Category Archives: Be A Man

Articles relating to and celebrating manhood, being a man in service to others, and to the King.

Honduras 2016

During mid-January I went with a six-man team from Louisiana on a short-term mission trip to the mountains around Olanchito, Honduras. Some on our team have a long-term relationship with a local pastor there, as does our mission-facilitating organization XMA (Extreme Missionary Adventures).

Let me stop and give a shout out to XMA for their service and value to the Kingdom of God, especially the world of short-term missions! In their short history they have developed relationships with indigenous church leaders, pastors, and missionaries around the globe. I’ve seen this wonderful association myself and benefited from it twice now. They serve church groups and individuals like you and me by organizing and leading us on spiritual adventures to serve proven people they know. You can and should read about their organization and opportunities to help you or your group go on an adventure! One of their mottos is “Adventure with a Purpose!” They perform a wonderful service and do a wonderful job! Give them a look!

Honduras is in Central America about a three hour flight from Houston or Miami. It’ s the second largest country in CA, beautiful, mostly mountainous, with both an Caribbean and Pacific coast line. According to Operation World, considered by many the authority on world missions, Honduras is “one of the Western hemisphere’s poorest countries,” with “widespread unemployment, low wages, and long lasting devastation from Hurricane Mitch (1998)”… making it a country of great need. “Thirty-seven percent of the population is under fifteen years old.” So there are lots of needs and opportunities to sow into and help children in Honduras.

What you may not know (I didn’t!) is that Honduras has experienced “five decades of evangelical growth. In 1960, evangelicals numbered 32,000 and were 1.7% of the population. They are now 1,750,000 and 23%, and growth shows little sign of stopping. Some polls show that up to 36% of the population identify with evangelical beliefs.” These statistics and what I’ve seen on three trips to Honduras in the last fourteen months make me believe God’s heart and ear is turned to the people there.

What did we do there? Two of our number had prepared for and subsequently taught a pastors conference. About 20-30 pastors and some of their family members walked as many as twelve hours through the mountains to the mission compound and camped in the crude dorms. They attended the teaching sessions about six hours each day for three days, in addition to worship and prayer times. During this time the rest of us did construction work, putting a metal roof on a partially completed church building in a nearby village about five miles upstream of the mission complex in the mountains.

We also ministered one afternoon in the Olanchito state prison, sharing the gospel and our testimonies. There we saw five men come to faith in Christ for the first time. Others came forward so we moved among the prisoners, laying our hands on them, praying for them and their families as the Spirit gave us impressions. We didn’t have translators, nor were they needed. It was a special time.

One of our team had shared with the group at devotional time the day before, “Last year this time I was in prison myself, and I haven’t been a Christian very long. This is my first mission trip and I don’t know the Scriptures like the rest of you guys so I’m a little nervous.” We said in response, “Are you kidding? You are the sharpest tool in the Lord’s pouch! His saving grace is very fresh to you, and they will be able to relate to you fully.” He did a great job sharing his testimony, with the prisoners hanging on his every word! 🙂 All the while the Spirit bore witness to his words. 🙂

To keep it brief I’ll stop for now and write again about a couple more special Honduran experiences in separate blogs. In summary, pray for Honduras! And consider going! The people and country will be blessed eternally, and you more so!

Photos 🙂

Foster Care Summer Camp 2015

Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. I had the pleasure of attending the 44th annual Fort Smith Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast downtown. The event is hosted by the CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Committee) and was very inspirational. Some inspired prayers where offered up to the Lord by area pastors, and among the honored guests was Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchison, who briefly addressed the crowd before the main speaker, NFL running back William Green, took the podium.

T. Ray Grandstaff, Arkansas Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, introduced Mr. Green saying that he had arrived in our area a couple days early and addressed several area high school football team members resulting in 59 young men professing faith in Jesus Christ. He was an outstanding man, an excellent speaker, with a great story. (When his talk becomes available digitally, I’ll include a link here!)

