From Baker to Disciple-Maker

Gordon has been living out his dream of operating his own bakery. He first experienced ILI training in 2013 through the Paraguay National Conference and has been a part of equipping leaders with ILI since. Through his bakery in Pennsylvania, USA, Gordon faithfully commits to giving his time and money to the work of the Gospel.

This is Gordon's story.

I had a choice to make: use the funds to equip Christian leaders in Paraguay or send the check to the United States IRS. I desperately wanted to honor the commitment I made to fund an ILI training event, so I sealed the envelope, mailed the check, and prayed I made the right choice. 

Growing up, my father owned and ran a grocery store. While I admired his work, I quickly realized my own dream was to open a bakery. With that vision in mind, I eventually saved enough money to purchase my father’s grocery store and convert the building into my own storefront. I prayed, “God, this bakery is yours, I am going to work for you. Direct me where you want the profits to go, and I will send them.” That was 30 years ago.

I began to cry, but I knew God was calling me to trust Him in bold obedience.

When I pledged to finance an ILI National Conference in 2015, I knew the funds would come from a significant portion of my own salary, and I would need to fundraise the rest. Just as I accumulated my portion of the funds, my accountant gave me the alarming news. He had completed my taxes, and I owed a large amount of money to the IRS.

I looked down at the check written for the ILI training event and realized the amount matched what I owed the government. I was out of money, and there were two places this check could go. I wrote the check to finance the training and put it in the mailbox.

Soon after, the phone rang again. It was my accountant calling to tell me he misspoke. I actually did not owe the IRS money, in fact, they owed me! I am sometimes tempted to take my eyes off God. When I do, He lovingly reminds me of all the ways He has provided, not just for me, but for all of His people throughout history.

Dare to Ask God to show you how to trust Him more, as you live in bold obedience.

Until all worship,