One evening in the spring of 2001 I prayed with a woman over the phone that recently had lost her husband. After I hung up the phone I thank God for allowing me to share with her for a few moments in her loneliness. In prayer that night I simply asked God, “Is it time?” Of course you are asking, “Is it time for what?” For thirty plus years God had blessed me with a good paying vocation and I loved the job. I had security, wonderful family; why would I change my life now at 48 years old. However, for those thirty plus years my life, I had spent most of the free time sharing in music ministry. Almost every weekend I was somewhere sharing what God had done in my life and could do in the lives of others. I always said I wish that I could be in ministry full time. I told many people how I felt but never asked God; afraid what He might say. Well that night after the telephone call the words slipped out! “Is it time?”
I don’t think I realized what I had said in that prayer. The next day, Friday on my way to work God answered me.
“It IS time.” No there was no voice; I just heard, “It IS time.” Of course there was that feeling of overwhelming peace. The same peace that I had first felt when I accepted the Lord as Savior.
That evening I told my wife Linda what happen that day. God had already prepared her for this day. We had been married for almost 29 years and she too has followed the Lord’s leading many times. That weekend I wrote a letter of resignation from the company that I had worked for 25 years. Monday I handed it to my boss with no reservations. He too knew that God was calling me. I worked for several more months to complete my years of service of 25 years with the company. I must say it was hard leaving, but as I drove home that last day again God gave me peace.
Months prior to my last day of employment I formed the non profit organization Dan Schall Ministries. God had a hand in it all. He brought a Christian lawyer to help me form the organization, nine Christian individuals who agreed to be on the board. Then came the financial support from churches and individuals from all places. Each day God continues to solve any problems that arise.
Dan Schall Ministries has other facets than just sharing the Gospel through music. The majority of my time is spend visiting people one on one. People that I meet through the music. Ones who are lonely, struggling with problems in their lives. People that sometimes just need someone to listen and care. Dan Schall Ministries also provides scholarships to individuals to help them with their education for entering some type of ministry. Other areas of ministry are web casts, internet prayer ministry, and recorded music on cassettes and CD’s that reach thousands.
Years later I continue to sing to the Glory of God. I strive to share my faith, and encourage others to be part of the Kingdom of God. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and two special children. We all have had trials and tribulations, but we do have help going through them each time. As each year passes the month of June is special to me. A time that I reflect back and remember how my life was changed, how my life is now, and praise Him for His love for me.
Dan
