A Big Step of Faith—Closing the Store and Opening Our Hearts
For years, Hardware on the Square has been our home away from home. We brewed that first pot of strong East-Texas coffee before sunrise, cut keys by the hundreds, and stocked every nut, bolt, and screw a project-lovin’ Texan could need. We loved it—and we love you, our friends and customers.
But God began whispering a familiar call: “Go.” After much prayer (and more coffee than we’ll ever admit), we realized it was time to trade the checkout counter for the greatest commission ever given—“Go ye into all the world.” So we’re closing the doors of Hardware on the Square and stepping back onto African soil as missionaries to West Africa.
Why Ghana, and Why Now?
Ghana is one of West Africa’s most stable nations, yet countless towns still lack a Bible-preaching church. Many believers thirst for solid doctrine, and entire villages have never heard a clear gospel message. When James Ruckman of Hope of Africa Baptist Mission told us about the ripe harvest, our hearts leapt.
We’ll be based in Takoradi, Ghana, working with national pastors who already labor faithfully. The need for trained leaders is enormous—and the doors are wide open. With political stability, English as a common language, and a culture that welcomes religious liberty, Ghana is primed for church planting and biblical education.
What We’ll Be Doing on the Field
We will be working with James Ruckman and basically assisting him in this great work. I know we will be activly involved in many ministries which may include:
- Church Planting – We’ll partner with local believers to start and strengthen Bible-centered churches in unreached areas.
- Bible Institute Teaching – Training national pastors and lay leaders to rightly divide the Word and shepherd their own people.
- Pastoral Mentorship – Walking beside young preachers as they grow in doctrine, family life, and practical ministry.
- School Ministries – Using Bible classes, literacy programs, and after-school clubs to reach the next generation.
Our prayer is simple: plant, water, and watch God give the increase.
Sent With Love by Central Baptist Church
We’re honored to be sent out of Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas. Pastor Danny Dodson and the entire church family have stood beside us from day one. Their prayer cover and accountability mean the world to us—and we’d love for you to visit their site to learn more about their heartbeat for global missions.
The Next Few Months: Raising Support and Packing Up
Closing a business is no small task, and we’ve felt every emotion possible—joy, nostalgia, a touch of holy panic—but mostly excitement. Here’s our immediate timeline:
| Month | Key Milestones |
|---|---|
| July | Final inventory sale, store shutdown |
| August | Begin scheduling meetings to raise support |
| November 2025 | We have a short mission trip to Ghana |
| September 2026 | Wheels up for Ghana! |
We need both monthly support and a launch fund for setup costs (housing, vehicle, language helps, ministry materials). If you’d like us to present at your church, please drop us a note through the contact page on consfords.com/blog—we’d be honored to come share the burden.
How You Can Be Part of the Team
✔ Follow the Journey. Bookmark consfords.com/blog and I will make a subscription to the the blog so you can be notified of all new updates.
✔ Pray Specifically. We’ll publish regular prayer letters with real-time needs—health, visas, souls saved, churches planted.
✔ Spread the Word. Share our posts on social media, forward them to missions-minded friends, or tell your pastor about us.
✔ Partner Financially. We don’t take giving lightly. Every dollar funds fuel for village outreach, Bibles in local dialects, and training materials for future pastors.
Why We’re Saying “Yes” Again
We were missionaries to West Africa from 2000 until 2014, when God moved us to Texas. We promised God we’d return whenever He opened the door. Well, the door just flung itself off the hinges! We could stay comfortable, sell a few more lawnmower blades, and sip lattes on the square—but eternity is calling.
Some friends ask, “Aren’t you scared?” Sure, we’ll miss sweet tea on the porch and Buc-ee’s beef jerky. But the safest place is always in the center of God’s will, whether that’s San Augustine or the Shama.
A Heartfelt Thank-You
To every loyal customer who trusted us with weekend lumber projects… to every neighbor who sat and solved the world’s problems over a steaming mug… to every UPS driver who hauled our deliveries—thank you. You’ve been part of our story, and now we invite you to help write the next chapter.
The store lights may flicker off, but the Light of the World still shines. Join us as we carry that Light to West Africa!
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” – C.T. Studd