When it comes to ministry there is one important truth I have learned: We can do it better together. Two is always better than one. No matter what the community need might be, Christians make more of an impact when they work together.
The Bible calls it the Body of Christ. I am grateful for the churches in Montgomery County that have combined efforts to share the love of Christ with a hurting world. I have witnessed the formation of the www.montcares.org website. I have seen the development of Hub Ministry, where volunteer case workers gather to better serve the needy. In cooperation with Trinity Mission, a transient housing ministry may soon be launched. The food pantry has expanded from three to five days per week.
Six churches are working together to send a Basic Utility Vehicle (BUV) to the Congo. This simple, sturdy, high-mileage-per-gallon vehicle can be used to transport children to school, gather fresh water and haul supplies. It could literally change the lives of an entire community in the Congo. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to purchase and ship the BUV to Africa. On Oct. 31, a fund-raising event is planned near the Habitat for Humanity headquarters on Jennison Street.
The Body of Christ is an image of being spiritually connected. Over and over again the Bible calls the church the body of Christ. Romans 12:5 says in the Living Bible: “Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of it and it takes every one of us to make it complete for we all have a different work to do. So we belong to each other and each needs all the others."
This one passage is full of spiritual truths. Here are four:
1. First, notice the Apostle Paul acknowledges we are all different. Each of us is unique. God doesn't want you to be like anybody else. Often, folks resist cooperating with other believers from other churches because of our differences. What matters is what we hold in common: faith in Jesus Christ.
2. We all have different roles to play, different work to do, different niches to fill. In a body not everything does the same thing. Can you imagine if all the parts of your body did the same thing? Imagine if every part of your body did the digestion. It would be redundant and uncomfortable because our body does more than digest food. All of us have different roles to play in the body of Christ.
3. Everyone is needed to make the body complete. The hand cannot say to the foot, "I don't need you," and the ear cannot say to the nose, "I don't need you." We are all needed in the body of Christ. While some parts are small, they are still needed. Have you ever damaged one of your little fingers? Few people realize how important your little finger is until it is injured. Even the most insignificant part of your body plays a role. If it gets hurt you notice. There are no insignificant people in the body of Christ. At night, the most important light in my home is not the big chandelier in the dining room. It is the little night light that keeps me from smashing my toe. Everyone has a role to play in the body of Christ.
4. We all need to be connected with each other. The Christian life is not just a matter of believing. It means being connected to each other. When we become disconnected our effectiveness wanes. Community needs are far too great for one church to tackle alone. When our ear becomes detached from the body, it no longer functions. Unless it is attached to a body it is no good. What good is a foot if it becomes detached from a body? A foot cannot do anything unless it is connected to a body. Why did God choose the body as an illustration of what the church is to be? Because in a healthy body all the parts grow together - they grow in harmony.
Our most important connection is to Jesus Christ. The second most important connection is to get connected to the body of Christ, the local church. And when local churches work together to tackle community needs, our witness as a light in a dark world is strengthened considerably. As Jesus told Peter, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18, ESV)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Character Counts Series: Fairness
CHARACTER COUNTS SERIES: FAIRNESS
For the Journal-Review
October 19, 2010
By Rev. Gary Lewis
First United Methodist Church
Fairness: A person of character is just and impartial, listens and is open to differing viewpoints.
When evangelist Billy Graham was asked to do the invocation at President Bush’s inauguration, he cited this quotation by George Washington: “America stands on two great pillars – faith and morality. Without these, our foundation crumbles.”
Fairness is morality in action.
When we choose to be just and impartial, when we choose to really listen to others, we become a person of character. Fairness is one of the bedrocks of a civilized society. We often quote the phrase, “life isn’t fair.” This is true.
After all, we live in a dog-eat-dog world. Tragedy often strikes. People we love die. Accidents happen and rob the many joys in life we cherish. All we have to do is to scan the headlines on any given day and we quickly conclude this world we live in is not heaven. However, no one said being a person of character would be easy.
Why should I be fair? While we might enjoy the company of someone who has character, when it comes to the challenges of life we often want to take shortcuts. It’s OK for someone else to fight fair, but for me and my needs, I am going keep it simple and fight. Period. Everyone else had better get out of the way.
