THE TURKEY FARM

A turkey farm? He believed he had been called to be a pastor. He was disillusioned with his last pastoral position. His father owned a turkey farm so he headed back to a familiar place. What now? He thought he knew his calling yet here he was back on his father’s turkey farm. Days were spent feeding, raising, and getting the turkeys ready for their “debut”. At nights he lulled them to sleep with the strumming of his guitar. But, like Moses, Gods great men were “ set aside” to learn from Him what it means to truly serve His flock ( ok, sheep, turkeys, does it really matter? ). A few years later he was sent back into the ministry to share the love of Jesus, only this time it looked different. His “ pulpit” was daily driving to Flagstaff delivering glass, picking up strangers as a LYFT driver, playing the guitar to people instead of turkeys, and loving on a lot of grandchildren!! I worked with this amazing, godly man, Rod Johnson. One day I received a call from a customer I often spoke to. I learned that she wasn’t going to be able to have a Thanksgiving with her big family, including the grandchildren, due to their financial situation. I asked Rod if he could deliver a turkey to them since it was on his route. He asked more questions about this family. He and his wife also surprised the family with all the goodies, more than enough to feed them all ( oh, did I mention that we got the wrong account, and as he was halfway back, I found the correct one and he went ALL the way back to deliver the dinner?) The following week that same customer called to thank us all, especially Rod and his wife, for all the JOY they received. As she said “ we saw Jesus in the flesh” that Thanksgiving”. Ironically, Rod passed away just before this Thanksgiving. While at his funeral yesterday, God reminded me that what we call “detours” from our plans, are really Gods path of JOY for us. Rod made such a difference in people’s lives in all the various roles he had after leaving that turkey farm. So, while many of you are getting ready to celebrate your Thanksgiving, I pray that the story of this one mans life, Rod Johnson, will be an encouragement to share the love of Jesus “ in the flesh”. And if you still don’t know Jesus? As Rod would often say “ tell me your story and I’ll tell you of the one who can bring it all together-how can I pray for you?”