They left everything and followed him

Last year was a barren year, income work wise. At the end of 2023, we closed a part of our small business and the office on the main road and moved to my present communications studio at home. It was in response to a number of circumstances that came together. We hoped that with no rent the remaining part of the business would be profitable. This was not to be.

Then in June, I was asked to take up the role of pastor and parish administrator at an inner city parish. The net effect was ‘bringing our boat to land, and leaving everything and following him’ as in this week’s Gospel Luke 5: 1-11.

In the Gospel, it is compressed into one experience for Simon and his business associates. For us though, it was a gradual movement, over years, by saying yes to Jesus at different crossroads. Last year was the most recent leg of a long journey that led to ‘leaving everything and following him’.

This letting go was more than leaving a physical space and making financial adjustments—it was a deeper surrender, a stripping away of what once felt secure to embrace a life of radical trust. In hindsight, every challenge and transition was a step toward this call, even when we couldn’t see the full picture. Now, in the heart of pastoral ministry, the demands are great, but so too is the grace.

The security we once sought in predictable income and business success has been replaced by the quiet assurance that we are where we are meant to be, doing the work we are meant to do. It is not mentioned in this Gospel narrative, but we have experienced the presence of angels during last year.

They have come as patrons to this newsletter, as persons inviting us to give talks or bless their business, as a special overseas friend who have supported the ministry and other special friends who purchased my Christmas books. This year one appeared asking us to market his housing development (see the link at the end of this post).

Friend, probably you also are going through a sort of stripping, a special call to leave a boat behind and follow Jesus. I know it is difficult. I have been through it myself. My humble advice is not to keep it to yourself, but like Simon with his business associates, share it with close friends. This is a time of prayer and discernment. A time to ask for faith, hope and courage.

But I assure you that Jesus is walking with you and in His presence, all shall be well. It is a Jubilee Year of Hope. And Hope is the assurance that you will come through on the other side transformed and full of Joy for having made the pilgrimage.

I have started a new membership program geared to rewiring our minds from anxiety, visit the site to learn more at the following link (New Program LINK)

Also, please visit and share the link to the Housing Development (Ashoka Heights St Augustine Housing Development LINK)