From Small Towns to Grand Plans: Where Will God Take You?

Today, Kenneth and I are headed to Scotland from Florida. Last Saturday, my Uncle Bill Saunders peacefully passed away, holding my Aunt Javetta’s hand. The news brings a wave of memories and gratitude. I am blessed to have many uncles and aunts I love dearly from both sides of my family, and I was honored to sing and play piano alongside my brother Victor on his violin at Uncle Bill’s service this week. (I’ll post a video at the bottom.) It was a beautiful service—a special time to see family, friends, and some of the places that have meant so much to my southern family.

It’s been quite a journey to get here. We left Tuesday morning from Edinburgh, flew to Boston, then to Atlanta, followed by a four-hour car ride—all to reach the small town of Bonifay.

How small? About 2,100 residents—excluding all the cattle. Whenever someone asks where my family is from, I can’t simply say Bonifay, Florida. I always need to explain that it’s located between Tallahassee and Pensacola, just off Interstate 10 and Highway 90, with only one main sign.

You see, my family hails from West Florida—not the bustling tourist spots of Orlando (Central Florida) or the vibrant Miami metro area (South Florida), but a quieter place where life moves at a slower pace. It’s a town with a Piggly Wiggly (that’s a grocery store—the first one to give shoppers their own buggy) and a Dollar Store—where a trip to Walmart requires a drive to the next town over. Most everywhere you see front porches, rocking chairs, trucks, and genuine southern hospitality. Despite its modest size, this town is rich in history, faith, and love. For many years, it hosted the world’s biggest All Night Sing, drawing quartets and gospel singers from across the country. And in the late 1960s, a powerful revival at Carmel Assembly of God deeply impacted my parents’ lives for Christ.

Both sides of my family lived within five miles of each other, making it easy to stay connected growing up. One of my grandfathers bought a farm there after returning from WWII, where he raised his family of five children along dirt roads. My other grandfather was a preacher—after he was saved and gave up his life of bootlegging liquor—who also owned a local oyster bar to support his family of eight children. Though the original wooden homes are gone, the memories live on. After the service yesterday, Kenneth, Victor, and I rode around to revisit these places one more time.

My parents married in that small community, and on their wedding day, Mom and my grandfather picked fresh magnolia blossoms from the farm to decorate the church—simple, heartfelt moments.

After marriage, my parents left to pursue their calling in Central Florida, founding the SuperChannel—a Christian television station dedicated to spreading the Gospel. Their journey from a humble town to a platform of faith is a testament to God’s grace and faithfulness.

My Aunt Sharon and Uncle Terry, now living in Tennessee, dedicated their lives to education, touching the lives of thousands of students. Uncle Terry once told me, “In a world of haves and have-nots, education is the great equalizer.” His words still resonate, emphasizing the importance of learning to read and write well for every child. By the way, their son and my cousin Matthew shared a powerful message about uncle Bill and the legacy we all want to leave behind.

Uncle Bill was the local banker, and Aunt Javetta was a pillar in their community—known not only for her beauty, musical talents, and homemade eight-layer cakes but also for her involvement in charitable outreach and her service as a musician at her church and women’s ministry. Raising their three children—Steve, Shannon, and Rachel—in that small town, they participated in and supported all things Bonifay, even the local rodeo and beauty pageants. Their lives exemplify the biblical principle that faithfulness in small things leads to greater things (Luke 16:10).

One of Mom’s brothers, Frank, and his wife Julie dedicated their lives to education. My late Uncle Dwight was one of the few men I’ve known who was a perfect blend of artist and scientist. All five kids, raised on a watermelon farmer’s wages, are now doing great things for their community and ministry.

As I reflect on my family’s journey—from small-town roots to lives dedicated to spreading the Gospel and education—I am reminded of Charles Spurgeon’s words: “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” Our lives are part of His divine plan, regardless of how humble our beginnings.

Small towns, humble beginnings, and quiet lives are often the foundation upon which God builds mighty works. Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, came from Nazareth—a small, often overlooked town.

Consider that! The Son of God, who could have chosen any place to dwell, deliberately selected this small village. The Gospels never depict Jesus seeking to escape or distance Himself from His roots. Nazareth was humble, with perhaps only 200 to 400 residents. When His disciple Nathanael, who came from Cana—a larger, more prosperous town nine miles north—doubted, saying, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46), the answer was an emphatic yes: “Come and see.” (John 1:46).

Small towns do not equate to small faith. God does not require grandeur or fame to do great things. Some of the most inspiring stories in Scripture, like that of the widow with her two mites (Mark 12:41-44), show us that God values faithfulness and sincerity.

Zechariah 4:10 reminds us: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” This verse encourages us that God values small beginnings and takes delight in seeing His plans start, no matter how humble they seem. Read that again—“the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” In other words, start where you are.

I want to encourage everyone reading this—whether you come from a small town or a big city—to remember that God’s kingdom is built on faithfulness, love, and humility. What do you have to offer the King?

If you’re reading this in a big city or feeling lost, find a small church or a small group within a larger church. You need your own Bonifay—an unlikely place full of people with big faith. Trust that God’s plan is greater than any circumstance, and that in His kingdom, even the smallest beginnings can lead to eternal glory. No matter where you start, God can do mighty things through your life.

In closing, thank you, Uncle Bill, for doing what you could to help everyone fulfill their calling. Your kindness and generosity will be your lasting legacy.