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By Gary Nawrocki
I WAS BORN on the Canadian Prairies in the dead of winter, to a young immigrant
meat cutter and his prairie girl bride. My sister was almost a year old when I
was born, and would be my playmate for most of the early years.
My mother had grown up in the church, but my father had become a Christian after
coming to Canada from Germany – where he had very little religious training.
When my parents looked for a church to take their young family to, they had two
main criteria: it had to be within walking distance, and had to be a Bible
believing, gospel preaching church.
It was at this time they discovered the Church of the Nazarene, which became our
church home throughout my growing up years. I was not yet a year old when we
moved to Calgary, Alberta, where we stayed long enough for my second sister to
be added, to make our family complete.
We moved often in my growing up years – 12 times my first 12 years. In my grade one year we moved five times, which gave me
a slow start to my education; but good teachers helped me catch up, and
eventually I did well at school. I loved school – in particular gym class, recess and art class!
Backyard Bible Club
During the summer, after my second grade of school, I attended a Backyard Bible
Club with my sisters and friends. I listened intently as I heard again the
stories of Jesus – His life, death and resurrection.
I remember one day the truth hit me: that it was because I had sinned, that
Jesus died that terrible death on the cross. I felt so horrible, so I went to
the lady leading the club and said I wanted to ask Jesus to forgive my sin and
come into my heart.
I can still remember kneeling on the cement floor in the garage at an old wooden
chair, and there I made the most important choice of my life: I invited Jesus
into my heart. Nearly 40 years have passed since that summer, but I am still
living true to that commitment.
I had a great boyhood, making many friends, many of whom attended church with
me. We had a happy home, filled with love and laughter. Time passed by so
quickly, and soon I was a teen, enjoying the opportunity to participate in
youth group – and trying to catch the attention of the girls!
Tragic test of faith
My older sister found the love of her life, and was married at the young age of
18. But this happy occasion was marred by the knowledge that dad was not well.
He had bone cancer, and we watched helplessly over the next year as he slowly
died before our eyes. It was Mother’s Day of my 18th year that our Lord called my earthly father home to him. If
ever my faith was tested, it was at this time.
Well meaning Christians promised healing. Others offered pat answers that held
little comfort.
I would jog each morning out to the cemetery and back, always praying, often
asking “Why, Lord?” In the quiet of those mornings I would sense God’s simple answer: “Trust me.” And that is what I did – and healing began to happen in my heart and life.
I managed to finish grade 12, and go through the graduation ceremonies – without dad there to cheer me on. When September came, I carried through with
my plans to attend Bible College. I left mom and my younger sister behind, as I made my way across the prairies to
Winnipeg to attend Canadian Nazarene College.
Called but ungifted
There I pursued a Bachelor of Theology degree, preparing to fulfill the calling
I felt on my life to be a pastor. Back in grade nine I had sensed God’s calling to enter the ministry. I thought God was joking at first, for I was so
shy, and felt so ‘ungifted’ that I knew I could never be a pastor.
But this time the call was clear – and that call has never left me.
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My college years were great – living in a Christian community, studying the Bible and theology, and meeting
great friends. Most importantly, I met the person who would become my best
friend, and indeed my wife, while at college.
I noticed Lise the first day she arrived on campus. It took her a full two years
to even notice me!
But God eventually brought us together – and after 20 years of marriage, I know God has blessed me with a wonderful
companion and helpmate.
After college I felt led to go on to Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas
City, Missouri, and there earned my Master of Divinity. This was a wonderful
two years.
I had the opportunity to see the international headquarters of our church up
close, and the people who worked there. I also met friends who now minister
around the world.
After graduation, Lise and I accepted the call to minister in the farming
community of Claresholm in southern Alberta. We had a wonderful six years there, and were blessed with a son, Peter.
New assignment
God then moved us to Kelowna, to a wonderful new assignment, quite different
from the first. A gorgeous daughter, Amanda, was added to our family.
For 12 years we pastored in Kelowna, leading the church through a building
project to add to the sanctuary, and to see the start of excellent ministries
like the Haven, a ladies drop–in centre.
Now God has moved our family to the very beautiful city of Nanaimo on Vancouver
Island. We look forward to seeing this congregation grow and establish itself better in
the community, including a new place of worship some day in the future.
I love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart, soul and strength, and I am so
glad I can give my life in service to him. I know that if he had not called me
to be a pastor, I would serve him just as wholly in whatever profession I
chose.
I am excited about what God is doing in the Church of the Nazarene here in
Nanaimo, and I dearly love the congregation God is building here.
I am so glad I made the choice to follow Jesus when I was still young. I hope
you have, too.
You are never too old to choose to follow Jesus. But we must make our choice
now, in this life, for there is no second chance after death.
“Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . But as for me and
my household, we will serve the Lord.”
– Joshua 24:15
October 2009
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