Prior to the successful development of the holistic ministry within the homeschool group, Sandy and I were actively seeking a Presbyterian church in our vicinity. We had heard about a potential new local church that was holding its gatherings in a storefront building. However, upon visiting, I experienced a sense of unease, prompting us to explore other options. Several months later, we learned that the Presbyterian Church had acquired a new pastor. I can confidently attest that immersing ourselves in the Psalms began to yield profound blessings. The current pastor, who displayed a sincere love and intellectual fervor in his preaching, piqued my curiosity regarding his Presbyterian affiliation. Notably, he was of Italian descent and had completed his theological studies at a reputable seminary situated on the opposite side of the incorporated town. I emphasize his Italian heritage because it perfectly aligned with my evolving understanding of the principles at hand. In my eyes, he embodied a spiritual mentor who had the ability to skillfully resolve any issue and steadfastly protect us.

In my thirties, I found great joy in closely observing people, particularly in the presence of the pastor who possessed remarkable gifts. This compassionate man served as a fatherly figure to me, holding individual meetings with each member of the church. During our conversations, he would patiently listen to my questions and thoughts for hours on end, leaving me filled with immense happiness and a newfound sense of purpose. Through his guidance, I was inspired to delve deeper into sacred scripture and ultimately experience a profound transformation in my life.

I was unsure if his behavior towards others was consistently the same, as I did not have knowledge of their interactions. However, it seemed as if a divine intervention had blessed us with our homeschooling community, as it introduced me to my devoted pastor who guided me towards a higher realm of aesthetic fulfillment. While I rarely considered other pastors to be more intellectually superior to myself, he certainly showcased a remarkable level of intelligence.