The Dream

In the 80’s, my dream was to own a red Jeep Wrangler and to work in the world of sports.

It is now 2019 and I am 48. I’m living that dream.

I currently drive a 2004 red Jeep (Liberty) and work at Academy Sports + Outdoors, unloading trucks at 3am.

I guess I should have been more specific.

Lord, I’d like a brand new red Jeep Wrangler and to play for the Detroit Pistons. While I’m asking…I’d like to be 29 again. Thanks.

#jobrecommendations #lookingforanewcareer #appreciateprayers #ahighschoolersdream

 

This is Dons most recent Facebook status.  If I were to type out mine, it would sound something like this.

 

In the 80’s, my dream was to own a black Jeep Wrangler and to be a Top Gun pilot with big hair.

 

But it’s the 2000’s and our lives look a lot different than we expected.  There are so many parts of it that we love and wouldn’t change. We’ve had so many opportunities we never dreamed of, so many relationships that we treasure and so much growth we didn’t know we needed. Life is good and God has used us despite many shortcomings.  We are thankful.

 

At this moment, I’m sitting in Purchase Effect.  80’s music is playing and people are walking in commenting on the smell of leather and marveling at the talent it takes to make each item. Some share their stories of traveling for vacation, business or a mission trip.

 

It’s easy at this point, to begin a conversation with a simple question. “Tell me more.” Some take advantage of the two vintage, leather chairs that I found in a local thrift store and have a seat, while others talk while they shop. It may be just for a few minutes or an hour or more, but people feel safe to share here.  Occasionally, with their permission, I pray for them.  I hand them a Purchase Effect business card with my personal phone number. Just like that, I have a new friend, a new relationship.  Often we share the same passions for the fight against injustice, same compassionate heart for those less fortunate, but not always the same faith. 

 

Over the last few years, we have found ourselves more and more involved in the local community, living missionally in our own backyard.

 

According to Wikipedia, In Christianity, missional living is the adoption of the posture, thinking, behaviors, and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the gospel message.

 

Purchase Effect has given us an opportunity do this…with your help. To answer a few questions we’ve received of late…

 

Yes! I, Connie, am still on staff with Adventures In Missions. Over 13 years now! Yes, I still lead trips as they need.Yes! We still need your prayers and financial support. Your support thru Adventures allows me to be in the store and the community Monday – Friday.  I don’t receive a paycheck through Purchase Effect. Currently, we are short on monthly supporters. If you’d like to help out, please reach out via email –[email protected] and I can send you a link to give through. And Yes! Your prayers are what sustain us.

 

What is my dream now? Driving our faithful Xterra to the town square and back, counting down the days until the Top Gun sequel, embracing my big hair and serving God and others through business as missions with Don Rock. I’m living my dream.

 

How can you pray for me? Wisdom in business, favor in relationships, boldness in sharing the gospel and peace in the unknown. I leave for Thailand again on the 18th. (More about that trip later)

 

What is Don’s dream now? He’s not sure. But knows that learning, serving and discipleship is part of it. After spending all his adult life working in churches and non-profits, it’s been difficult to find a career for this next stage of life.  He’s teaching himself coding online, in hopes that it gives him opportunities to do other things that he loves down the road.

 

How can you pray for Don? Physical health as he is lifting heavy things morning after morning. Joy as he works a job he doesn’t love. Encouragement and confidence in the job-hunt.  That the Lord would give him a dream again.

 

Thank you!

We thank God every time we remember you…often saying, “we wish we lived closer…” We pray with joy because of your friendship and partnership in the gospel over the years. We are confident of this, that he who began a good work in all of us, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. We pray that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of Christ. That you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless through Jesus Christ. Please pray the same for us.

To the glory and praise of God.

The Rocks