Our Stories
Gayle and Brian Searle
Gayle and Brian Searle recently celebrated 50 years of marriage and Brian's 70th birthday.
They celebrated these incredible milestones by cruising from Hawaii to Vancouver to Alaska.
At the beginning of their journey, Brian and Gayle prayed, "Show us what you want us to do." They hoped to impact people's lives for God while on holiday. On their first evening aboard, they attended a show where the host asked couples how long they had been married. Brian and Gayle joined in the fun. For them, the personal questions turned into missionary opportunities.
In the many conversations on board the ship, they discovered that many carried burdens: grief, strained relationships, hurt, and pain. Gayle and Brian weren’t telling huge stories; they mainly listened and were themselves. And so, the people accepted them. They had the chance to share with them but didn't pull out their Bible and share stories. It was from their own life stories they shared. These new friends came from all over the world and from different walks of life, yet they had things in common. Their time together was about building new relationships.
The weather was terrible in Skagway, Alaska, on the White Pass Scenic Railway. Returning to the ship, people faced cold, wet conditions at the dock, unable to board due to the bad weather. The winds intensified, rain poured, and people were cold, wet, and complaining. Gayle suggested, "Instead of complaining, let's pray to God and sing worship songs." Brian and Gayle led the prayer, and Gayle sang. Peace fell over the crowd, but the storm continued for about one and a half hours.
Problems occurred frequently. When worry and turmoil were present, and things didn’t go to plan, they learnt to cast their care, and God gave them peace. Casting your cares and praise were their go-to.
I asked Brian – “Did you go with this thought in mind to witness to people?
'I had hope. I hadn't said anything to Gayle then, but it was mine. I hoped that whatever happened, I would enjoy it, but I wanted to have a purpose. I wanted people to see God in us. We were so blessed by meeting these people, and blessings followed us.'
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:17)
They celebrated these incredible milestones by cruising from Hawaii to Vancouver to Alaska.
At the beginning of their journey, Brian and Gayle prayed, "Show us what you want us to do." They hoped to impact people's lives for God while on holiday. On their first evening aboard, they attended a show where the host asked couples how long they had been married. Brian and Gayle joined in the fun. For them, the personal questions turned into missionary opportunities.
In the many conversations on board the ship, they discovered that many carried burdens: grief, strained relationships, hurt, and pain. Gayle and Brian weren’t telling huge stories; they mainly listened and were themselves. And so, the people accepted them. They had the chance to share with them but didn't pull out their Bible and share stories. It was from their own life stories they shared. These new friends came from all over the world and from different walks of life, yet they had things in common. Their time together was about building new relationships.
The weather was terrible in Skagway, Alaska, on the White Pass Scenic Railway. Returning to the ship, people faced cold, wet conditions at the dock, unable to board due to the bad weather. The winds intensified, rain poured, and people were cold, wet, and complaining. Gayle suggested, "Instead of complaining, let's pray to God and sing worship songs." Brian and Gayle led the prayer, and Gayle sang. Peace fell over the crowd, but the storm continued for about one and a half hours.
Problems occurred frequently. When worry and turmoil were present, and things didn’t go to plan, they learnt to cast their care, and God gave them peace. Casting your cares and praise were their go-to.
I asked Brian – “Did you go with this thought in mind to witness to people?
'I had hope. I hadn't said anything to Gayle then, but it was mine. I hoped that whatever happened, I would enjoy it, but I wanted to have a purpose. I wanted people to see God in us. We were so blessed by meeting these people, and blessings followed us.'
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:17)