An Unlikely Story
In a city where dance studios abound, God has finally opened a studio of His own. Sounds strange, doesn't it? But believe it or not, here is an undeniable real-life story of God's providence and provision.
Our story begins with two men, Gary and Bryant. The first is a kind-hearted insurance salesman dedicated to using his resources for the glory of God. The second is a young Southern Baptist seminarian, trained for the ministry yet passionate about ballroom dancing. Here are two average men, complete strangers to one another yet both with a heart for serving God. But they would not remain strangers for long.
Looking back into the life of Gary, we find that for twenty-three years past he has had a vision to use one of his office buildings in God's service, and for most of those years that vision has gone unanswered. Then one day, just as he and his wife were beginning to wonder if anything would ever come of the place, Phyllis suggested that they turn the building into a dance studio. Though they had never danced a day in their lives, they began the construction in haste in expectation of what God would do.
Meanwhile across town, we find Bryant just beginning his Ph.D. studies at Southern Seminary. Four years prior, Bryant had come to Southern after being called to ministry out of college yet ironically found himself deeply fascinated by the art of ballroom dance less than a year after his arrival in Louisville. Confused as to how dancing could possibly apply to ministry, he pursued it only tentatively. But God soon paved the way for him to instruct, and he quickly became proficient in numerous styles. Still, dancing was no more than a favorite hobby, and after earning his Masters of Divinity, he determined to remain in school and pursue his doctorate.
At about the same time as Gary and Phyllis decided to move forward with the renovation of their new studio, Bryant became troubled over the detrimental effects his doctoral studies were having on his relationships to those around him, and his search for knowledge became increasingly empty when compared to the thought of having a real impact in people's lives. As his conviction deepened over what he must do concerning his doctoral studies, he began to form the most peculiar plans for combining ministry and dance as a means of strengthening and healing broken marriages.
Then it happened. Just as Bryant finally came to the difficult decision to leave his doctoral studies in obedience to God's leading, Gary and his wife prayed fervently that God would send them someone with a heart for ministry and a love of people to oversee the studio and its students. Within a week and through the most unlikely of channels, Gary and Bryant finally met. The timing was perfect. Just as the final touches were being put on the dance floor, two everyday men whom God had brought together in a far from everyday way began to make plans, having just enough time to set all affairs in their proper order and prepare the way for an exceptionally bright future for I've Got Rhythm Ballroom Dance Studio.
By the providence of God, a studio built entirely on faith would surely have failed had God not made provision for its success. Likewise, a much-needed ministry to married couples might never have gotten off the ground without the help of one hard working insurance salesman. But God is faithful to provide for His people.
Since the time of its opening, I've Got Rhythm has been a blessing to many hundreds of people and has been a unifying force in the lives of so many couples, perhaps most worthy of mention, Bryant and his beautiful new wife. The story doesn't end there though. It is still being written. Come and be a part of the studio that faith built, and see what God is doing!