Gov. Hutchison was brief with his remarks praising the committee for their efforts in hosting this event and underscoring the value and need for prayer in the political and government arenas. He went on to passionately promote two initiatives asking faith based groups to come along side the State of Arkansas in service and leadership with their help and support. He framed the need and opportunity by asking churches and faith-based groups to help in giving some Arkansans a much needed 1st chance in life, and by giving others a much needed 2nd chance in life.

The two groups of Arkansans, he went on to say are (1) prisoners being reintroduced into society after they’ve served their time. And (2) foster homes for kids. He said that there were presently 500 foster children in Sebastian County who were in need of a place to stay with only 125 homes currently serving. Please pray about these situations and act as the Spirit leads you. Foster children need a 1st chance in life, while released prisoners need a 2nd chance.

On Father’s Day this year, a local faith-based organization hosted their 11th annual summer camp for foster kids with volunteers from four area churches and their children. The organization, Matthew Eighteen, is organized and lead by a local couple who have served foster kids in their homes for several years, and adopted foster children.

This 2015 Matthew 18 camp saw 25 volunteers serving 23 children. And according to Curtis, the director, there were eight baptisms at camp’s end. He said, “This year’s camp was characterized by healing. The camp’s theme was, ‘You are more.'” For a photo album of this year’s camp, click here. For a short story of this year’s camp by video, click here.

*****************************************************

If you’re interested in Governor Asa Hutchinson’s call for faith based help, attend and talk up the Restore Hope Summit explained below.

“This morning, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced a call to action for faith-based leaders to discuss solutions to two seemingly disparate issues facing the state: the shortage of foster homes for children in Department of Human Services custody, and the lack of services for former prison inmates reentering society. The “Restore Hope Summit” will be held on August 25 and 26 at the Marriott Hotel in Little Rock. Those interested in attending can register online here.” Arkansas Times

Another Camp Hope Video

Video “A Day at Camp Hope”

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9)

D-Day 2015

Dad Hogue in the SE Arkansas Delta where he lived most of his life

Remembering my father-in-law, Russel Hogue, from a book written by his daughter, Elizabeth Hogue Bell, titled “My Dad – No Ordinary Man” 2007.

I really had no idea of the extent of dad’s service in World War II. The hardship and the danger and the courage required as he served; he really never discussed. We just knew he served in World War II. It wasn’t until my husband, Dwayne, and brother, David, began traveling to his war reunions that we begin to learn about his experiences. While traveling to one of those reunions dad was in the airport in Dallas and ran into one of our friends. The friend was introduced to dad and told where we were going. The friend asked dad what he did in the war? “I drove a 2 1/2 ton truck full of 5 gallon gas cans to refuel tanks most of the time,” was dad’s humble reply. The friend quickly remarked, ”There’s a country song out there called, “What were you thinking?” Dad’s quick comment was, “Yeah, I didn’t have many hitchhikers.” I think that was the first time we realized how dangerous his job was! A stray bullet or tracer around, and kaboom!

We had never known or realized that history reveals dad’s unit, The Third Armored Division, did more to win the war in Europe for the allies than perhaps any other unit. They have records for many firsts among US forces, including the first across Hitler’s famous Siegfried line, and the first to capture a major German city, Cologne. They were in the Battle of the Bulge and in some of the fiercest fighting of the war after crossing into Europe at Normandy.

Dad served in the CCC in North Dakota two years preceding WW II

Dad served with the CCC in North Dakota two years preceding WW II

Dad never made a big deal out of carrying a Thompson sub machine gun and driving a truck full of gas and support of tanks for 18 months in one of the most dangerous times and places in history, to defend our country and freedom for the world. In mud, rain, snow, daylight, and dark he served, many nights sleeping under that same truck.

After attending a few reunions with Dad, and having the light of these truths slowly dawn on him, my husband once asked Dad, ”Why have you never told this to me or any of our family?” His humble reply was,”It’s something I never figured people were much interested in, and it’s something we’d just soon forget.” Yet when at these reunions, with men who had experienced the same things, they would talk, laugh, love, and remember the bond that extreme adversity, courage honorable conduct, and sacrifice mold. They seem to know the value of each person. They seemed to love good and hate evil, and see it a little clearer that people do today. They loved freedom and appreciated it more, having seen the cost. This in small part is the fabric of what is been called the ”Greatest Generation.” This was my dad’s generation, and in our eyes he was one of its most noble parts.

