On August 24, 2023, Ingrid and I learned we would be leaving our ministry posts at the Collegedale Church on the campus of Southern Adventist University. Earlier that day, the Holy Spirit showed me the following quote:
Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest. Let us remember that the life of God’s children in this world is a pilgrim life…God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him (Ministry of Healing, 478-479).
These words have been a source of strength and courage for our family through the most unforeseen of circumstances. After 26 years in pastoral ministry, God opened a door for my wife and myself to do a ministry swap. Ingrid is now senior pastor of the Andover and Cambridge churches, and I have the opportunity to support her ministry, launch a discipleship coaching business, and partner with Minnesota Conference in the development of its Tent Makers Network.
Returning to our Roots
Through all the changes, we didn’t realize Jesus was bringing us back to our Minnesota roots. During camp meeting last summer we were surprised to learn about a story that confirmed our call to Minnesota.
In June of 1875, Minnesota camp meeting was held near Mankato at Allen Moon’s sawmill in the town of Eagle Lake. Allen was an Adventist. His brother Zimri worked with Allen at the mill but wanted nothing to do with Adventists.
James and Ellen White arrived at Eagle Lake on June 26 at 3am. Torrential rains delayed their arrival by washing out the train tracks, and their belongings were soaked. After ministering all day Sabbath, they awoke to more rain on Sunday morning. When the sun finally broke through the clouds at noon, James and Ellen decided to ask the neighbors if it would be ok to hang out their laundry. The Whites didn’t want to cause offense because Sunday was the neighbors’ day of worship.
As providence ordained, the neighboring household was the home of Zimri Moon. He was so impressed by the Whites courtesy that he decided to attend the rest of camp meeting. As a result, Zimri’s family joined the Adventist Church.
About a year later Allen and Zimri’s younger brother became a widower. The two brothers banded together to help care for his son Arthur. When it was time for Arthur to attend college, the brothers sponsored his ministerial studies in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Then in 1897, my great-grandfather Arthur Moon returned to Minnesota to begin his career as a Seventh-day Adventist pastor. It was my great-great-uncles who made Arthur’s ministry possible through their generous support. Their tent making efforts also made it possible for Ingrid and myself to move to Minnesota 127 years later.
Tent Making in the 21st Century
I am honored to carry on in the tent making heritage of Allen and Zimri Moon by helping the Minnesota Conference launch the new Tent Makers Network which Elder Jeff Scoggins announced at camp meeting this past summer. The name “tent making” is based on the Apostle Paul’s ministry in Corinth where he funded his gospel work by making tents with Aquila and Priscilla (see Acts 18).
Like Paul, Minnesota Tent Makers are service workers, business leaders, mechanics, medical professionals, bankers, police officers and a variety of other professionals who show up to share Jesus’ love at work, home, worship and play.
Our goal is to join Jesus in blessing the people we live and work with. Imagine the difference we can make by serving as the pastoral presence of Jesus in our work, family, recreation and retirement. What if we were known as the people who pray with people? What if we chose to bless co-workers, neighbors, family and friends with no strings attached?
As Tent Makers we will gather and share stories of God’s activities. We will also come together for training events and fellowship with other tentmakers online and in person. As we claim God’s promises, pray together, and give witness to what God is doing through Tent Making, we will find the courage to bring church to those in our community who haven’t found the courage to come to church. We will trust Jesus to grow His church.
Read the full story at outlookmag.org/tent-makers
