“For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2Corinthians 5:7.

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Its been said God gives enough light for the next step but not necessarily for the entire journey. Prior to our meeting, Tonya and I each were committed to serving God. The idea of being in a relationship with a woman who was called by God into service for Him was exhilarating! While we had each been in ministry for many years, we served very different communities. When called to serve together, we were submissive to His call, but discovering God’s path to minister together has truly been a walk of faith. God did not put before us a clear and simple outline merging our ministries.

Very early in our relationship Tonya had a reoccurring dream that we were walking in a dense forest with tall trees and no clear path. In the dream she was growing frustrated as we were walking one way and then the other, forward and then sideways, up hills and then down. She said she repeatedly asked if I knew where I was going, but I would only look over my shoulder, smile and continue to extend my right hand to her. She reluctantly continued to hold my hand unaware of the path or destination. If you have spent time with my beautiful, well-organized and determined wife, I am certain you are smiling as I did picturing her dragging her feet in irritation to my perplexing route. After yet another circle on our path, she stomped her foot and said, “I’m not taking another step until you tell me you know where you are leading!” Tonya said I calmly turned completely around to face her, smiled and said, “I have no idea. I was given this compass and I will continue to walk wherever He points the needle.” She said her eyes shifted to my left hand and she saw a compass completely illuminated and felt the undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit.

I have given my extremely patient wife plenty of reasons to be frustrated with me over our first year of marriage. When I ask her why she remains so loving, she responds, “God gave you our compass and while we may not always know where He will point the needle, I am certain the Holy Spirit told me that night to keep the faith, hold your hand, stay the course and rest in the certainty that He sees our journey together.”

I am reminded of the tongue in cheek saying; ‘wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans.’   

​It’s true, Tonya and I have spent endless hours talking, praying, and talking some more about the direction of Innovative Truth. I think back to many of our early conversations realizing very little of what we planned has come to fruition. Even in the unknown, God has deliberately pushed the compass needle to another area for us to serve Him. There is absolutely no doubt everything was laid out perfectly to bring us to this precise location. Along the way we needed to remind ourselves, God is not the author of confusion. We needed to remain faithful, and faith-filled, even in the unknown. Especially in the unknown! As Tonya said in our last letter to you, ‘God does not create pain, illness, destruction or evil. Yet in every dark hour we have faced, God’s love, mercy and grace have been undeniable.’  God’s plan is so much better than ours! In one short year we mere mortals could never have perfectly strategized the capacity to share so much love, clarity and power of the Holy Spirit to the people now reached. We are in awe and praise God daily for your growing Innovative Truth team! The unwavering monthly support, additional team members and increased giving by many are directly responsible for this years victories and momentum. We are honored to continue walking His path with you!

​All our love,