Dad Hogue as a young boy with his father SE Arkansas

It was so fitting that his funeral service was held on the anniversary of D-Day. Dad participated in the build up and crossed the Normandy beaches a few days following D-day to fight the rest of the war, freeing Europe and the world from tyranny.

Dad’s service began because he was drafted into the army on March 5, 1943. He could tell you quickly from memory that he was in the service for two years, nine months and twenty-seven days. He was, however, offered a deferral to stay out of the war due to his job making torpedo triggers. What a man! He could have taken an easy way out but no, to him it was an honor to fight for his country. Yes, my dad was a noble part of a great generation.

Dad with grandson, our son, Joshua

Dad with grand daughter, our daughter, Amanda

Dad’s son David who played football at the University of Arkansas

Dad’s Daughters Elizabeth & Susan

Dad raised a family of four, each of which have children

Dad’s Love and Wife of 46 years, Janie Jo Whitaker Hogue

Dad, or Pappaw as he was called by his grandchildren, in his 83rd and last year, pictured with his daughter Elizabeth, my wife, and the author of this article.

Shout Out to Dad

Ponca AR 2015

Recently I spent a Saturday with two good friends, Justin and Joshua, taking a drive through the Ozark mountains of Northwest Arkansas. We were driving just to catch up on our friendship, look over the beautiful countryside, and pay a short visit to our families who live in Harrison Arkansas. Our agenda also included buying some boots at the Harness Shoe Store on The Square, visiting friends at the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, and driving up the beautiful Boxley Valley to view the elk herds and the limestone colored Buffalo River. It seemed everywhere we stopped local people were coming up and asking, “How’s your dad?” Then various comments were added like: “He was the best game warden we ever had.” “He is a good man.” “Glad he’s doing well!” “Tell him I asked about him.”

Dad by and old Model A like one he owned as a young man

Dad by an old Model A like one he owned as a young man

Fred Bell is 90 years old. I think it remarkable and an honor to still be remembered and thought of so fondly by so many. Yesterday, a couple weeks after the weekend mentioned, Dad and I took a drive to see my cousin Carol Chaney, M.D., at her home near Lead Hill Arkansas. After our friendly and enjoyable visit, doctor, cousin Carol was saying goodbye to Dad as he got into his truck, and said something like this. “Whenever I meet people I don’t know around the county, and I mention that you’re my uncle, everything changes, as they become warm and friendly to me, saying, ‘Oh, you know Fred Bell?’”. Dad spoke up quietly, and said with a smile, “Well I worked for the Game and Fish Commission for forty years.” Carol smiled and said, “I don’t think that’s the reason Uncle. I think it’s because you’ve cared about them and because of your character.”:-)

Fred Bell on one of the horses he worked of during his first years of service

Fred Bell on one of the horses he worked off of during his first years of service

Somewhat remarkable as well, is the fact that Dad is still showing up in magazines and videos at the age of 90. I don’t think that’s common for ninety-year old men. There was a two page article about Dad in the latest edition of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission magazine, (page 91 and 92 if you’re interested). The commission also recently published a hardbound table coffee book entitled, A Century of Conservation, which contained quotes by Dad. And to top that off, there is a recently released YouTube video from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with the same title (A Century of Conservation) that contains information about some of Dad’s life’s work with his picture (at two minutes and forty seconds if you’re interested.:-)). Again, this is not normal for a 90 year old man who’s been retired for 44 years.:-)

Wildlife display at Elk Center in Ponca AR

Maybe this is what’s most remarkable? I’m glad this man is my dad. My brother and sister are too. All his friends seem very glad they know him. They love him and would do anything for him. Perhaps because he lived his life that way towards them.

Dad at brother Gene’s home near Bass AR

He still lives at home and enjoys looking out at the blue Ozark Mountains to the south, Newton County, where he lived much of his life. Lots of birds frequent the trees in his backyard and his deck. Even though he lives in the city, deer and raccoons also frequent his backyard which brings him a lot of joy. He remains gentle, humble, and kind. He’s always been a leader. And he is still leading the way, demonstrating to us all how to age with humor, dignity, kindness, and grace.

