The Eagle and the Dove: the Spirit at Work

By Frank N. Sense

In a society where the workplace is so commonly ridiculed, even Christians must wonder what their role and function in it should be.
In his book, The Eagle and the Dove: The Spirit at Work, brother Frank shows us that, with a proper attitude, Christians can do mighty things for the kingdom of God in the workplace.
As you sit back and go through the years of Frank's ministry, may the Lord bless you and cause you to evaluate the effectiveness you are having in your vocation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483682327

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 by Frank N. Sense.

Library of Congress Control Number   2013914450

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 08/14/2013

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Contents

INTRODUCTION

PART ONE

THE UNSEEN HAND: HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Chapter 1 PROVIDENCE AND PLAN: STEPS TOWARD THE SAVIOR

Chapter 2 DIVINE PROVIDENCE ON LONG ISLAND: PUTTING THE

PICTURE IN FOCUS

PART TWO

THE EARLY YEARS (1973-1977)

Chapter 1 THE SPIRIT IN THE CITY (1973)

Chapter 2 AN OPEN DOOR ON THE NORTH SHORE (Glen Cove, 1973)

PART THREE

THE MIDDLE YEARS: FUELING THE FIRE IN FARMINGDALE (1977-1982)

Chapter 1 HIS HANDS ON DECK: MINISTRY TO GUS

Chapter 2 FROM DESPAIR AND DRUGS TO DIVINE DELIVERANCE:

THE MINISTRY TO GARY Z.

Chapter 3 POSTAL PARTNERS PROCLAIMING CHRIST

Chapter 4 FOR PETE’S SAKE: BURDENED FOR A BUS DRIVER

Chapter 5 CONFRONTING THE CULTS

Chapter 6 WHAT IN THE WORLD: SHARING FROM THE PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES

Postscript to Part III

PART FOUR

A HINT OF HEAVEN IN HICKSVILLE (1982-1987)

Chapter 1 FRIENDSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, AND A FISH ON A PIN

Chapter 2 SURPRISE ON A SKID

Chapter 3 THE MINISTRY EXPANDS AS THE LORD BRINGS DAN

Chapter 4 DARIS, DAWN AND DEALING WITH DEATH

Chapter 5 TRUST AMONG THE DUST

Chapter 6 MIKE AND THE MESSIAH: HELPING TO CONQUER FEAR

Chapter 7 HOW GENE FIT INTO THE GRAND DESIGN

Chapter 8 THE WRATH OF A WOMAN AND THE PEACE OF THE LORD

Chapter 9 THE LEGACY OF LOUD, LIKABLE LENNY

Chapter 10 MARCHING INTO JERICHO

Chapter 11 JOHN AND CLEVE: JUST CAN’T BELIEVE

Chapter 12 WHEN THE WIND BLEW THROUGH AN OPEN DOOR

Chapter 13 THE GOSPEL IN PLAINVIEW

Chapter 14 BANKING ON THE LORD: NANCY’S INTEREST IN THE GOSPEL

Chapter 15 THE ONLY SURE BET IS JESUS: MINISTRY TO MIKE L.

Chapter 16 AN ASTHMATIC RECEIVES THE BREATH OF LIFE

Chapter 17 A TESTIMONY AND A TIME FOR TEARS: JOHN MINISTERS TO BERNIE

Chapter 18 SWEEPING EFFECTS OF THE GOSPEL: THE MINISTRY

TO STANLEY

Chapter 19 DRIVEN FOR THE LORD: A RAY OF SUNSHINE

Chapter 20 NOT ONE MORE DEAD!: THE MINISTRY OF ED

Chapter 21 CATHOLICS WHO WEREN’T ROAMIN’

Chapter 22 RELIGION OR RELATIONSHIP: THE MINISTRY TO JOE G.

Chapter 23 PROVIDING AND SUPPLYING: FINDING NEW ROOM FOR PRAYER

Chapter 24 PRELUDE TO THE GREAT REVIVAL

Chapter 25 HOLY HUSH AND HUNGRY HEARTS

Chapter 26 THAT THEY MAY HEAR: VINNIE AND THE DEAF MINISTRY

Chapter 27 SURPRISED BY THE SPIRIT: MINISTRY TO RHODA

Chapter 28 THE MINISTRY TO JOE K.

Chapter 29 MINISTRY TO TOM: A FINAL WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

Chapter 30 MUNCHY TASTES THE BREAD OF LIFE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

END NOTES

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

PREFACE

HELP WANTED: CHRISTIANS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT.

