Episode Details

When you began to follow Christ did you ever think: I could never be a missionary—that’s not my thing. My thing is more in tech areas and tech areas aren’t in the Bible—why would God want me to serve? I think I’d best sit on the sidelines and give my offering on a regular basis!

Today we get to hear from my friend, Greg Johnson, an electronic and computer engineer – a friend who reminded me sits on the opposite end of the same pew most Sundays but it’s funny how we don’t talk all that often. Too busy talking to other people!

Greg and his wife Bonnie have 4 grown daughters. He grew up with a dad who modeled serving God and the church in practical ways, and Greg went along with him to sweep the leaves and clear the gutters at their local church. When he knew he wanted to become an engineer, his pastor thought he should go to Bible school instead. But Greg knew even then how God had wired him and he came on up to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, met his wife Bonnie in college leadership at our very own Grace Central Coast. When he retired 6 years ago from a very stressful job at the local nuclear power plant, Greg discovered even more ways to serve his Savior.

Hear his story and be encouraged!

Some gems from our conversation:

• It's such a blessing to give a gift to others that they could never repay—just like God giving us His Son, Jesus.
• Building homes in Mexico alongside all generations has taught me the importance and joy of building all sorts of new relationships.
• What's fun about serving God is that you don't have to be a pastor or a missionary; you just serve God with the gifts he's given you. 
• Samaritan's Purse shows people during a crisis that God hasn't forgotten them.
• I find joy in serving God outside the four walls of the church. 
• I'm in my happy place with I get to use my skill-set to help others and it's made me bolder in sharing the Gospel. 
• I've cried more with my 4 girls since working Samaritan's Purse than all their years growing up. God's given me a new heart of compassion. 
• I've mostly been to conflict zones so I can't give a lot of details but it's been amazing to work alongside all kinds of nationalities, professions and generations.
• Helping people is the bridge to sharing the Gospel.
• If you want to try something different and that will build your compassion, check out Samaritan's Purse