I love you Dad! Thank you for being a man of noble character, sacrifice, and service. A leader, a role model, and a hero. Thank you for fearing God, honoring God, and serving God in front of us. I’m glad you’re my dad! Happy Father’s Day 2015, a month or so early!

Dad after a recent plane ride at 90 years of age

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:7)

“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” (Psalm 26:1)

“Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord.” (Psalm 128:4)

“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

Dad’s Father and Mother on or about their wedding day

Dad & Mom’s Wedding Day Photo

Dad with a Son & Daughter

“One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)

“And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18)

Honduras 2015

Honduran Coast at Tela

Honduras, about the size of England, is the second largest country in Central America after Nicaragua, it’s neighbor to the south. It’s home to about 8 million people. According to Operation World, Seventh Edition, about 50% live in cities, and about 37% are under the age of 15! It’s one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere with an average income per person of $1,826 (4% of USA), and 28% unemployment.

New Guitars Put to Use

Commenting on the religious landscape Operation World states, “In 1960, evangelicals numbered 32,000 and 1.7% of the population. They are now 1,750,000 and 23% , and growth shows little sign of stopping. Some polls show that up to 36% of the population identify with evangelical beliefs.”

Beautiful Young People

Moon’s travel guide reports the religious landscape according to a 2008 poll as 47% Catholic, 36% evangelical Christians, and 17% “other.” They also note that, “A belief in magic and witchcraft is common among Hondurans in both rural and urban areas.” And commenting on it’s history they note, “For reasons not entirely clear, Copan (in Honduras) was the greatest center for arts, astronomy, and science among the Maya.”

5 Hour Drive from San Pedro Sula to Olanchita

From January 7th to January 13th, sixteen folks from Louisiana, California, and Arkansas went on a ministry and friendship mission adventure to Central America organized and hosted by Extreme Missionary Adventures (XMA) and initiated by my friend Robert Lindsay, our leader at age 75, making his 10th and perhaps last mission trip to Honduras. He’s passing the leadership torch and mantle to others he’s trained along the way.

Prison Ministry

During the week long adventure we did prison ministry, a three-day pastor’s conference, construction at the mission complex, and visited two villages, praying for the sick, sharing the gospel, distributing Bibles, tooth brushes, and clothing.

Bunk Bed Construction

If you’d like to view some photos of those activities, places, and people click here.

XMA exists to help groups of friends, individuals, or church groups go on mission adventures and make a difference in the lives of others while broadening their own perspectives, fulfilling the great commission given by Jesus to disciples of all ages until He returns. You can get a feel for their philosophy and hearts to serve from visiting their website, as well as a look at opportunities for future missions. I’ve been on ten short term mission trips now, and I can attest to the fact that they are experienced, organized, and excellent in all phases of making such trips meaningful and successful. It was a pleasure.

Robert with Leo

Speaking of a pleasure, meeting the other fifteen team members, all but one for the first time, was a real pleasure. We bonded immediately and had a great time together, building memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.

I found Honduras a beautiful country, with beautiful, warm hearted people, who were generous, gracious, and truly appreciative of our help. XMA has a ten year relationship in Olanchito with a pastor who pastors a church in the city while mentoring pastors from several neighboring villages. We partnered with Pastor Dario, helping his ministry while he made many of his relationships available to us. Working with him gave us meaningful and immediate entrance into communities and lives there, opportunities to really see into the culture and into people’s individual lives that simply being a tourist can’t replicate. I can’t say enough about it. It was truly another life event and memory, as most short term mission trips are. Go! Soon! You’ll be glad you did.

Honduras!

Bill with Bear Wittness and an armed Guard!

Youth Leading Worship…Honduras’ Future

Finishing Well – Kings of Judah

There has been a lot said recently by Christian baby boomers about finishing well. It’s also a recognizable theme in the Bible among historical figures, some of whom finish well and some do not?

“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:11–12)

Recently, while reading through the Bible in a year, my plan covered the time of the kings of Judah and Israel. After the first three kings of Israel, the kingdom divided in 931 B.C. Two of those three Kings did not end well including Solomon! And there are some good lessons to be learned therein. But I was thinking of the kings of Judah.

