothly but because I see more clearly than ever how much my Savior loves me. I see how He shepherds me, how He holds me, how He won’t let me go.
Goodness and mercy haven’t just followed me – they’ve chased me. They’ve pursued me with relentless love. And they still are.
The Best Is Yet to Come
As I celebrate this spiritual birthday, I’m not just looking back – I’m looking ahead. I know that goodness and mercy aren’t done with me yet. They’ll be with me today, tomorrow, and every day until I see my Savior face to face.
Surely, goodness and mercy are chasing me down – and they will not let me go.