April, 1993 — It had not quite been a year since I left the hospital following my auto accident, when I was released from my employment. Since I had been gainfully employed for almost 40 years, I was totally unprepared for this event. Like others having a similar experience, I felt traumatized to find myself among the unemployed. Following a short time of being in a daze, however, my wife, Sis. Annette, and I came to the realization that God was in control and we should see what He wanted us to do.
Starting with companies in the metro-Detroit area, I sent out over 70 resumes. By the end of May, I was finally offered a position with a company in Kalamazoo (120 miles west of Detroit). Our daughter, Sis. Leslie, who wants to be an occupational therapist, found Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo is one of only three Michigan colleges offering the course. This helped to make us feel moving to Kalamazoo might be a right decision.
For over 5 months, Leslie and I commuted about 100 miles one way from our home outside Detroit. During that time, I kept feelers open with the other companies that had shown some interest in me. We felt if something else happened, we might be able to stay in our ecclesia.
When it became clear that a move was inevitable, several of the brothers and sisters in our local area expressed concern over whether or not we were doing the right thing. In fact, some were quite vocal that we were doing the wrong thing by moving into isolation, particularly since we were taking Leslie away from an active ecclesial area. We attempted to let them know, in a firm but brotherly way, that we fully believed God would do the right thing by our family. We were not moving into isolation of our own choice; we believed when we sold our home and moved to Kalamazoo we were doing what God wanted us to do.
We believe we have been sent into this area to bring God’s Word to the people who live here; both to the permanent residents, as well as the students who attend the universities. We believe with God’s help, the Truth will come to this area. In the meanwhile, we attempt to attend ecclesial meetings a couple of times a month in Novi; and at other times, we hold meetings at home or with a sister who also lives “in isolation,” within driving distance.
Circumstances alter cases
The move has brought about a few adjustments in our way of worship.
There will no doubt be some who read this who will smile, for I have come to find out — circumstances do alter cases. I remember many years ago taking a firm position that in small meetings the brother must do it all. He should read, give the prayers, give a talk and preside over the service.
As noted, we try to meet with a sister who lives nearby, from time to time, either at her place, or ours. She lives about an hour from us. The first time we had our memorial meeting at her home, we sat around the table in her kitchen, with her two sons. Following my doing the readings, I was startled when she began asking some questions. What should I do? Should I ask her to be silent? I just tried to handle her questions as quickly as I could. Sis. Annette and I discussed this on the way home, and Annette suggested we do the daily readings separately, as Sunday School.
This would include her and her two sons; we all read around and discuss the readings, bringing out points of interest and handling any questions brought up by anyone. We try to zero in on points that could bring out lessons for the boys, as well as the rest of us. We try to encourage the sister to ask any and all questions she might have. Then we hold our Memorial meeting. We have handled it this way since that time, and we are astounded at how much the Truth means to people who live in isolation. Rather than the Truth being a part of life, it becomes life itself.
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name” (Mal. 3:16).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One