Foreword
I have often heard it said that the easiest way to make God laugh is to tell him that you have plans. In 1982, I had great plans for the business my partner and I were developing. Then I attended one of Charlie's week-long parish missions. He talked about giving up a flourishing business and devoting his life to preaching the Good News.
Obviously he touched a part of my soul. Within a few months I had done virtually the same thing and entered a seminary. A seed which had been planted by my pastor was watered by Charlie's words!
Fast forward to 2005. I hadn't had any contact with Charlie since that week in 1982. By now I was pastor of St. Anne's Parish in Pensacola, Florida. Someone just happened to mention that Charlie was now retired and living in Pensacola. He had made plans to spend his remaining years relaxing in the Florida sun and fishing.
Again, God laughed at someone having made plans. I looked Charlie up, and we had a grand reunion. Since that time he has revived the School of Evangelization and has been working out of our parish on the west side of Pensacola. As we work together to spread the good news of God's love, we often laugh in amazement at how a chance meeting 25 years ago changed the plans of two men who now enjoy the opportunity to share the ministry that was in God's plan all along!
Father Jack
Very Reverend John F. Gray, VF
5200 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32526
 Back to Top |