I remembered that in the ten northern tribes of Israel there were no good kings. There were nineteen kings and all were evil! They with their tribes were judged by the LORD and carried away into captivity by Assyria in 722 B.C.

In Judah (the name given the southern kingdom, the tribes Judah and Benjamin), there were twenty kings and eight did “what is right before God.” I remembered that, and a lot about their lives. But what I didn’t remember was that they didn’t finish well!

What a shame! To have lived your life mostly right before God, experiencing his protection and provision, and yet in your later years finish poorly, away from God and His purposes.

Don’t let this happen to you! Don’t let it happen to me! Let’s purpose together not to let it happen to each other, to the best of our ability. I propose we look at these kings of Judah and learn from their mistakes. We can look at their successes too! That’s really what gives light to their mistakes. Their lives are given to us for an example as the above Scripture tells us. Their lives are an open book. And so are ours, before God. Let’s consider their ways, and ours.

Live Above the Fray

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:7)

Names like Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah? Are you as shocked as I was? Look them up. Read and learn, asking the Spirit to be your guide to insight, wisdom, and obedience. You’ll be blessed by wisdom from the LORD. Wisdom to help you in your journey, and to finish well.

I’ll give you a little insight into Asa’s history here, but the rest are just as fascinating and instructive.

With Friends In Community

“He [Asa] gathered all Judah and Benjamin and those from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who resided with them, for many defected to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him.” (2 Chronicles 15:9) “And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign.” (2 Chronicles 15:19)

“At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Aram has escaped out of your hand. “Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim an immense army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.” Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him for this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time. Now, the acts of Asa from first to last, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa became diseased in his feet. His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians. So Asa slept with his fathers, having died in the forty-first year of his reign.” (2 Chronicles 16:7–13)

A forty-one year reign! Mostly good! But it ended like this. Don’t let this happen to you.

The second king of Israel, David, did finish well! Even though he wasn’t perfect and went through a lot of trials; mostly self inflicted or sin inflicted. The Scripture eventually says of him that he accomplished the purposes of God in his generation. May we give ear to the Scriptures, and our hearts to God, so this may be said about us.

“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, …” (Acts 13:36)

Godspeed on your journey! May the King of Heaven grace you to serve Him all your days. [a prayer]

Humility and Pride

Pride is public enemy #1. It’s a killer. It’s also private enemy #1. It goes before destruction.

Fortunately there is an antidote for this deadly menace. It’s called humility.

I love humility. I admire it whenever I see it in people, and I aspire to it. But I struggle with and seem plagued by pride. I confess it immediately when someone accuses me of pride. It’s the original sin, and it’s in every human. But it’s a cop out to justify it or make peace with it because of those facts.

The Scripture says, God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. The Bible also says, “Humble yourself under the hand of God, and He will exalt you in due season. From this we can see there is power (“grace”) available from God if we are humble. And we can humble ourselves. I remember recently thinking about humility in connection with my recent plane crash; that I should not miss or waste an opportunity to humble myself.

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I would give the details of the accident in a subsequent blog for those who wanted to know what happened. I haven’t done so because of a crowded schedule, not because I was skirting the issue. I don’t want to miss the opportunity to make my error known and humble myself, so here goes.

After flying as a pilot more than fourteen thousand hours over thirty-five years, and never scratching an airplane, on March 28th of this year I crashed and totaled one. I walked away from it, and there is an old saying in aviation, “Any landing you walk away from is a good one.” 🙂 This is in fact true, for reasons that should be self evident, but it’s still very embarrassing to have an accident like this as a pilot. I think most people take pride in their abilities and records demonstrating those abilities, but it may be heightened in the flying profession. Anyway, I suggest we call pride “pride,” and humility “humility,” and get on with this story. Here’s what happened as I told it to the NTSB representative assigned to my case, and later to the FAA.

