Following my retirement from the military I was self-employed and
actively involved in church leadership for twelve years.  In 1993 and 1994 I led a work team with Harold Stevens of Harvesters International to build churches and a Bible College in South Africa.  Also in 1994 I agreed to serve on the Board of Directors of Harvesters.

In early 1995 I was called to a staff position of my home church and the leadership permitted me to spend three months in South Africa and Mozambique assisting in the establishment of Harvesters Bible College.  With the heart that the church has for world missions they permitted me to do what needed to be done to assist Harvesters and before long I was leading teams to South Africa and  Kenya three and four times  a year.  With the growth of the church and the ministry of Harvesters I was finding it difficult in doing both and in 2004 I resigned from the staff position of my home church and was called by Harvesters Board of Directors to serve full time as the Director.

There was a time in my life that I didn’t think that the Lord would call the likes of Ed Hirshman to anything let alone full time ministry.  To Him I give all the glory and honor for what He has done.  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Eph. 6:10