Downtown Update

Tuesday, October 12.

I went to three employment agencies in my effort to find a means of income. I discovered that one of the agencies, A & R Staffing, is located in the "old post office" on 24th and Lincoln in downtown Ogden. (I walked and prayed past that beautiful old building several times last week, never really stopping to see what businesses were inside.) So, I entered the building, found the correct suite, and filled out an application. The young lady asked me to return with my resume.

At dinner, my son announced that his boss asked him to represent the company at the T.U.B.E. (Top of Utah Business Expo) sponsored by the Ogden Chamber of Commerce.

Wednesday, October 13.

At breakfast I told my son, "I think I'll drop in and see the T.U.B.E. this afternoon!" (I thought this would be a chance to see a little more of my son and visit with business people from around the town, and besides, I also know that this is a great place to get cookies, pens, etc.)

My son went to T.U.B.E. at about 10 AM, while I was at home working on my resume. He called and said, "Hey, there are at least three employment agencies here with booths, you need to come!" So, Sandra dropped me off at about 1 PM . . .

I said hello to my son, met his associates, and then began to walk around. I stopped by the Grand Canyon University booth, had a small piece of pizza, and chatted for a while. I grabbed a cookie at a State Farm Insurance booth and scooted before they tried to talk insurance. Found a bunch of pens here and there. Had a wonderful cookie at the "Ben Lomond Suites" booth, a high class, beautiful old hotel in the tallest building downtown.

Then I found the A & R Staffing booth. I walked up and spoke to the gentleman behind the table. "I filled out an application yesterday!"

"At my office?" he asked.

I said, "Your office . . . are you A or R.?"

"I'm A," he said. "I own the business. What kind of work are you looking for?"

"Well, right now I'm probably best suited for clerical work, so that's what I'm looking for. However, I do have about 39 years of pastoral ministry behind me."

"You do? I may have something for you . . . can you come to my office tomorrow morning?"

"Sure . . ."

"I'm on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army. We need to hire experienced administrators to help us expand your outreach. I'd like to have your resume. Can you come by at 9 AM."

"Absolutely!" We talked for a few more minutes, and then I said, "I'll see you at 9 in the morning!" and wandered off wondering what God is up to. Those of you who have been reading my journals know that I have walked past and prayed for the Salvation Army!

I called Sandra, and she was amazed! We posted a brief note on Facebook asking for prayer.

Thursday, October 14.

I walked into A & R Staffing this morning and went to the reception window. Mr. Arnold jumped up and said, "There's my man!" He led me into his office where we sat down. I handed him my resume. He scanned it quickly and said, "Great! Looks good! I have a meeting over there at 10. They don't know I'm bringing this, but I'm going to try to sell you . . . that's what I do, I sell people!"

We had a great conversation. Early in the conversation, he said, "Growing up, I had about 11 family members who were ministers in the Assemblies of God. They think I've gone over to the dark side."

I said, "You mean you went to your Senior Prom?"

He laughed and said, "Not exactly."

I asked him what kind of help the Salvation Army needs. He said they have closed down the residential Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs for men and women, and now they have to develop new outreach programs. He said, "We need to reach young people! I would rather reach one teenager and keep him off of drugs than try to rehabilitate 10 addicts who will probably go right back on the stuff after they are clean!"

Later he said, "I have an uncle pastoring in Colorado, and two cousins pastoring in Hawaii."

At the end, I thanked him for being willing to meet with me. He said he would get back to me as soon as possible.

I don't want to try to figure out what God is doing, but I know this . . . 1) God led me back to downtown Ogden to apply for employment, 2) He gave me an opportunity to meet a man who has a heart for the people who walk the streets I walked last week, and 3) He may have a ministry position with a great organization, right there in downtown Ogden! Wow!