A Family Home in a Workshop?
By Hannah Hamm
Meet Jonathan and Anna Amendt of Taylor, BC. Jonathan is a local of the North Peace Region, although born in Dawson Creek, and he is the half-time pastor of the local body, Peace Community Church. With the shared responsibilities of 4 kids (ages 8, 6,5 & 2), along with Anna who is a 3-days-a-week Kindergarten teacher, this leaves little time left. Yet they grew up with the "pioneer" mentality of the north which echoes "think outside the box” and “Jack of all trades" concepts. So, with a farming and construction background they strive to be productive in all areas, paid and not paid.
Their current housing story is unique and interesting, and I asked them to tell me about it. Here’s what Jonathan said.
“We purchased a house and shop on a lot that was 3 times the size of most normal lots. At the time of purchase, we felt God had a use and a purpose for the shop, but for 7 years we rented it out to help with mortgage payments. In 2023, God impressed upon us to strive to be debt-free. One option became clear to us when we inquired about it: to subdivide the house from the shop, sell the house and build our new home in the big green box.
Our house sold quickly and so we spent the winter in an RV in the shop, making plans. We began construction in May 2024.
With the help of family and friends with construction experience, and the church family helping cover speaking and church responsibilities, our house was ready to occupy in September 2024.
Many little projects were, and are, still needed to complete the house—but God blessed His calling, and He even left $200 in our bank account!
This creative, yet exhausting, journey has taught us much about God's faithfulness and His support of our spiritual giftings. We are both blessed with the gift of hospitality. Like the two disciples' obedience to Jesus in preparation for the Passover meal in Mark 14:12-15, humbly following God's creative calling can make you seem different to others and leave questions in your own mind. Yet, in retrospect, God's journey leaves us in awe and praise.”
It’s great to see how God provided for Jonathan, Anna and their family as they faithfully followed His lead. I’m so thankful for how their community rallied around to help and the amazing speed in which this vision became a reality. I hope you’ll feel a little braver in your own journey of following God’s prompting.
