My first thoughts were "why me?" It is not possible.  For three days God dealt with me and with my questions.  Why a pageant? - It is visual and can transcend language barriers.  God showed me that the building used should be lit outside as well as inside.  He told me it will cost $3.5 million to go to Russia and that there will be a special moving of the Holy Spirit in St.  Petersburg.   I prayed about this impossible call and was reminded in Luke 18:27 that, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." I shared with my wife what had happened to me and then with our music minister when we met to discuss my duties with the Ft.  Lauderdale Christmas Pageant.  He and I agreed to meet regularly and pray about what God would have us to do. 

Two months later I was in the hospital undergoing tests.  The tests showed a tumor on the left kidney, and the treatment was to remove the kidney.  After a second and a third opinion, I agreed to the operation.  But I couldn't understand why God would give me a vision and then allow this to happen to me.  After a time of tears and self pity, I thanked Him for providing a way for me to be healed.  The tumor was cancerous; however, no further treatment was recommended.  Results from follow-up tests since that time have been good. 

On my last day in the hospital I walked the halls for exercise, returned to my room to watch a baseball game and fell asleep immediately.  I began to hear the sweetest, most beautiful, peaceful music one can imagine.  Then forms began to drift toward me.  As they drew closer, one came to me and said, "You have been touched by the Master-you have been healed." The singing grew fainter, and I did not want to wake up.  I can remember struggling not to---but I did.  I was limp and wet with sweat and amazed with what had happened.  I said, "Lord that was wonderful.  Why did it happen to me?" The answer that filled my mind was that the prayers lifted up for me had been answered.  At first I was reluctant to share with others the call God had made on my life and also what I call my "angel experience" in the hospital.  They might think I was crazy.  But I soon learned that others were blessed by it. 

God kept Russia before me throughout the next year.   May 15, 1996, I went to a Wednesday night service while my wife went to choir practice.   All of the ministers were away at a conference, and a guest speaker I did not know was to give the message.  I was tired and almost went home, but my wife was upstairs singing with the choir.  I stayed, and God blessed.  The speaker said that America is the greatest country in the world, and you wouldn't want to be anywhere else unless God called you to go to the mission field.  He had my attention.  Then he said, "If you want to see God and know Him, you have to give Him your heart and give Him all of it." He reminded us how the angels ministered to Elijah.  They gave him food and clothing and even brought him a word from the Lord.  Then he said, "Why would you think God quit sending his angels to speak to people just because the Old Testament ended?" 

It was at that moment that I committed my life to do what He asked me to do.  The next day a friend suggested we form a men's prayer group to meet weekly and seek God's wisdom and direction.  We believe the blessings we have received are a result of prayer.  The church recommended that we set up our own nonprofit corporation.  It is named Revelation Ministries, Inc.  and has as its purpose to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through music and drama to the people of Russia and wherever else God may lead.