In October of 1989, our family was living in SanFransisco when a major earthquake occurred. We actually lived on Treasure Island and because part of the bridge collapsed, we were stranded on the island for three days. Once they opened up one half of the bridge, I took my wife and two daughters to the airport where they flew home never to return to beautiful California. The earthquake not only split our house in two, but it also shook us emotionally.
While Deena was at home and I was still serving in the Navy, trying to get orders to the east coast, she started going to church where we went when we were dating. The pastor that had served at the church when Deena and I got married was no longer there. They had a new pastor and I heard he was a little crazy. Over the next few weeks, Deena recommitted her life to Christ. I remember her calling me to tell me the great news! (Oh boy! This is just want I wanted. Yeah right! I wasn’t ready to start going to church and I wasn’t ready to change my lifestyle.)
I finally got my orders to the east coast and I took 45 days off in between duty stations. When I got home to Georgia, Deena wanted me to go to church with her. I had nothing else to do, so I went. While I was there, it was as if God had a message just for me that day. I went back the next week, and the exact same thing happened. Needless to say, I recommitted my life to Jesus after a couple of weeks. God changed my heart, my behavior and my desires immediately. It was truly a life transformation.
God used that pastor and his wife in a huge way in my life and in my marriage. Their names are Roger and Carol Kittle. Deena and I had an opportunity to spend some time with them today. They actually drove for an hour to see us and have lunch with us. I asked Roger today, “Roger, why in the world did you and Carol befriend us in 1990? I don’t understand. You knew we would only be at your church for less than two months. Yet we became such good friends during that month and a half. Why did you do it?” I was reflecting on this yesterday and just praising God for a pastor that cared for someone even though they would not be around very long. Because of their friendship, their caring, their love, their compassion, their time and their heart, Deena and I had our lives changed.
Over the years that followed, we would always visit them each time we came home. We would play cards, cut up, laugh a lot, and even cry sometimes. They always encouraged us and challenged us. Six years later, while on vacation in Georgia, we attended a New Year’s Eve prayer service at his church. During that time of prayer, God spoke to my heart and I surrendered to full time ministry. Now here I am, pastoring a church for the last nine years, having lunch with the man that was used by God to impact the city of Chesapeake! Isn’t it amazing! We will never know the impact our lives will have on others. We will never know how much we will impact the kingdom of God.
So here they are! We took this picture today and I hope you will pray for them and praise God for them. Even drop him a email if you want. (r.kittle@yahoo.com) Because if God had not used this couple, Sonlight would not even be around today. I love you guys!
I’m in tears as I read this post, Hershel. I do praise God for Roger and Carol, who ultimately impacted MY life through you and Deena. God has changed my life in so many ways as a result of your obedience to Him in starting Sonlight…and I can’t even begin to think where I’d be without this church. I don’t want to think about i. As Roger and Carol accepted you, you and Deena accepted me.
We serve an amazing God who takes in the lost and gives us what we need at the right time. I can’t begin to thank God enough for all four of you. May He richly bless you. I love you guys so much.