Surprise Blessings

by Pastor David Schnittger

Some of the most significant blessings in my life have taken me by surprise. In 1967 a schoolmate invited me to a Christian camp. I went to escape summer boredom, but while there became a Christian. In 1977 I started attending a new church known for its sound doctrine and great choir! The first night of choir practice I met Paula, who has now been my wife for over 25 years.

The Dream

In 1995, it became obvious to Kyle and me as well as several lay leaders, that, because of significant doctrinal and ethical issues, we had to separate ourselves from this church. The Lord led us to begin a new church, originally called Pioneer Bible Church. It was my "dream" to again serve with Kyle in shepherding the new work. While the new church grew rapidly, it was not initially large enough to support two pastors. Kyle was called to be the senior pastor and I accepted a call to be the senior pastor of a church in Austin, Texas.

August 6, 1995 was a very significant day in my life as well as in the life of this new church. On that Sunday, Pioneer Bible Church changed its name to Occoquan Bible Church. It also moved from its original location, using the facility of Covenant Community Church in Fairfax County, to its new home at Rockledge Elementary School in Prince William County. That Sunday was also the farewell service for my family, as we were commissioned to our new assignment in Texas. The theme text for that occasion was Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It was with mixed feelings that I left my good friends at OBC to begin ministry in Texas.

Death of The Dream

 

Paula Schnittger teaching Children's Church

The dream of pastoring at OBC was quickly lost in the myriad of responsibilities that awaited me in Texas. Kyle and I stayed in touch and I continued to pray for and miss my friends at OBC. I was thrilled to be invited back to preach at the second anniversary service in April 1997. It was also a delight three years later, to share a testimony at OBC's fifth anniversary dinner. By this time, I was serving as an associate pastor in the Ft. Wayne area. In the summer of 2000, I brought a dozen teenagers from my church to teach 5-Day Clubs at OBC. It was great to partner with OBC again and renew friendships.

In June 2001, after two years on staff at the Indiana church, I came to the conclusion that my gifts were not being adequately utilized there. I began praying daily for the Lord to lead me to a ministry where I could more fully serve Him. Paula and I told only her parents of our search. I sent out several resumes over the next 14 months, but not once did the thought of serving at OBC enter my mind. On August 20, 2002, my service at the church in Indiana ended. On that same day, I received a "surprise" phone call from Pastor Kyle. He informed me that on Sunday, August 18, Pastor Pete announced his call to another church. Kyle asked me if I would consider an associate position at OBC. I replied, "I am ready to go!"

Resurrection of the Dream

On that surprising day, the Lord brought to my mind the promises of Hebrews 13:5, 6: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" I clung to these promises over the next seven months as I worked at various jobs and pursued the candidating process at OBC. I continued to pray daily that the Lord would open just the right door for ministry.

What a joy it was when, on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2003 I began ministry at OBC. This was almost exactly eight years to the day after my pastoral partnership with Kyle had ended. The dream that died eight years before was resurrected! Having served at OBC for a year now, truly this has been a "dream-come-true" experience. I often refer to it as a "sweet reprise." I praise God for the opportunity to serve again with Pastor Kyle, with many who were "pioneers" in the early days of OBC and with those whom God has brought along through the years.

As I look again at Jeremiah 29, I notice verse 11 in its wider context: This is what the LORD says: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity (vv. 10-14a). Some of the most significant blessings in my life have taken me by surprise!