A New Calling

The last words of Jesus to his disciples are found in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” These final words before he ascended to his heavenly throne were marching orders for his followers. We have been commanded to reproduce spiritually. We are called to make disciples and that must include children entrusted to our care for such a short time.

As I write this, I am nearly a week into “retirement.” Last Friday was an eventful and exciting day where we celebrated the end of a twenty year naval career. When some of our friends found out about our plans to retire, they were a bit confused. They had prayed earnestly and faithfully for me to be able to stay in just four years ago and now we are deciding to get out.

Of course, the only thing that stays the same is that everything changes. In that time, I have reached retirement eligibility, I have been an O-4 for three years and we have been living aboard Ankyrios, our 2003 Lagoon 380. We had always said that twenty years was arbitrary; that we would stay in the Navy (to which God had called us) until God called us to something else. Well, God has called us to something else. He has given us a passion for a new work.

Beginning next month, the Kelly Family will be heading South of the border to begin our five year mission work as we sail Ankyrios around the world. We will finally be together as a family and will be doing ministry together. For too long, ministry has meant that “Daddy has to leave.” Now we will be able to model Christian service to our children and pass on a legacy of missionary service to them.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20