My calling is not as simple as most missionaries' calling. I believe the Lord began to speak to me about Greece back in 1987. The first time the Lord dealt with me about Greece was while I was teaching a Sunday school class about Abraham. When I got to Genesis 12:1, the Lord began to tender my heart till tears of joy ran down my face. I believe that the Lord was dealing with me about missions.

    Then I began to question God. I sought for more clarification. I was twenty-four and had two children at the time and was going to Pensacola Bible Institute. Every time I asked the Lord to give me wisdom or show me something from Him I would meet a Greek. I was preaching on the streets of Mobile, Alabama when who do you think I would meet there? Yes, a Greek just off the boat. Another time while driving to school I pulled off the highway to get gas where I have never been before, and guess what I found? Yes, it was a Greek community. After much prayer I approached my pastor with what I had been praying about.

    My pastor at that time was Herman Fountain. He was the pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church and Children’s Home in Lucedale, Mississippi. The courts in Illinois sent me there when I was fifteen years old. I was sentenced there for one year but lasted fourteen years. It was there that I received Christ as my Savior and was called to preach at the age of seventeen during a service while Billy Kelly was preaching.

    My pastor immediately told me to get on deputation. I told him I didn't think it was time, but I decided to go anyway. I went for a year and a half, off and on but didn't have complete peace about it. After much prayer I stopped deputation. I did not understand what God was doing until I obeyed Him and stopped deputation. During this time I didn't know how my wife really felt about going to Greece. She told me she was willing but it was not what was in her heart.

    After I stopped deputation I began to focus on providing for my family both spiritually and physically. I know that many missionaries go to the field and come back because of marital problems. This is not what God had in mind for me. I prayed for my wife but to no avail. We left Mississippi and moved to North Carolina. It is here where my wife left my children and me. From the time I stopped deputation till the time she left and got the divorce in 1998 was about eight years.

    I felt like my life was torn apart. I had been through many battles before but not like this one. I spent a lot of time praying and seeking God, but maybe not enough. I didn't know what God would do with my life. I was willing to do whatever God wanted me to do. I wanted to get on with my life. I had to be strong for the children. By this time I had four children, one boy and three girls. I don't like to let circumstances get me down, but this was something no one gets over quickly. I wanted to serve God with all my heart, but I didn't know what He would do with my life.

    I had submitted to go to Greece but didn't know what God would do. The divorce was final and she was remarried in 1998. Two years later, God began to deal with me about Greece. I wanted to serve God with all my heart but I never thought he would use me in this capacity. After much prayer and counsel with my pastor Joe Myers I decided to trust God to use His people to get us to Greece. At first we thought it would be best if I could find a way to support myself through working a job in Greece or some other way. I agreed but the Lord closed the doors on that. I was trying to get to Greece my way. I believe God uses His people to support missionaries not just with money but also through prayer.

    It was not an easy decision to make. Many people have different opinions about people that have been divorced. I know that this is a big obstacle, but it is one that I believe God can use for His Glory. I desire to live for God with all my heart, soul, and mind. My pastor (Joe Myers) has been pastoring here at Kerwin Baptist Church in Kernersville NC for over forty five years. We came here in 1994. He is behind me 100%. He has watched my family and me through these trying times. Some people get called to the mission field and the wife submits to it and they both serve together, but not in my case. I submitted to go to Greece and by the grace of God my children and I will be able to serve Him in Greece.

    I told you my calling was not like other missionary callings. My desire is to accomplish the race that is set before me. I am now serving my Saviour here in the island of Crete. I have been here working with a veteran missionary Michael Schwitzky since 2004. I am now (JAN. 2009) back in the USA. I am trying to raise my level of support. If you can help through monthly support or a one time gift or if you are a pastor and would give me the opportunity to present my calling and ministry here in Crete to your church please contact me at 3955 High Point Rd #18 Winston Salem, NC 27107 or email me at others4him7@earthlink.net. My home phone # (336) 793-2801 cell # (336) 655-7520 Thanks for your prayers. 1Cor.9:16