************************************

I departed KFSM [Fort Smith, AR] Friday morning about 0715L, March 28th, 2014, en route to visit my father in Harrison AR. It was a clear, calm day for flying. I flew a stop and go to Rwy 7, before turning out of traffic to the NW VFR. I had walked a friend’s field the day before near Dora, AR, and determined it to be a suitable runway for the Maule, so I decided to make a landing or two before continuing on my way to KHRO. The first landing was uneventful and went as planned, landing to the north. I rolled to the end of the field, turned around and shut the airplane down to take some early morning photos. Then I climbed back in and took off to the south, deciding to make one more landing before continuing to my destination. This landing was much like the first, but with a considerable bounce. I added power and straightened the airplane’s flight path bringing it to the ground just short of midfield. I looked at the distance remaining to the end, and decided to go around. With the addition of TO power I was committed to the take off, and seeing there wasn’t obstacable clearance ahead attempted to clear a fence at the NE end of the field where there was lower terrain. I impacted the fence coming to an immediate and forceful stop with the tail of the airplane straight up in the air, the airplane slowly falling on over on it’s back. I found myself hanging upside down in the harness, with the smell of gasoline in the cabin. I quickly turned off the master switch, then tried a few times to open the door unsuccessfully. So I unbuckled from the seat belt/shoulder harness and kicked the door glass out, crawling out on the wing, and moving quickly away from the airplane. The ELT was beeping loudly. I was unharmed and unscratched amazingly. After a few minutes I climbed back into the cabin briefly and turned off the ELT.

In retrospect I should have practiced several more hours in the airplane before landing in fields where go around options are limited. This landing would have been a non-event on a normal runway with sufficent clear zone for a go around. Even though I made dozens of landings durning Maule training and felt competent, more time could have helped in avoiding the bounce, correcting for such, and go around practice. A firm decision to land or go around must be made early at such fields to ensure safe landings or obstacle clearance for go arounds.

*************************************

The mistakes leading to the crash seemed impossible and not real about a second before impact and all during the day after the crash, which I spent alone in retrospection because my family was in another city. Even though I was unscratched and not even sore from the impact, I knew my airplane lay mangled on its back in a friends field not far away. It was my fault. I needed to own it and take responsibility for it, which I do.

There is a real freedom in feeling small, and knowing that God is big. I know I’m fortunate not to have ended up in a burn unit somewhere. I know I’m fortunate to be alive. I thank God for His protection, and for the opportunity at another chapter of life.

“The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)

“The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.” (Proverbs 15:33)

“However, Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come on them in the days of Hezekiah.” (2 Chronicles 32:26)

“When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Proverbs 16:18)

“My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice.” (Psalm 34:2)

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

Happy 90th Dad!

August 19th, Fred Bell, Dad, the patriarch of our family celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends at a reception held a few days earlier at his church, First Baptist Church, Harrison, AR. It was a lovely event with much fellowship and relationship experienced and expressed.

Interspersed with all the hugs and best wishes were a couple presentations. One of those was a citation presented by a Commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission honoring Dad for the significant and lifetime role he played in restoring Arkansas wildlife from their post-depression danger levels to the numbers we enjoy today. Many success stories were mentioned including black bear and elk, which Dad had a major role in reintroducing and protecting.

There was also a citation presented by State Senator Randy Laverty, retired, authored by the Arkansas House of Representatives honoring Dad for service to the State of Arkansas. Randy who was in Dad’s Boy Scout troop growing up said, “ Fred Bell was probably the most respected man in Newton County.”

Your family certainly thinks so Dad! Your three children were there, your six grand kids from all around the country. And five great grandchildren, some very recent! 🙂 We’re proud of you, the life you’ve lived in front of us and your peers, and we’re glad to call you Dad! We love you!!

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY!!!

For photos click here.

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1–3)

““Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:7)

“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.” (Psalm 16:6)

In the Rockies with Friends

August 7th, about noon, a good friend called and asked if I wanted to go ride motorcycles in Colorado for a week. I said, “Sounds fun and I’ve always wanted to do that! When would we leave?” “Tomorrow” he replied. 🙂

After a little nervous laughter, I tell him, “My 39th anniversary is in a couple days and I have a mountain lodge booked with dinner reservations, how do you think that would work out for me?”

