The Golden Nugget: How One Conference Connection Changed Everything
Finding Divine Appointments When You Least Expect Them
4 Minute Read
Gospel Imperative
God often directs our paths through seemingly insignificant encounters. As Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."
When Exhaustion Almost Prevented a Divine Appointment
Sometimes our greatest ministry opportunities come disguised as inconvenient obligations. For me, a moment like this occurred about two and a half years ago when a Saturday morning conference seemed like just another commitment during an exhausting week.
I had been planning to attend a conference on that Saturday morning, but I was worn out from the week. I didn't feel like going, and I told my wife as much. It was my wife who provided the gentle nudge of wisdom that changed everything: "Eric, you're thinking wrong. You need to get up and go. You can come back and take a nap when you're done. If you could get one golden nugget out of this, it’ll be worth it."
That golden nugget came in the form of a woman named Joann, the wife of a pastor of a church on San Antonio's east side. This chance meeting initiated a relationship that has blossomed over two and a half years into an unexpected ministry opportunity that feels increasingly like a divine calling.
Over the past two and a half years, I have been honored to preach several times at their church. This congregation, located in a challenging neighborhood near a local high school, where I have a strong desire to serve and do FCA ministry, places a high priority on outreach to juveniles. They also run a para-ministry called Pursued Village, focused on mentoring young people. Recognizing my passion for youth, the pastor and his wife recently extended an invitation for me to join their staff as part of their pastoral staff, and I am excited about the potential to serve and grow alongside this community.
After one of the preachings, God revealed to me that one day I would serve at this church. Now, that prophetic moment is becoming reality as the church prepares me to be ordained to preach.
The ministry opportunities have already begun. I’ve participated in the church's food bank outreach that served over 200 cars in a single day. What touched my heart most were the approximately ten homeless individuals who walked through with their HEB baskets, highlighting the significant needs in this community.
Looking back, I’m grateful for my willingness to attend one conference despite exhaustion, which has opened doors to serving a congregation in a challenging neighborhood and potentially expanding FCA's reach to a new high school. My hope is that this illustrates how important it is to remain open to God's leading beyond conventional boundaries.
Heart Check
What "inconvenient" opportunity might God be using to redirect your path?
Are you willing to pursue a "golden nugget" even when you feel exhausted or unmotivated?
How might God be speaking to you about serving in unexpected places?
Take Action Today!
Your support of my FCA ministry enables me to follow God's leading into unexpected opportunities that extend beyond traditional campus boundaries. Consider becoming a monthly partner to help sustain this work that bridges school campuses and community ministries, reaching young people wherever they are with the transformative message of Christ!