In the Spring of 2018, I received a call from the Executive Director of the school my children attended.  We had become very good friends while campaigning for several months for a new school building that was coming to fruition in the matter of a few months.  We had to have doors open by August and it was April.  He was calling to tell me that he had some personal issues come up and he needed to spend more time at home.  I didn’t know all of the details but could hear the concern and stress in his voice.  He asked that I take over as Executive Director.  I had been working by his side for many months and since I had my own successful business, he felt I would be great for the position.  More importantly, he knew I loved God and loved the school.  I didn’t hesitate and I felt the timing was good for me since I had recently started stepping back in my business to focus on my kids and my marriage.  I said yes, but with one condition.  I told him I didn’t want a salary because I thought God was leading me to this as a mission and a learning experience for our Warriors for God ministry.

I had no idea what I was getting into.  This mission field was like no other rollercoaster I had ever experienced!  The upcoming summer was grueling because we had so many unfinished stages of the school installation and we were afraid opening the doors by August was impossible.  The Head of School, her husband, my husband, and our combined six children all jumped in for three months of blood, sweat, and body aches to get it done.  We were one day shy of teacher in-service starting when we finished the sidewalks, landscaping rock, painting, fence, and door locks. 

This blast of excitement and newness started a honeymoon phase that lasted nearly 18 months.  Enrollment was up, teachers were happy, families were enthusiastic and involved, and children loved their new school.  The best part of our days was sharing the Gospel in Chapel and singing worship songs with the students.  The children started praying over each other and sharing the Good News with friends and family.  I felt this was the best job ever!!

I was able to incorporate Junior Warriors for God into the school with weekly youth Bible studies and fellowship.  We started an adult Bible study in our home, and it grew to 15-20 people.  We even had the opportunity to have two marriage enrichments and invite couples in from the community who wanted to strengthen their marriage.  There were two couples who were on the verge of separation and our enrichment leaders and the topics they shared changed the couples’ attitudes which motivated them to start working on saving their marriage.  They are still together today! I was inspired to go back to school and get my Master’s in Behavioral Science for Marriage and Family Counseling.  I thought that by having this additional education, I could help more of my students, families, and the community.  I love enriching my brain with more knowledge!

With any Christian mission, the euphoria and excitement came to an end when Satan swooped in with his attack.  Obviously, the enemy is always searching for a weak spot.  Within a few months, division started on campus – between parents, teachers, staff, and even students.  Everyone felt this presence of evil and darkness on our sweet school.  We held prayer meetings, prayed over the classrooms, and prayed over each other.  Peace was hard to find in anything we did or tried.  We were so shaken because we had just experienced 18 months of such excitement and peace. I lost all of my focus on studying the Bible and time in prayer.  I had focused all of my energies and drive on maintaining, saving, and strengthening the school as Satan pushed back against me with more distractions.  Warriors for God Ministry was on the back burner in a time when I needed my Armor the most!

Six months later, COVID-19 hit our country and our community which caused more division and unrest.  This left the school with a financial burden and teachers were let go and enrollment went down.  Satan stirred the pot with more conflict in every area within our school and our community.  It was exhausting!  On top of that, add the stress of politics, economic conditions, mask disputes, and a Presidential election!!

My family decided we needed a change.  They needed me back in their lives and I needed them.  I had taken this job as a volunteer and I realized the school needed someone more permanent.  We decided to leave the desert and head east, so I gave my resignation as Executive Director.  Unfortunately, nothing became easier from this decision or announcement.  Challenges came in all shapes and sizes and from all directions.  Attacks against my reputation, faith, and character jumped out and bit me.  Satan knew me well and he knew where he could hurt me the most.  I had many anxiety attacks from overwhelming feelings of failure and hopelessness.  I was losing my way.

I prayed.  I asked God to show me the way and open the door to where He wanted me to go.  I prayed for a saving grace for a new journey, a new mission for our family.  I prayed that, no matter what, the school would be in good hands.  I was desperate for peace, relief, and rest for me, my family, and the school. 

In March 2021 I received a call from my friend and previous Executive Director who had handed the torch to me in 2018.  He said he missed the school and wanted to know if he could have his job back. Praise God!  Bless you, Lord!  I was on my knees giving thanks to God for answering my prayers.

So here I am, two months into training my replacements and two months away from a new home in a new part of the state.  My friend is restoring the school with the positive energy that had been taken away by distractions, division, and Satan’s attacks.  The school is growing, families and teachers are happy again, and the environment is inspiring. The school is so blessed! I can still enjoy the mission from the sidelines by providing reinforcements and support, when needed.

I can’t say things will be easier, but I know where I want to be.  I want to be front and center to serve God every day, with my Armor on, and joy in my heart.  I know the only way I can get there is by serving God and listening to His guidance.  The adventure and mission may be different than I anticipate but it’s all worth it either way. Ready. Set. Go!

2 Corinthians 9:8 & 12 say, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

Warrior for God,
Ginger Turner