While life is difficult at times, a person of character overcomes those difficulties by having an attitude of fairness. We need people who will listen and be open to various viewpoints. For our society to thrive, it requires people who are fair in their dealings with others. Without fairness, our democracy will crumble. Commerce certainly depends upon individuals who are willing to be just and impartial. Our political system needs a new infusion of fairness. We desperately need people who will listen and be open to various viewpoints.
Here are some ideas about why fairness, one of the bedrocks of character, is important:
1. I will reap whatever I sow.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:7: “Do not deceive yourselves: no one makes a fool of God. A person will reap exactly what he plants (Good News Translation).” When the Apostle Paul wrote this, he was being very certain about the consequences of choices we make in life. He didn’t say most of the time, or some of the time, but “A person will reap.” It is a law of the universe. If I plant apple seeds, I’ll grow an apple tree, not a peach tree. If I plant corn seed, I’m going to harvest corn, not potatoes.
Whatever we give out in life is what we are going to get back. If I choose to be a cheater, then I’m going to get cheated. If I take advantage of other people, then someone is going to take advantage of me. I will reap whatever I sow.
If I refuse to listen to the viewpoints of others and I insist on my view then there will be fewer people who will give me an audience. If I am overcritical of others, then I am going to suffer the consequences of criticism.
On the other hand, if I choose to be a person of character, a person of fairness, then more people will be fair in their dealings with me. If I desire to be a good listener, then there will be more people in my life willing to listen to me. (A good listener doesn’t mean to wait until it is your turn to speak, but to maintain eye contact and really make an effort to hear the other person.)
Fairness is an important character trait because it leads to a lifestyle of grace. What this world needs, especially with the push back from those consumed with greed, are more people with an attitude of fairness. When we choose to be a person of fairness, other people will notice.
If you are a parent, you know you are being closely watched by your kids. Values are caught not taught. What is my lifestyle communicating to my kids? Am I living a lifestyle that says character counts and fairness matters?
The Bible tells us to “let your light shine so people can see your good works and praise your Father in heaven.” There are people in your life right now who may not like your personality and they may disagree with your politics or your faith, but they will respect your character if you choose to be fair and impartial in your dealings with them. While the TV shows may not show it, a person of character is noticed when he or she walks into a room. Being fair is a positive witness to the world. “The Lord sees what happens everywhere; he is watching us, whether we do good or evil.” (Proverbs 15:1, Good News Translation)
2. God rewards fairness.
“God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave…” (Hebrews 6:10, Good News Translation) In this life and in eternity, fairness is rewarded. Fairness leads to a full, happy, life. While the reward may not always be immediate, in the long term it is more than worth it.
When you don’t have any heavy burdens because of those you have treated unfairly, life takes on new meaning. While there may be some short-term benefit in unfairness, the long-term damage is not worth the temporary gain.
President Ronald Reagan told this story that has to do with character and fairness: “In one of the conflicts that was going on throughout the past year when views were held deeply on both side of the debate, I recall talking to one senator in my office. We both deeply believed what it was we were espousing, but we were on opposite sides.
“And when we finished talking, as he rose, he said, ‘I’m going out of here and do some praying,’ And I said, ‘Well, if you get a busy signal, it’s me there ahead of you.’”
Thankfully, we serve a God that has no busy signals. God is always present for us and our needs. May each of us, with Gods’ help, strive to be persons of character, exhibiting fairness in all of our relationships.
For the Journal-Review
October 19, 2010
By Rev. Gary Lewis
First United Methodist Church
Fairness: A person of character is just and impartial, listens and is open to differing viewpoints.
When evangelist Billy Graham was asked to do the invocation at President Bush’s inauguration, he cited this quotation by George Washington: “America stands on two great pillars – faith and morality. Without these, our foundation crumbles.”
Fairness is morality in action.
When we choose to be just and impartial, when we choose to really listen to others, we become a person of character. Fairness is one of the bedrocks of a civilized society. We often quote the phrase, “life isn’t fair.” This is true.
After all, we live in a dog-eat-dog world. Tragedy often strikes. People we love die. Accidents happen and rob the many joys in life we cherish. All we have to do is to scan the headlines on any given day and we quickly conclude this world we live in is not heaven. However, no one said being a person of character would be easy.