FULFILLMENT, ADVENTURE AND EXCITEMENT GUARANTEED.

ETERNAL BENEFITS, NOW AND FOREVER—FULL-TIME ONLY.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS—WILL GLADLY TRAIN.

Perhaps the above ad is circulating in the HEAVENLY EXPRESS newspaper right now. Yes, the Father is looking for a few of His expectant children who strongly desire to be used in bringing the gospel of the saving grace of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. It is the work of God by the Holy Spirit in both believers and unbelievers’ hearts that this book is all about.

This book will show how the Holy Spirit of God, powerfully and providentially moved through my life, and the many other lives of Christians and non-Christians, in great and mighty ways throughout five different postal facilities from 1973 to the beginning of the new millennium.

It is my heartfelt desire that many believers engaged in various occupations, will realize that God can transform a simple job into a life-changing ministry. In addition, I pray that many unbelievers will read this book, and come to realize and see for themselves just how the Spirit of the living God can take finite, sinful and spiritually bankrupt human lives, helping them find a meaningful purpose and significance in a world that is drifting aimlessly on life’s troubled sea. Then, perhaps they too will become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is for these reasons that this book is written to the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

FOREWORD

In a society where the workplace is so commonly ridiculed, even Christians must wonder what their role and function in it should be.

In his book, The Eagle and the Dove: The Spirit at Work, brother Frank shows us that, with a proper attitude, Christians can do might things for the kingdom of God in the workplace.

As you sit back and go through the years of Frank’s ministry, may the Lord bless you and cause you to evaluate the effectiveness you are having in your vocation.

Gabe Musco, former co-worker

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me joy unspeakable and full of glory, and for the vision of having a ministry in the Postal Service for over 25 years, and making that a reality. For making me realize that Christians need to see their job as a special calling, where they can be used to proclaim the gospel of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. For making me see that they have such a wonderful opportunity to give to the lost a glimpse of the power of God down here on earth. For these things I thank you, Lord.

To my wife Anne, for helping me to format the text and put the page numbers where they belong. For the hours she spent working at the computer while sitting in an uncomfortable position that put a strain on her back. I thank her for her help in putting the book on a floppy disk in the event of a malfunctioning printer. I am grateful for all your help.

To my son Chris, who spent a lot of time answering the many questions I had concerning the use and operation of the computer. Also, for his help in printing out some of the early chapters of the book.

To my Christian brother and former co-worker Dan who gave me the motivation to go through with this project. I am thankful that he challenged me to think of the things I really wanted to do in my life. At the time I was seriously wondering if the Lord wanted me to continue with the Post Office. After talking with Dan, I prayed for the Lord’s direction. Within a few days I had this strong desire to take my journals and use them to write a book. I thank you brother for all of your advice and sensitivity to the Spirit of God.

To my former co-worker, Ross, who gave me the encouragement to continue to write this book. His listening to my discussion of the book itself, along with his own genuine interest in it, helped me to become even more excited about talking to others, believers and unbelievers alike. I thank you, Ross with all my heart.

To my co-worker, Anna, who helped me with the title page and the graphics that it contained. I thank you for all your help.

INTRODUCTION

In a book entitled The Callings: The Gospel in the World, author Paul Helm writes about the subject of work in a chapter called Work and Calling. The Bible teaches that daily work is the divine mandate for mankind. (Gen. 1:28). "The Christian is called to be re-creative, and it is as his character develops in work, and as the products of his labor, whether goods or services, are found to be useful to his fellows, that God is honored. Work and Christian discipleship should be integrated together.

A Christian’s work is not therefore ‘just a job,’ something burdensome which he attempts to make easier by being slipshod or second rate in his service to God. Yet, this may at first seem rather ridiculous. How could a person whose job it is to serve dinners at school, make parts for sewing machines, or manage people on a factory floor, be serving God? What if this work seems demeaning or trivial or boringly repetitive, or if it is carried out in difficult or unwelcome circumstances and conditions? Surely it is not reasonable that a person, even a Christian, who is trying to serve God in his calling, should think that God is served in a situation in which a person works under such conditions. Is it really being suggested that, in the name of fulfilling a divine calling, a Christian should put up with this?

