After completing an intensive 10-week program at the Institute of Ministry, Jean and I returned to Pennsylvania, where I resumed my position at Gaumer’s Plumbing Supply on Allentown’s south side. I remained there for another year and a half.

Gaumer’s was a humble, one-man operation run by Homer Gaumer—a man whose presence was as impactful as his work ethic. Working alongside him felt like earning a graduate degree in both life and faith. Homer had a remarkable way of weaving spiritual insight into the rhythm of our daily tasks, and I absorbed invaluable lessons from him—professionally and spiritually.

About a year after my return, tragedy struck. Homer suffered a fatal heart attack on his way to work. In the aftermath, I stepped in to manage what remained of the business, doing my best to keep it going. But as the months passed, the financial burden grew heavier, and it became clear that continuing was no longer sustainable. Eventually, Gaumer’s Supply closed its doors.

With that chapter behind us, Jean and I turned our eyes once again to Florida.

In January 1977, we packed everything we could into our 1975 Volvo—roof rack overflowing, $400 in cash, and a car payment coupon book tucked in the glove box—and headed south. We had no job lined up, no place to stay, and no one at Christian Retreat expecting us. We didn’t even have a hotel reservation. Still, we believed God would provide. That faith carried us—at least for the first three days.

By the third day, doubt crept in. With no job, no permanent housing, and dwindling funds, we began to question whether we had misunderstood God’s direction. We packed up, ready to return to Pennsylvania while we still had the means.

Before leaving, we decided to say goodbye to Gerald Derstine. We found him working on the platform in the sanctuary. After we shared our situation and plans to leave, he encouraged us to stay, assuring us that things would work out. He even offered us a temporary room in his home. Just then, the person in charge of housing rentals on the conference grounds happened to walk by. After a brief conversation, we learned that a mobile home had just become available—for two weeks. We gratefully accepted.

Two days later, Jean found a job in the conference center’s kitchen. It wasn’t what we expected, but it was exactly what we needed.