You might have noticed that the headings on my articles have been blank for a few weeks; I have been in transition.

The year 2021 ended in a struggle for me. The ministry I started 28 years ago voted me out and gave me a short time to move out of my office. It was stressful as I collected all my books, awards, plaques, souvenirs and gifts from friends and churches around the world. In just a few days, I moved all my possessions into Storage Unit No. 560.

I tell you this because difficult times have been one of the ways God has moved me to where He wants me. As a missionary, I have taught thousands of times that “Our disappointment is God’s divine appointment.” Through missed planes and trains or canceled meetings, I have found myself at the right place at the right time to serve God. And it was no different this time.

When I retired, I knew God wasn’t done with me yet. But I also knew that I needed to change where I expended my energy. I had spent 45 years leading a missions organization; planting churches; working in churches, youth camps, Disciple Nows and conferences; and writing books. When I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with the cross in 2013, God spoke to me to lay the cross down and let the next generation pick it up. In the next season of my life, I was to be a mentor, an encourager, a sounding board for those who were now taking up the cross. God shifted me from leading to walking alongside those who seek to follow Him.

I struggled for four years as to what this meant. It was a dark time in my life as I tried to wait upon God’s timing, but I am not very good at waiting. In 2018 I began to figure out what God wanted, and I started a small ministry called Back 40 Ministries Inc. I was to come alongside churches, pastors and ministries to help them recenter themselves. Little did I know God had churches and organization out there waiting for this kind of ministry.

I did not seek it, but God began bringing along partners and friends to support this new journey in prayer, encouragement and financial support.

Back 40 Ministries Inc. is a network of gifted, godly and talented people. We have writers, editors, artists, graphic artists, speakers, prayer partners, podcasters, apologists, translators, counselors, worship leaders and encouragers who have become a part of the Back 40 family.  We are providing help, resources and conferences in many different areas.

In my 48 years of ministry, I have learned that God doesn’t create lone rangers in the body of Christ. Ministry is not me, but we. Not only is this group diverse but scattered around the world and growing rapidly. When we allow God to bring His gifts together for His purpose, we can do great things.

“Where God guides. He provides” is another truth I have taught missionaries for years. Prayer is always the greatest need in the life of any church or ministry. In November, I partnered with Choctaw Road Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. We took 21 to serve in Piedras Negras, Mexico. One of the families on that trip was the Ashworth family with three young children. When they returned home, they felt led to start Back 40 Fridays. Each Friday, their family would gather and pray for specific needs that surround this ministry. They made a prayer journal with our logo, and their family receives prayer updates.  Now, many across the globe are joining in on Back 40 Friday to pray.

This ministry is still in the developing stages. We are working on our website; it is up but not yet complete. We don’t have a list posted yet of our partners and staff.

Why did I name this new ministry Back 40? It’s a term I grew up with. My grandfather was a farmer and cattleman. When I used to visit my grandparents, I would ask my grandmother, “Where is Granddad?”

“The back 40,” she would reply. My grandparents lived on the front 40 acres, but the work was done in the back 40. I have come home to work the back 40. Jesus said it best, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work,” (John 9:4, ESV).

If you are interested in being a part of the Back 40 Fridays Prayer Team, go to back40.org and sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the page or visit the Back 40 Ministries Inc. International Headquarters, located in storage unit No. 560 in Tulsa.