‘Success’ in God’s sight must not be determined or measured in terms of worldly criteria of achievement. A Christian is called to do what he is best fitted to do in the total situation, which is God’s gift to him. This truth should bring comfort to many Christian workers. Getting paid for working is a central part of the Christian’s calling, and he must seek, under God, opportunities to utilize his talents. The reason is that Christians ought to look for satisfaction in their work, and attempt, in the course of their employment to receive and implement ways in which their work can be more rewarding, enjoyable and useful for themselves and those they work with. It is the satisfaction of the work itself, in using their talents, however modest in developing the possibilities of this calling. According to Scripture, the plain truth of the matter is that work is an important part of the Christian’s divine calling. In serving others through his work, the Christian is serving God, honoring him by faithful stewardship. For through the work that God in His Providence has assigned to him, the Christian is attempting to glorify God."¹

In his book, You and God At Work: On The Job Training For Life, Dr. Frederick Sale Jr. refers to the second and third chapters of the book of Nehemiah, which is a model of work. "In 457 B.C. the walls of Jerusalem had been reduced to rubble. Nehemiah obtained permission from King Artexerxes to lead a rebuilding project. Chapter two details the extensive plans and early preparations that Nehemiah made, while chapter three describes the reconstruction process. Dr. Sale says that several important points need to be made about this project. First, the people were committed to do what they were doing. Secondly, it was a team effort, as described in the various assignments mentioned in chapter three. Finally, the people did whatever was needed to complete the project. The builders all kept watch day and night, taking turns standing guard, carrying their weapons as they worked, and finding time for adequate grooming in the process.

As a result, the Jews completed the wall in fifty-two days, though they started with a pile of burnt and crumbled debris, were under the threat of invasion, and were mostly unskilled workers.

Dr. Sale concludes with the following words. "The key is to put God in charge of your job circumstances and performance. Let Him direct your efforts (Prov.3:5-7). Draw your strength from Him alone (2 Tim. 2:1-6), and count on Him for positive results.²

I have included the writings of these two men to emphasize the significance of work and of serving God. Like the builders of the walls of Jerusalem, Christians today should be committed to the task of bringing the gospel to the lost, in spite of the difficulties, the persecution, and the sacrifice of time and involvement in the lives of those outside the family of God. When this becomes our consuming passion, we will notice that the Holy Spirit is giving us more and more opportunities to touch the lives of the unsaved people we work with every day. Since we spend more time on our jobs than anywhere else in the course of a day, we need to see our work, first, as a ministry, and second as a means to make money.

It is my sincere prayer, that as Christians really understand their significance and value to the Lord, as workers in God’s service, that their jobs will become centers of ministry, where the power of God is seen and lives are transformed for all eternity. Though we may not see even one soul saved, we can know for sure that we have been faithful to our calling and work the Lord has given to all of us. May the Lord truly use this book for His honor and glory. Amen.

PART ONE

THE UNSEEN HAND:

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Chapter One

PROVIDENCE AND PLAN:

STEPS TOWARD THE SAVIOR

Oh the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and unfathomable His ways. (Romans 11:33).

It was a typical hot summer morning on Sunday, June 17, 1971. The only breeze which was felt in the sanctuary of that old brown-bricked building of the Beth-El Assembly of God Church, in Franklin Square, Long Island, New York, was the gentle, yet unmistakable wind of the Holy Spirit of God. While sitting in the pew, unknown to anyone there, I heard in my head, the rumbling and whistle of that Remember-When train pulling up into the Church Street station. Giving in to the strong compulsion to get on board, I hopped onto the train and heard the conductor’s shout of 1970, All ABOARD. Immediately, I was back in time, reflecting and seeing so vividly the images of the events that were part of my life just one year ago.

I’ve heard it said that the first step is often the most difficult to take. In the case of the foot problems and pain I had been experiencing, these words were all too literally true. Realizing it was the most sensible thing to do, I made an appointment with a podiatrist.

At the office, during my initial visit, I was told that the appropriate length of time of my treatments would be around 4-5 weeks. Before leaving that afternoon, a plastic cast of my feet was made. These molds were then to be sent to another company who would make them into permanent orthotic devices, made of hard plastic, which were to be worn inside my shoes.

It took two weeks for these devices to arrive at the doctor’s office. During my third visit I tried on the orthotics, wishing I was only dreaming. The pain I felt was even greater than before. I couldn’t wait to take them out of my sneaker. The softer Dr. Scholl’s pads were quickly becoming a nice-sounding alternative to my ears. As I stood there writhing in pain, the doctor calmly said I needed to wait at least two to three weeks to get used to them. At the time, I really didn’t think that was possible. Before leaving I had to make an appointment for the following week to let him know how these devices felt after wearing them awhile. I thought seriously about hiding these pain-inflicters in a place I would never find. Still, I tried to get used to them, and placed them inside my sneakers yet one more time. After all, I did have an appointment in a few days. Besides, I had to tell the doctor how they felt.

