THE DECISION chapter 150

Della and I talked and prayed about this move. We had managed to save enough money that it might pay for the education, but I would likely have to work so we could live from month to month. If we moved, what could I do to earn enough money to help us survive?

It was only a week after council when we heard from Rex. It felt like an eternity. He recommended we go to Biola and Talbot in La Mirada, California. There I would be able to complete my bachelor’s degree in one year and because I would be continuing on in the same field, finish my master’s in the second year. Of course I would have to write a master thesis in the same year to pull that off, but it could be done. That was easy for him to say. Most people took another whole year to complete their thesis. Besides, what would I write about?

Biola – Talbot were the most likely choices for my education. They were also on the west coast and closer for us to travel. No one was going to pay for this move. They were a little more expensive than some others, but the time would be shorter because of the one year masters program. I had introduced Della to my friends Bill and Faith Rouse from Long Beach California who we met a council. Before we made a decision, I wanted to know how close we would be too Long Beach. The map didn’t help that much. It was in the area, but then this was going to be the great Los Angeles area. How long did it take to get around?

I had met Bill and Faith through International Bible quizzing. They came to competitions with the South Pacific District. I wanted to talk to them but not before we finalized our decision. I thought they might be able to help us transition. I needed to register, find housing and get a job. The job would have to wait until we got there

I called the Rouses (Bill and Faith) and told them we were planning on moving to La Mirada and if all went well, we could be there in September. They were both excited. “That is near our part of the world. It would be wonderful to have you here for awhile.” They said that if we came, they would do all they could to help us. I said we really needed a place to live and I would need a job. Since this move was going to come up quick, there would not be enough time to get Della a resident card and she would have to come in to the USA on a visitor’s visa. We could only get one for two years. That was enough time if I could get finished on two years. We swallowed that pill and decided we would have to do just that. God would be with us.

So we began to make plans for this grand adventure in trusting God. How would we survive? Could I actually get everything done in two years? I wasn’t the greatest student in the world, just average (B- at CBC). It became very clear to both of us that this was Gods leading. We were excited. A door had opened and we would walk through. This was going to take more discipline that I had ever exerted to this point in my life. Every minute would count. Della wanted some assurance that I would be both a husband father in addition to being a student. To this point I had been a workaholic trying to prove I was worthy to be in ministry. I would pour my life out for the church and not always do the same for my family. Della said that would have to change. I agreed. She would be stuck at home with two preschoolers and I would have the car to get to school and whatever work I could find.

I filled out the application and got all my transcripts together and sent it off. When accepted I was told there was the wife of one of the professors who worked with married students to help them find housing. There was none at the school.

It was late June before most arrangements were made. I announced what we were going to do in early July. I wanted the kids to know we were leaving, There had not yet been an official announcement from the pulpit. I wanted them to hear it from me.

There was still much to do. I had a large group of kids to take to LIFE ’72 in Green Lakes, Wisconsin near the end of July. I had to find a bus to take our group across country. I now knew how many were going. If not mistaken, we had about 40 going. It was going to take a big bus.

I had no trouble telling the board what I was going to do, but telling the kids broke my heart. I did not understand why God was having me leave them so early.

Next I called Bill and Faith to tell them we were coming. I also contacted High school friends Betty and Tom Chase to ask for help. I knew I was going to need all the help I could get.