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It was twenty years ago this month that Emily and I first came to Eleuthera. Originally we came with our team from Cedarville University on a short term trip to the soon to be opened Eleuthera Bible Training Center (EBTC). It was on this first trip that I became enamored with the people of the Bahamas and the rich potential for ministry.
The next few years saw us getting married and soon moving as full-time missionaries to serve the churches of Eleuthera with bible training and the equipping of church leaders. God saw us through many joys and sorrows in those days, and His faithfulness is the predominate marker that taught us how we can lean on and trust in His purposes and plan.
After some personnel and housing changes with EBTC we found ourselves in partnership with Windermere High School serving as Campus Coordinator and Vice Principal while also chartering the Windermere Bible College. This next major chapter in our ministry as missionaries saw the Lord gathering together a team of coworkers and host of churches who all pulled together and in sacrificial contribution to see the school rise to new heights. From extracurricular classes and the return of sports teams, to the island choir concerts and community ministry – our time at WHS was so fruitful and fun.
This past trip to the island marks 20 years of ministry for Emily and I as full-time and part-time missionaries. And of all the many memories and lasting glimpses of God’s faithfulness that we received, this trip included an extra special gift. One evening while we took the kids to see the sunset at the glass window bridge, a car unexpectedly stopped in the middle of the narrow single lane path, and a voice said, “is that Ryan?”
Out stepped one of my very first students (and I might add most challenging and inquisitive students) John Gibson. When he saw us, he just had to say “Hi” and then in a moment of spontaneity he said, “This might now be the best place for it, but I have to introduce you to my newborn son.” Right there and then in the middle of the single lane bridge that connects the north and south parts of Eleuthera. John unbuckled his first born son to show us. The pride in his eyes was like a treasure, and his excitement to share this blessing with his old science teacher meant the world to us. Emily has always loved John as one of her most favorite students, and as the cars began to stack up waiting to cross, we shook hands and I told him how proud on him I was.
20 years ago, Emily and I along with a bunch of college students helped pour a concrete slab that would eventually turn into a basketball court. This past trip, my 13 year old son and I shot hoops on that same court. Our lives have taken turns and gone in directions that we wouldn’t have every anticipated. And yet, God’s faithfulness remains constant. We are thankful for fruitful ministry throughout these past two decades, and we look with humble optimism for whatever the next few decades have in store for us as well.