Why should I be fair? While we might enjoy the company of someone who has character, when it comes to the challenges of life we often want to take shortcuts. It’s OK for someone else to fight fair, but for me and my needs, I am going keep it simple and fight. Period. Everyone else had better get out of the way.
While life is difficult at times, a person of character overcomes those difficulties by having an attitude of fairness. We need people who will listen and be open to various viewpoints. For our society to thrive, it requires people who are fair in their dealings with others. Without fairness, our democracy will crumble. Commerce certainly depends upon individuals who are willing to be just and impartial. Our political system needs a new infusion of fairness. We desperately need people who will listen and be open to various viewpoints.
Here are some ideas about why fairness, one of the bedrocks of character, is important:
1. I will reap whatever I sow.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:7: “Do not deceive yourselves: no one makes a fool of God. A person will reap exactly what he plants (Good News Translation).” When the Apostle Paul wrote this, he was being very certain about the consequences of choices we make in life. He didn’t say most of the time, or some of the time, but “A person will reap.” It is a law of the universe. If I plant apple seeds, I’ll grow an apple tree, not a peach tree. If I plant corn seed, I’m going to harvest corn, not potatoes.
Whatever we give out in life is what we are going to get back. If I choose to be a cheater, then I’m going to get cheated. If I take advantage of other people, then someone is going to take advantage of me. I will reap whatever I sow.
If I refuse to listen to the viewpoints of others and I insist on my view then there will be fewer people who will give me an audience. If I am overcritical of others, then I am going to suffer the consequences of criticism.
On the other hand, if I choose to be a person of character, a person of fairness, then more people will be fair in their dealings with me. If I desire to be a good listener, then there will be more people in my life willing to listen to me. (A good listener doesn’t mean to wait until it is your turn to speak, but to maintain eye contact and really make an effort to hear the other person.)
Fairness is an important character trait because it leads to a lifestyle of grace. What this world needs, especially with the push back from those consumed with greed, are more people with an attitude of fairness. When we choose to be a person of fairness, other people will notice.
If you are a parent, you know you are being closely watched by your kids. Values are caught not taught. What is my lifestyle communicating to my kids? Am I living a lifestyle that says character counts and fairness matters?
The Bible tells us to “let your light shine so people can see your good works and praise your Father in heaven.” There are people in your life right now who may not like your personality and they may disagree with your politics or your faith, but they will respect your character if you choose to be fair and impartial in your dealings with them. While the TV shows may not show it, a person of character is noticed when he or she walks into a room. Being fair is a positive witness to the world. “The Lord sees what happens everywhere; he is watching us, whether we do good or evil.” (Proverbs 15:1, Good News Translation)
2. God rewards fairness.
“God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave…” (Hebrews 6:10, Good News Translation) In this life and in eternity, fairness is rewarded. Fairness leads to a full, happy, life. While the reward may not always be immediate, in the long term it is more than worth it.
When you don’t have any heavy burdens because of those you have treated unfairly, life takes on new meaning. While there may be some short-term benefit in unfairness, the long-term damage is not worth the temporary gain.
President Ronald Reagan told this story that has to do with character and fairness: “In one of the conflicts that was going on throughout the past year when views were held deeply on both side of the debate, I recall talking to one senator in my office. We both deeply believed what it was we were espousing, but we were on opposite sides.
“And when we finished talking, as he rose, he said, ‘I’m going out of here and do some praying,’ And I said, ‘Well, if you get a busy signal, it’s me there ahead of you.’”
Thankfully, we serve a God that has no busy signals. God is always present for us and our needs. May each of us, with Gods’ help, strive to be persons of character, exhibiting fairness in all of our relationships.
What We Need is 90% Effort and 110% Faith
I was interviewing for a job once when the city editor said something about journalism that I found rather interesting. As I mulled over his words a few days later, I found that insight to be beneficial in just about all that we do – including the church.
He told me that he did not expect his reporters to give 100 percent or 110 percent all the time. He said that eventually leads to burnout. There is so much to do at a newspaper that it’s easy to begin in frenzy mode. To track down every lead, to write every angle, to uncover every nugget of information …it is just not possible to keep up that pace.
