Where God Guides, He Provides
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt. 6:33)
As a third-generation leader of Peter & John Ministries (PJM), I’ve had the privilege of learning from those who came before me, both their bold faith and their practical wisdom. My grandfather and great-uncle, Peter and John Bisset, were Scottish immigrants who came to America as teenagers in the early 1900’s, eventually becoming pastors of two different churches in Baltimore. They loved the local church, but their true passion lay outside its walls, reaching people who, as they would say, would “never darken the doors of a church.”
Without large denominational backing or modern strategic planning, they relied on a simple but profound mantra: "Where God guides, He provides."
This wasn’t just a saying; it was the driving principle behind everything they did. They sought first God’s kingdom, trusted his leading, and believed he would make a way.
From Kilts to Cowboy Boots
Their first step of faith in ministry was launching a daily radio program in 1948. But they soon realized that the next generation needed a space to encounter Christ in a real and personal way. In 1952, they established River Valley Ranch (RVR), a Western-themed summer camp offering adventure and biblical teaching.
Let’s pause for a second: Two Scottish pastors starting a cowboy camp… in Maryland.
Let’s pause for a second: Two Scottish pastors starting a cowboy camp… in Maryland. Not exactly logical. But they weren’t following logic, they were following the Lord’s direction.
That leap of faith led to a ministry that has now impacted hundreds of thousands of young lives. Year after year, campers come for the adventure but leave with something far greater: authentic Christian community and, for many, a life-changing encounter with Jesus. It all started because two men were willing to seek first the kingdom and trust God with the results.
Preaching Beyond the Pews: A Bold Step Into Media
Using the same outside-the-box thinking, Peter and John saw another opportunity: the power of radio.
With no prior radio experience, they had stepped out in faith to launch a daily radio program, believing the airwaves could carry the gospel beyond church walls. Then came a bigger leap: purchasing an FM radio station when AM was still king, and FM radios weren’t even standard in cars. From a business standpoint, it made no sense, but it was a bold vision for the future.
That vision became Brighter Media Group (BMG). Today, BRIGHT-FM is one of the top Christian radio stations in the country, proving once again that when God guides, he provides.
Not Every Step Lasts, but Every Step Matters
Of course, not every faith-driven decision resulted in a lasting legacy. Peter and John also started a Christian bookstore, which thrived for a season but, like many others, couldn’t compete with online retailers. Was it a failure? No. It fulfilled its purpose, touched lives, and was part of God’s plan for that time.
The lesson? Success in God’s kingdom isn’t always measured by longevity but by faithfulness.
Balancing Strategic Planning With Kingdom Vision
Now, as the third generation leading PJM, we’ve developed robust strategic planning processes: setting goals, tracking progress, and ensuring sustainability for BMG and RVR. Wise stewardship is part of seeking first the kingdom.
That said, I naturally take a conservative, reasoned approach to leadership, carefully weighing risks and planning for the future. But my family's legacy challenges me to ask: “Are we leaving room for the unexpected? Are we open to where God might be leading, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into our spreadsheets?”
And I’m grateful for others on our team who live out this mantra more naturally – leaders who challenge us to step out in faith, even when the next step isn’t clear. Together, we steward our resources wisely while staying open to God’s bigger vision.
What Is God Calling You To?
As you seek God’s direction, what limitations are you allowing to shape your vision?
Are you asking, “What can we do with the resources we have?” Or are you daring to ask, “What could we do if we truly believed that where God guides, he provides?”
Maybe he’s leading you beyond your comfort zone.
Maybe he’s calling you to start something that seems impractical. Maybe he’s leading you beyond your comfort zone. Or, maybe the step he’s asking you to take doesn’t fit neatly into your plans.
If so, I encourage you: take the step.
The vision God gives you may not always make sense in the moment, but when you seek first his kingdom, he will take care of the rest.
###
Jon Bisset leads Peter & John Ministries (PJM), where BRIGHT-FM broadcasts hope, and River Valley Ranch (RVR) ignites faith through life-changing experiences. He is passionate about helping ministries innovate while staying mission-focused. Jon enjoys gardening, chess, running, and Peloton. He and his wife, Courtney, have two children. Learn more at gopjm.com and connect with Jon on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Outcomes magazine.
Jon Bisset will be teaching a workshop at The Outcomes Conference 2025 entitled “Dealing with a Crisis: How We Navigated a Tragedy.” Join us April 29 – May 1, 2025, in Dallas: www.outcomesconference.org.
