From Jim McKelvey

September 28 , 2005

Dear Friends,
What do you do when, after two years, all that you’ve planned for, prayed for, and worked for, suddenly crumbles and you don’t have Plan B in mind? When we started a church in Fallbrook 10 years ago, our goal, was to leave an established church in the hands of an Hispanic pastor and move on to a new ministry in a new location. Two years ago, God brought us that man, and we began seeking the Lord’s direction for our next step. Just prior to Pastor Ramiro’s coming, I was diagnosed with probable, early Alzheimer’s.

At that time we began thinking about getting into a retirement community where I could receive adequate care, should that diagnosis prove to be true, and from which we could continue working in support ministries to Hispanic churches as long as I was able. We felt the Lord directed us to just the right place,
Mt. Miguel Covenant Village, near San Diego. We applied and were accepted for residency there. After being on the waiting list for 2 years, we were told on April12th that 3 apartments were available. On the 13th we made our selection, and on the 16th we chose the apartment’s color scheme and put down our deposit. On the 18th we put our mobile home on the market and started taking steps for downsizing to a 1 bedroom apartment. As prospective buyers came by, we began getting excited about our move. However, on May 10th, all forward movement came to a halt when a call from Mt. Miguel informed us that a new look at our financial portfolio showed we probably would not qualify for residency there after all!!

The shock and disappointment shook us for about a day and a half, but as we praised the Lord anyway, and reaffirmed our trust in Him. He picked us up and helped us to find a Plan B while we waited for Mt. Miguel’s final word.

Our oldest son Sam, who lives about an hours drive away from us in Hemet, CA, told us there is a sizable Hispanic population there. Little by little, that vague possibility developed into a viable option. When, after 4 weeks we found out how short we were of qualifying at Mt. Miguel, we forged ahead in active pursuit of Plan B in Hemet. In one week’s time, the Lord confirmed that in our hearts. In a short time we found at least 9 Hispanic churches with whom we could work, and began searching for a new mobile home. We withdrew our application from Mt. Miguel Covenant Village on June 15th, and put a deposit down on a mobile home in Hemet. We anticipate moving the last week in July, contingent upon the sale of our home in Fallbrook.

Incidentally, the icing on the cake is that providentially, the Lord just guided my sister Nancy to leave Illinois and move in with our recently widowed Brother, John, who lives just 5 houses down the street from our son, Sam and his family!!

By the way, the Lord has been gracious to me in the 2 ½ years since my diagnosis, in giving me a clear mind. I will continue indefinitely on the medications prescribed for me at that time, and I’m trusting the Lord to give me at least 10 more years of active ministry. We would love to hear from you.

Gratefully yours,
Jim & Gail McKelvey

New email: jgmckelvey@verizon.net