As we have been preparing to stage our house for sale, we realized that the pets could become an objection to a buyer. We resolved to send Kenzie the Lab to Cheryl’s parents’ place in Red Deer until we move. Having planned to go anyway, I decided to invite a young man who was interested in considering Medicine Hat as well. Road trips are fantastic for getting to know people and reflecting on big things. So I added a stop in Medicine Hat to the itinerary.
Last week I found myself thinking about some of the details of what we need to do and one of them was the question of employment. I have talked on here before about tentmaking in real estate, but I hadn’t taken any steps towards it. I decided to make a list of brokers and make some phone calls – at least to introduce myself and get a feel for where the offices are at in terms of need. As I made the calls it occurred to me I might be able to meet one or two when I go out there.
The day before I left, I found out my road trip partner would not be able to come. At first I was a little disappointed because I was really looking forward to hearing his story and heart, and showing him personally the city that was calling us. But now I knew why God stirred me up to call some brokers – to have a contingency plan.
I got to town a little after lunch, and made two calls – one to GMAC and one to Century 21. I had a short meeting with Lorne, manager at Century 21, then had to rush off for a meeting with Glen at GMAC. Both companies have a lot to offer and are supportive of helping me get a start.
But what blew me away was Lorne. I met with him again in the evening, and I was amazed by his heart – he is an elder at his church, he has an identical philosophy to me with respect to work and its priority, and is very excited about my ideas with regards to church planting and tentmaking and supporting the development of church planting interns.
Oh, I haven’t mentioned this on here before. Basically, what I mean by that is part of Grace Brethren Canada’s vision is to create missional businesses to support further church planting. Partly to fund the church plants, but also to employ church planting interns in roles that can support themselves while dedicating themselves to ministry – potentially working 1/2 to 3/4 time but getting paid for full time, so that they can dedicate the other part of their work week to church work and gaining experience to plant on their own. My idea is that if my real estate business takes off it will require more administration – a simple desk job that does not require large amounts of training to do. But also, if I am deliberate about it, I can even work on a property management side, which has two benefits. First, it is a more consistent income than sales so it can support people with certainty. Second, it will require people with general handyman skills – again, a role that is lower time and skill demand so almost tailor-made for a church planter-in-training!
But back to the meetings. Coming away from my time, I am so amazed at how God orchestrates all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He has used this trip that I was even questioning on the way out – I was thinking why am I spending $350 in food, hotel and gas expenses when kennelling might have been only a little more? It’s because God wanted me here to make some significant connections that will move everything forward. I have been affirmed in the wisdom of my plans, encouraged in seeking God, and blessed with someone who knows the city and its people and has connections that can help with all kinds of aspects – from potential support to arranging mortgages to creating a career. What a mighty God we serve!
Tags: interns, medicine hat, missional businesses, real estate, support, tentmaking