As the day of my next visit arrived, I told the doctor I just couldn’t get used to the wonderful supports, and had decided to use the Dr. Scholl’s pads instead. Amazingly enough, the pain seemed to suddenly disappear. I guess it really was the power of suggestion that eased the pain. As I reached into my wallet for the check, something in the distance caught my eye. It was like the reaction you might have in seeing a praying mantis on the mailbox of your house as you open your front door. As I continued to look ahead I saw the figure of a young girl, who had just entered the office. After handing the check to the receptionist, I asked her who this person was. I was told by the receptionist, Sally, that this girl was her daughter, Lynda. We talked for awhile, as I began thinking of seeing her again. As fate would have it, the doctor wanted to see me again in about two weeks. Truthfully, I would have pursued the situation, in order to see her again. However, this extra visit would make it easy for me.

The two weeks passed by rather quickly, and I found myself at the office for the last time. The doctor wanted to make sure the orthotic devices were not causing me any problems. I told him the Dr. Scholl’s pads were helping me, and that I just couldn’t get used to the supports. As I spoke with the doctor, Lynda walked into the office. She had come to pick up her mother, who had let her borrow the car that day. Lynda had just gotten her driver’s license, and was now enjoying her new accomplishment. That week I was thinking about Lynda, and decided to call her up, asking her to go to dinner. We planned to meet around 5:00 at her house. Though unknown to me at the time, this was to begin a series of experiences and events that would change my life forever.

The first time I entered her home, I heard the sound of music playing on the radio. This music was different from any I had heard before. Many songs mentioned the name of Jesus Christ. Still other songs contained lyrics about heaven, hell, salvation, the Bible, and other religious things. Lynda told me this was radio station WFME 94.7, from New Jersey, a listener-supported station, that depended on the financial contributions of the listener’s to continue on the air. I found myself very much attracted to the music, though a little apprehensive at the same time. Then, for the first time in my life, I heard a program on a Biblical topic. You can imagine my curiosity as I heard terms like saved, born-again, and lost. I was very interested in learning more and more.

A certain degree of jealously began to rise up within me. I realized this was due to the confident way the Bible teachers and the radio hosts all spoke about their eternal home in heaven. They spoke with great joy of how they knew that Jesus Christ was their Savior, and they had been totally accepted by God, because of the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for all of man’s sins. Something within my heart caused me to want that same assurance.

One afternoon, while sitting in my car, we began to talk about the subject of religion. I told Lynda how I was very moved inside my heart while listening to the Christian radio station, and the joy and assurance of strong faith in Jesus Christ, the hosts seemed to have. When I mentioned to her about the way the Bible teaching programs interested me, she was surprised. She had heard me tell her a short while ago that I was a Roman Catholic. As a general rule, the Bible was not a book that received great attention in that particular denomination. I would soon learn many things the Lord would use to open my blinded eyes.

In the course of our conversation, Lynda told me she was a Pentecostal, and a member of the Assembly of God denomination. The more we talked, it became clear that she believed that the Bible was the inspired, and infallible Word of God. Not having this same belief, I became uncomfortable with the conversation. She told me she was born-again, a term I had never heard before. As she explained what this meant, I realized it was something I did not have. She said she had a personal relationship with God, through her belief in her heart and acceptance into her life of Jesus Christ as Lord, and the only means of salvation. When she told me she knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would spend eternity with Christ in heaven, I became very interested to know more.

In the Roman Catholic faith, claiming to have any assurance of salvation was practically an act of blasphemy. The Catholic would be judged by God later at the end of his life. Then, if enough good works were performed and a virtuous life lived, he may be allowed to enter heaven. There is also the chance that he still may have to purge himself of any bad deeds in a place called purgatory, after which he might be allowed to enter into heaven. The differences between the Protestant beliefs, based on the Bible alone, and that of the Roman Catholic Church, were astonishing. Though I didn’t see what the Bible had to say at this time, the curiosity was growing in my mind and heart.

Nearing the end of our conversation, Lynda asked me if I would like to go to a service at her church. I remember having mixed feelings about wanting to learn more about the things she believed, and yet, the fear I had of being found out and unmasked concerning my lack of any Bible knowledge. However, I realized that deep in my heart, I wanted to meet Lynda’s friends, so I accepted her invitation.

As I arrived at the church that Sunday morning, I noticed