three principles that I have written about in part 2, chapter 1: accept, adapt, and advance. And more importantly, I leaned heavily on the promises of God as the prophet Isaiah articulates them: “Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you…I will help you…I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10, WEB) and “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand” (Isaiah 42:6). The Psalmist declares, “You hold me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23).
How often we see children who panic about something, and as soon as a parent takes hold of their hand, they settle down and look up and smile at Mommy or Daddy. They know that they are in good hands. That’s how we should feel, knowing that we are in God’s hands at all times! “Don’t be afraid…When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:1–2, WEB). That deserves a “Wow!”
NOW WHAT?
Now the question became, what should I do for employment? Who wants to hire a former Baptist minister? I decided to lean heavily on a Bible passage I had memorized in my youth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him [bring God into the circle and centre of your problem], and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6, NKJV). Another passage became a light in the dark tunnel of uncertainty for me: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). That deserves another “Wow!”
AMAZING PHONE CALL
While I was out of work, God was at work! He always is in His children’s lives. He is our Heavenly Father, and He will never leave us or forsake us. The Psalmist writes, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13). And here’s how I paraphrase verse 14: “Our Heavenly Father knows all about us; He remembers how fragile we can be, just like dust.” My Heavenly Father knew how weak and helpless I was feeling, as a husband and a father.
Yes, God was at work, so it didn’t take long for my prayer for employment to be answered. Another Bible verse came to mind: “Before they call I will answer” (Isaiah 65:24).
Some weeks after my meeting with the doctor—and with the employment aspect of my life in limbo—a former member of my parish in Barrie called me. He had had lunch with a friend of his, who was also a former member of my Barrie parish and a board member of Canadian Keswick Bible Conference, and they were looking for a new conference director. He said that he didn’t know why but my name had come to his mind. Of course I knew why! He then asked me if I would be interested in meeting to discuss the matter. Without hesitating I said, “Yes, I would be interested.”
A meeting was set up with the executive of the board of directors. I met with them in Toronto, and after considerable questioning they offered me the position. Once again I didn’t hesitate, as this would relieve Marion of her responsibilities of being a pastor’s wife, give me the opportunity to still be involved in Christian service, and of course make it possible for me to continue to provide the necessities of life for my wife and sons.
Keswick—as it was affectionately called by the thousands of Canadians and Americans who had been there as guests through the years—was the largest and most prestigious Christian summer resort in North America. I commenced my new type of Christian ministry in April 1972. I write about other Keswick details in part 1, chapter 2.
CHAPTER 2
Loss of Employment
It has been said that when your employment is terminated, there’s not only a financial matter to be concerned about but emotional pain that results from not knowing what to do next, especially if you still have a dependent family to support.
That is the situation I found myself in when I was informed that Canadian Keswick Conference could no longer afford my salary, and being the highest-paid employee I was first to be given my termination notice. When I was hired as the conference director, as I have mentioned in chapter 1, there was a fly in the ointment that I was not informed about but should have been.
First some details about Keswick, as it was popularly known. It was a large and very successful Christian retreat and resort in beautiful Muskoka, where thousands of Christians from Canada and the United States would gather together during the summer months for a vacation in a Christian atmosphere. The program featured well-known Bible teachers from around the world and the very best in Christian music. The chapel, which could accommodate over one thousand, was always filled to capacity on Sundays and weeknights. It also became well-known for many other reasons, including its magnificent gardens, the very best in cuisine served in the 400-seat dining room overlooking beautiful Lake Rosseau, and an action-filled recreation program.
In the late 1960s, three factors played out that eventually put this amazing Christian conference into bankruptcy and me out of employment. At a time when interest rates were rising exponentially, the conference was hit with huge unplanned costs relating to the following:
1. Directives of the Muskoka Region Health Department to upgrade the sewage system.
2. Directives of the Office of the Fire Marshall to upgrade the safety systems.
3. Conference board of directors’ decision to proceed with the building of the youth camp on property across from the conference without first having all the funds in place. They didn’t take our Lord’s admonition seriously when He said, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28).
During the centennial year the federal government was dispensing millions of dollars in grants to organizations that were involved in reaching out to inner-city youth. The board of directors applied for a grant for the camp, and they were so sure they would receive one that they proceeded with construction. Keswick Youth Camp was to be no tent or cabin operation but first class in every way. The program included the teaching of canoeing, sailing and even horseback riding. The purpose of the camp was to reach unchurched youth of well-to-do-families with the Christian message, a noble concept to be sure.
Partway through construction the board of directors learned that their application for a government grant had been turned down, as the rates that were going to be charged were out of reach for the families of inner-city youth and would only be appropriate for youth from well-to-do families. What to do now? The board had to apply to the bank for a huge mortgage, placed on the equity of Keswick Conference. The bank granted it but in hindsight probably wished it hadn’t. A bank is always reluctant to declare bankruptcy in the case of a religious organization, which is why they seldom get involved in a mortgage on a facility to be used for religious purposes.
Construction on the youth camp was completed, and it operated very successfully for a number of years under the very capable leadership of John Wilkinson; but when the conference was not able to keep up with even the interest payments, the bank moved in and put the conference and the youth camp into bankruptcy. As I was the highest-paid employee, I was the first to be let go.
So here I was with a family to support with no income and no equity to fall back on. Once again my mom’s oft-repeated Bible promise brought peace of mind (“God will provide”), and we would bank on that! We did, and I would soon have employment again, which is an amazing story that follows in chapter 3.
KESWICK IN HINDSIGHT
In hindsight the Keswick experience brought great blessing to our family.
1. It enabled Marion to be free of the duties and responsibilities imposed on her as a pastor’s wife. Being the gregarious person she was, she enjoyed socializing with the guests, and they in turn enjoyed socializing with her. She was a great asset to my ministry at Keswick, as she was in my pastorates!
2. As a family, it gave us the opportunity to spend the summers together in beautiful Muskoka and to enjoy all the amenities of the conference, including gourmet meals in the elegant dining room.
3.