The paths we take in life are interesting. Some we see clearly, others offer curves with unknowns around the bend.

It was that unknown path 31 years ago that led Dave and Gloria Hamil to leave their church of eleven years and begin attending Pathway Church. Dave says it took awhile to connect because of the highs and lows they had experienced at their former church.

“When I was younger, I jumped at every opportunity to be involved at church. But after leaving that church, I found I was a better father, and a better husband by not spending so much time away from home volunteering.”

Over the years, Dave has learned to wait on God to open doors and not immediately say “yes” to every chance to serve that came along for him. Six months ago, he was approached about being part of the Leadership Academy, an opportunity to mentor others as leaders.

“My passion is to help other Christians grow and to be ‘thoroughly equipped’ (2 Tim 3:16-17) to move forward as disciples first and then leaders. I spenta lot of time in my career working long hours, so I can understand when these men I mentor are under pressure at work. I respect our time together bytrying to use it wisely to build them as leaders and to help equip them to do that with others.”

Saying “yes” can come in many different forms such as the Backpack to School sign Gloria put in their front yard. It was an invitation for the neighbors to share school supplies to help students get a great start to the school year. Upon seeing that sign,their guttering contractor proposed a unique business transaction.

He asked the Hamils to write a check to Pathway for additional school supplies instead of paying him for the work his four crew members were completing at their home. That was $175 in labor and supplies!
In the midst of this, they found out one of the new crew members had a daughter starting school, but funds were tight. Dave and Gloria filled a backpack to share with that girl, giving her the things she needed for the first day of school.

Whether it’s mentoring new leaders or providing school supplies, know this: God can use even gutters to put His plans into motion. We just have to step onto that path.