Over a year ago I was preaching at a family camp in southern Ontario and met a fine young Christian worker and his family who were vacationing and receiving my daily ministry. It was soon discovered that we were kindred spirits and a wonderful friendship soon developed.

The young man adopted me as a mentor and father in the faith. Over the succeeding months a strong bond developed and many visits took place. Several times over the succeeding months we met for fellowship.

Not long ago I received a distress call from him. From the sound of his voice on the phone it was evident he was in trouble. He did not want to tell me the detail of what was troubling him on the phone so a time was set for him and his wife to come and visit me in my office.

When he came he poured out his heart. He had just lost his position in a Christian organization over an indiscretion and was bewildered. What should he do now? Where could he go from here? I listed patiently to him tell the detail of his failure.

He was right in immediately resigning from his position and confessing. But how was he to rebuild his broken world? How was his wife to receive help for the pain she was suffering? Where were they to go from here?

When such a thing happens there are no set rules for what to do next. Many questions need to be answered before a plan can be instituted. Carefully we went through the detail of what the organization wanted to do in the situation and how he could cooperate with them in their wishes.

It is a hard road for someone in leadership when they fail. If they are truly repentant some will wish to forgive and see restoration take place. Others become bitter toward the offender and refuse to show mercy. Occasionally leadership of the organization will split over how to handle the situation. It is difficult to have a common plan for all instances of such an event.

Sometimes there is a denominational office with personnel to move in and give counsel to the organization or the worker. Other times the leadership will call on leaders from sister groups to come and sit in counsel with them.

In this instance I was the resource person the Lord's servant chose to help him and his family. We quickly consented to assist and numerous long distance phone calls and face-to-face visits have taken place.

A daily Scripture and other literature reading program has been instituted and he is making good progress in recovery from a sad situation.

It is heartening to see how his wife has supported him through the difficulties and is seeking to assist in restructuring his life to accommodate the new realities. Susan's minister to her is greatly appreciated.

We thank the Lord that we are available to help such people who fall on hard times and do not have someone to turn to in their time of need. Once again I have been able to help the hurting through being a pastor to pastorless people.

Your prayers for us that we would have wisdom and discernment in counselling such needy people is greatly appreciated. These people are precious in the sight of the Lord and are worthy of our best efforts to come alongside and help bear the burdens they carry.

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Gordon Rumford Ministries
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