After just a moment of silence, but not really missing a beat, he replies, “OK, we’ll leave Monday.”

I can’t believe I’m seriously considering this on such short notice, but I tell him to let me check my calendar for the week and I’ll call him back. My wife reminds me I have Dad’s 90th birthday party the day after we’d return, but other than that the calendar is remarkably clear!?

So? I call him back and say, “Let’s do it!” It’s a brother thing, a friendship thing, a celebrate the beauty of the earth thing. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for many years, but never slowed to free up the time. Because everyone else I know is too busy to consider such a thing, I moved it to the “maybe someday” list?

But not Steve! He realizes life is short and to be lived and enjoyed, a gift from a magnificent Creator and Father, Who likes to give His kids good gifts, and likes it when they take time to notice it and enjoy it.

I asked Steve, “Can I ask my brother Gene? It’s been on my bucket list to take a long motorcycle ride with him.” “Sure,” is his reply.

I’ll write a little more later. I’ve got to check the air in my tires, wash my bike, and pack!

Did I mention that I like adventure too? When is the last time you did something for the first time? We get so conformed by our culture. We’re not suppose to conform, but to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” That’s what the Scripture says. This, for me is another step in the right direction. To get outside, out doors, experience the beauty of creation, meditate and think random thoughts for awhile. To listen to the still, small, spiritual voice of a mighty Creator while enjoying his creation. Should be a Rocky Mountain high experience for sure!

I may need a motorcycle jacket, and yes Colby, even a helmet, for a 1200 mile ride where it can be cold in the mountains and warm in the valleys. Plan for rain. Pack light. Get to crackin’!

Gene said yes too! We leave Sunday after church!

********************************

Well, we did it! 1280 miles in four days of motorcycle riding. Plus twelve hours of fellowship and sharing while driving out there and back in our pickups with trailers. Amazingly beautiful, restful, relational, and spiritual! Thank you Lord for such an experience, and for great brothers to share it with. Amen.

For photos click here! 🙂

“The generous man will be prosperous,And he who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25)

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,The world, and those who dwell in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

“Who establishes the mountains by His strength,Being girded with might;” (Psalm 65:6)

Hope Kids at Jim’s Cabin

God’s heart is certainly for the children. He showed us that in His Word, and Jesus was clear about it as He walked the earth. “ Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,Is God in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5)

Let me tell you about Hope Kids. I can only hope and pray God is doing things like this all around the country. Pray and ask Him to allow you to be a part! “This came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” (Mark 12:11)

I’ll give you the short version here. You’ll be seeing and hearing more about it in the days to come. A few dedicated people from two area churches have been ministering to at risk kids in local apartment complexes. They have gotten to know the kids, their families, and their homes by visiting them where they live, gaining their trust. They also carry them in vans weekly to one of the churches where they worship, play, and are taught Bible stories.

Last year a summer camp was organized for these children based on the Matthew Eighteen Camp model where many of us have served in years past. Due perhaps to the ongoing relationships established, this camp has a different flavor and has been wildly successful exceeding our expectations.

Several children came to know the Lord and were baptized. Remarkably since camp last year twenty children have come to know the Lord and asked to be baptized. 🙂

Now we come to last weekend and Jim’s cabin, where the kids were invited for a meal, fishing, canoeing, and fun; but for the primary purpose of baptizing those who had made decisions for Christ, been counseled, and asked to be baptized. It was a joyous event for all involved as the photos depict.

The weather was perfect, partly overcast and cool, with some exciting thunder and lightning in the distance as nineteen kids and one adult were baptized in the lake in front of Jim’s cabin. Oh by the way, Jim is the name of the black lab who is a Hope Kid’s favorite at every event.

The second annual Hope Kids Camp is coming up July 23 through July 26 this year. If you are interested in volunteering or helping in anyway, email me and I’ll get you in touch with the camp organizers. You’ll be blessed and a blessing.

*************************

Camp Hope 2013 Story

Jim’s Cabin Baptism Photos 2014 Baptism Video!

“Tell your sons about it, and let your sons tell their sons, and their sons the next generation.” (Joel 1:3)

A Friend of the King

David and His Mighty Men