Let me first start by saying  Shiloh  Ministries  is such an anointed  place. The presence of God is so tangible . I was able to learn so much of the Word of God there. I even learned how to wait patiently for a godly wife. I learned how important prayer, praise and worship is to keeping you close to God. I learned great work ethics and the importance of a mans word. If you say you will do something then make sure you keep your word.  I became  well rooted  in the things of God. Having said that a lot has happened since  graduation.

One of my life long desires has been to be a police officer. I was able to start in obtaining this goal by enrolling at the University of Houston downtown police academy. I graduated at the top of my class because of hard work, diligence and the favor of God.  I also had the loving support of my wife who loves and fears the Lord. As of now I am still looking to be placed at the right department so I can fulfill my desire of being a police officer. The Lord has shown me time and time again of the importance of waiting on Him. Until then I will continue to be a faithful employee at my present place of employment. When the time is right  I know I will  be placed where He wants me to be. I want to use being a peace officer as a ministry tool to reach out to hurting people. It will give me an opportunity to minister to people that normally would not be reached by God’s love.

As for my wife  and I, we are blessed ! We are both faithful  to tithe and  give offerings. The result of our faithfulness has produced financial blessings . Both of us continue to get raises at our jobs and be promoted. As we prove our faithfulness, God rewards us with more to steward. I get so excited, in that I have the opportunity to experience Divine favor to those who believe. I know that the favor of the Lord is not for us to keep but to teach and to share with others to do the same. We are now in the process of buying our first  home and it has been a great experience. We have had favor from the Lord and could not be happier! God has brought  us closer together as husband and wife. We have learned why God sets up a marriage, for two to become one. Some of the things we do to strengthen our marriage  is to pray together. There is so much that happens when you pray with your wife. Our faith grows not only in God but in each other as husband and wife . In praying together my wife experiences the love I have for God and it carries over to her trusting me in decisions that are made. It all translates into inquiring of the Lord before decisions are made . If prayer with your spouse is not something that you do on a continual basis, I  recommend that you begin today. It will strengthen your marriage and will bring intimacy with God.

There has been struggles since graduating from Shiloh, but His grace and mercy continues to amaze me. We are humbled every day by the goodness  of our God. Every day is a new challenge and I am excited to experience what He leads us through by the Holy Spirit. It is because of His direction we know that no matter what comes our way, Jesus Christ the “Good Shepherd” (Jn. 10:10-11) will  lead us. One of the major things that all of us deal with is finances. Some of what I have experienced in my short marriage life is that I must communicate with my spouse about spending. I cannot just purchase things like I did when I was single. I must include my wife in discussing financial matters. Then after we have prayed about the necessity of it, we then decide its priority. I have received much revelation of these matters because of meditation on God’s Word. I have seen the desires of my heart manifest because of intimacy with God and praying His Word back to Him. These are just some of the seeds that were sown in my life while at Shiloh Ministries. I am now seeing the manifestation of fruit in my life because of a grateful heart. I am very honored for the opportunity that God gave me for the year that I spent at Shiloh. I wish that everyone could have the gift that was given to me.

God bless you Shiloh Ministries you are an amazing place!
Joe Burgess