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God called Tom & Marti Chance into full-time ministry at 1:25pm June 25, 1992. It began to become clear at Carl’s Jr. in Oakdale California. Our predecessor, John Deck, popped the question in the form of a challenge to consider applying to become missionaries with Awana. Our typical answer would have been “No, I don’t think so.” We were deeply involved in our professions: Tom as an Agricultural Crop Consultant and Marti as Homemaker and |
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Tom & Marti—Call to Ministry |
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How God Called Us to Ministry |
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...that all children and youth throughout the world will |
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North-Central California |
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Teacher. However, the Lord had been working to change our hearts and minds about full-time Christian ministry for the previous two years. We had been involved in children’s and other ministries in our local church and throughout the region with our Awana Missionary John Deck. We had been involved in our local Awana Club for 14 years and it seemed clear that God was moving us to a bigger scope of ministry – to “expand our borders” and expand our faith! Following significant and independent encouragement and confirmation of several very respected individuals, we felt certain that the Lord would have us follow through and apply for the missionary position. At times we felt that through the process God would certainly close the door and we would just move on with our lives as they had been before. He did not! Every door was clearly open and we were moved through them by His strength and grace. We were appointed to the North-Central California field by the Awana Board of Directors December 14, 1992, and were commissioned as missionaries March 14, 1993 at the Evangelical Free Church of Turlock, CA (currently known as Crossroads Church). April 1, 1993 was our official start date, but we were working in the ministry throughout that winter and spring planning and carrying out Awana events. God answered our questions and settled our early concerns and fears as we considered the call and moved forward through the application process and ministry. Our “big three” were 1) family acceptance, 2) financial provision, and 3) potential relocation. He very definitely answered each of these with His peace, promise and provision. Now, fourteen years later, serving some 160 churches and over 3000 Awana Leaders, God continues to lead us along. We have many growth opportunities along the way and the Lord is good to see us through as we depend upon Him for our all. The hope and prayer of Awana is that “All children and youth throughout the world will come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our primary mission field is here in central California, but what a privilege to serve in a region where many “nations” have come together to live and work. May we be faithful to our Lord, His calling, and the task of seeing the gospel delivered to all these children of the world. We may never know the impact of one coming to Christ in our lifetime here on earth. God knows what He is doing. We can rest in this. |
