by Mark Milioni
There is great power in a story. Jesus recognized this and taught through the power of stories. In fact the Bible is a collection of stories God uses to teach us about Him and His ways — great stories of men and women that gave their lives to make a difference in the world for God.
God is still writing stories — with every student there is a story of God’s call and purpose. Please let me introduce you to a couple of stories God is currently writing.
“I love this place.” Those are the words of 39-year-old freshman Shannon Mulford. Shannon grew up in the home of his pastor and father, George Mulford. It was hard for Shannon to jump into the ministry because it seemed like so many in the family already had, so he didn’t want to do it just because they had. After getting married at 19 to Tonya, the two started their own journey. Still active in their church, Shannon began in the insurance business and experienced great success at a young age. But God would not leave him alone and there was always something missing. Shannon went on to work as a financial adviser, again finding great success but still not the satisfaction one would think. He had everything this world desires — great family and large home — but his heart was still not satisfied. He knew God wanted him, but he just kept putting it off.
Shannon started his own business so he could spend more time with his family and this business also made it possible for them to move closer to their families. They moved about one year ago, enjoyed being near family and friends and even the involvement in church — but there was still something missing.
Shannon’s father began a series of messages on the seven churches in Revelation. One church a week was discussed and with each church these words were shared by Jesus, “I know thy works.” These words, Shannon said, convicted his heart each week. He knew that even though he was busy serving his church and his family, God wanted his life in the ministry. He simply could not escape the conviction and the call God had on his life. On that last Sunday of these messages, he could not wait to come forward and finally surrender his life to full-time ministry.
Shannon knew he needed training and looked at the options available — there were some options that would even allow him to stay in Florida. But he knew God wanted him to fully commit and that Baptist Bible College was the place to be trained for full-time ministry. This past August 2012, Shannon and his family made their move to Springfield.
Looking at his life with much less income, a much smaller home, but with greater peace, joy, and satisfaction than he has ever known, Shannon without hesitation says, “I love this place.” He says, “Following God’s way is the best way. I love BBC. Being here is so much better than I ever imagined. The professors really know the Bible and are world-class teachers. It really is a hidden gem in the world.”
We are so glad to be a part of the story God is writing with Shannon’s life.
A.J. Watson recently said something that confirmed my belief in BBC. A.J.’s story begins with a pretty tough background — a life that would never fit in with the rules and atmosphere of BBC. A.J. recently told me his intention for BBC was all about basketball, but while he was here something happened. One day while studying, things just seemed to make sense and A.J. received Christ. His life, which had been all about himself, suddenly changed. He now lives to make a difference in the lives others. A.J. says, “If Christ hadn’t found me, I would be a mess.” He lovingly says, “When I came I didn’t like the rules but now I love this place. This place changed my life. If it weren’t for BBC I would be lost. Now I have a new direction and motivation.”
Now, A.J. is excited to use basketball to reach children for Christ. We are excited about the story God is writing with A.J.’s life.
It could be that you are not pleased with the story your life is writing, but that can change. God wants to use our lives to make a difference and every life has an opportunity to make a difference.
Thank you for being involved in the stories God is writing. Your gifts, your prayer, and your friendship mean everything.