I don't know how they did it—living in a one-bedroom fruit-cellar apartment with two children. Home was at the bottom of precariously steep steps, which at one time were hidden under metal cellar doors. Now, they were sheltered by a cedar-roofed extension from Grandma's kitchen, guarded by a plastic-covered screen door.

At the bottom of the steps were shelves of Mason jars filled with Grandma's green beans, cherries, peaches, pears and pickles. A little door at the end opened into "the apartment." There was one small room with a kitchenette to the left. To the right was a little room filled with bunk beds, a double bed and one dresser. I slept on the top bunk, my sister on the bottom bunk. One step into the room and the next was into a bed. Why? You might ask.

When I was in second grade, God impressed Dad to become a physical therapist. Leaving his work at the Navy shipyard took a major commitment and personal sacrifice—but not at the sacrifice of his children's education.

Through much prayer, Dad and Mom formed a partnership with God and were encouraged by His promises. When he wasn't in school, Dad washed cars and pumped gas. Mom styled hair. Through long hours, hard work, personal inconvenience and the risk of social embarrassment, Dad and Mom made it possible for me, and later my sister, to go to church school.

Their partnership with God made no sacrifice too great—and it has made all the difference in the world.

Gary Burns is the communication director of the Lake Union Conference.