The Journey Continues: J.D. Elshoff

My journey this week led me to discover how busy a person can be when he devotes himself to the Lord’s work.

I’ve known J.D. Elshoff for several years. We meet weekly at Central Texas Medical Center Chapel for our 4th Day Group with the Walk to Emmaus. The Walk is not an actual walk, but rather a 3-day weekend encounter with Christ based on the verses in Luke 24:13-35.

Elshoff made his Walk To Emmaus back in Montana in the 1980s, and has served on at least 47 subsequent weekends, including 21 in Texas as clergy with the Walk To Emmaus, Chrysallis, Journey to Damascus, Kairos, and Bridges to Life, the latter two programs being designed to bring God’s peace and redirection to inmates in the prison system.

Elshoff’s life verse is:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

He notes that while he misses his law practice in Montana now and again, upon becoming a Texan, he realized the Lord was nudging him in a new direction, spiritual ministry. He pointed out that in Matthew 4:19, we are reminded that Jesus will help us find our passion — to make us fishers of men and women.

He served as pastor of a small church in Austin for more than 7 years, planted another small church in Buda and has served as interim pastor for two other congregations. Additionally, Elshoff is a licensed gospel minister at First Baptist Church and teaches Sunday school and serves communion to the residents at Brookdale North here in San Marcos. He has rung the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas and has been blessed to baptize several people in the San Marcos River.

As a young man, Elshoff served honorably with the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam and continued “Service to the Nation” after moving to Texas by joining the Texas State Guard as a Chaplain. Elshoff has also served as the teen court judge for the City of San Marcos for the past 5 years.

Elshoff’s wife Margo is also spiritually active; he sponsored her in her Walk to Emmaus, and she has been singing and testifying for several years with The Steel Magnolias, that was started by Debbie Daniel.

When I asked Elshoff if he is retired, he chuckled and said he doesn’t have time for retirement.

“I like to stay busy; I’d rather wear out than rust out,” Elshoff said.

He will also be volunteering in another spiritual program this spring serving at the Adult Rehabilitation Center with the Salvation Army in Austin.