Instead, this editor told me he expects his reporters to give 90 percent effort ALL the time. He wanted his news staff to have something left on a continuous basis. The question my editor had for me in my days as a journalist was always, “What do you have for me today?” It didn’t matter that I had three stories on page one yesterday. There was always something more to do.
Life is truly a marathon. When I look back at my ordination class of about 11 persons – seven of them are no longer involved in full-time pastoral ministry. Life is a struggle. Being a follower of Jesus Christ does not immunize us from the challenges of life. We may want to think the Christian life is a cakewalk, but it is often far from it. Some people are frustrated because they think life ought to be easy. It is not easy. There are no shortcuts.
I am reminded of that great chapter known as the faith hall-of-fame. Hebrews 11 serve as witnesses so that we are never alone in this marathon race known as life. These are the heroes of faith:
By faith Able offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death. By faith, Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark.
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age – and Sarah herself was barren – was enabled to become a father. By faith, Moses’ parents hid him for three months. By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
The 11th chapter of Hebrews is full of examples of how people of the faith responded to the struggles and challenges of their day. I ask you, dear reader, to take a few moments and consider in your life those witnesses watching you this very day. Those people who have represented a belief in an eternity – an eternal presence with God through Christ Jesus.
Maybe it is your father or mother, or a brother, sister, aunt, uncle or other relative. Maybe it was a close friend in the past. Think back to the times when you were new to the faith. Who was there to inspire, comfort and lead you into a deeper spiritual commitment?
There are many witnesses in my life. A high school teacher who led the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group; the director of the FCA camp where I worked; my pastor at Freedom Baptist Church; the three pastors I’ve know at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church; my wife. All of these people, and many more, stand on the sidelines cheering me on in my spiritual journey.
What we have got to remember is a marathon is a long struggle of endurance. It takes patience, persistence and stamina to finish. So often we go along for a time at full speed. We’re enjoying the fellowship, learning more about God’s word, seeking ways to serve God until we run into a brick wall. We find ourselves reaching a limit. We begin to slip. We find ourselves out of step in the spiritual journey. Troubles overwhelm us.
We must remember to pace ourselves at all times. What matter the most is not so much the speed but the direction we are taking. In Hebrews 12, we are told to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Allow me to list some of those weights that hold us back in the marathon race of life:
Tomorrow – a weight no Christian needs to carry. And yet, we spend so much time anticipating what might be. Jesus said, “Be not anxious for tomorrow.”
The unforgiven wrong – no matter what side you are on – is a weight no Christian needs to carry. Forgive it, or ask for forgiveness. A grudge is a dead weight.
Suspicion – no, everyone is not talking about you. They are too busy talking about themselves.
Temper – so many of us have a terrible temper. Our kids know it, our spouses know it, and certainly God knows it. The problem with a temper is it leaves a trail of terror in those we love the most.
Make your own list of weights that you need to throw off in order to run the race of life. Let them go. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
He told me that he did not expect his reporters to give 100 percent or 110 percent all the time. He said that eventually leads to burnout. There is so much to do at a newspaper that it’s easy to begin in frenzy mode. To track down every lead, to write every angle, to uncover every nugget of information …it is just not possible to keep up that pace.
Instead, this editor told me he expects his reporters to give 90 percent effort ALL the time. He wanted his news staff to have something left on a continuous basis. The question my editor had for me in my days as a journalist was always, “What do you have for me today?” It didn’t matter that I had three stories on page one yesterday. There was always something more to do.
Life is truly a marathon. When I look back at my ordination class of about 11 persons – seven of them are no longer involved in full-time pastoral ministry. Life is a struggle. Being a follower of Jesus Christ does not immunize us from the challenges of life. We may want to think the Christian life is a cakewalk, but it is often far from it. Some people are frustrated because they think life ought to be easy. It is not easy. There are no shortcuts.
I am reminded of that great chapter known as the faith hall-of-fame. Hebrews 11 serve as witnesses so that we are never alone in this marathon race known as life. These are the heroes of faith:
By faith Able offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death. By faith, Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark.
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age – and Sarah herself was barren – was enabled to become a father. By faith, Moses’ parents hid him for three months. By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
The 11th chapter of Hebrews is full of examples of how people of the faith responded to the struggles and challenges of their day. I ask you, dear reader, to take a few moments and consider in your life those witnesses watching you this very day. Those people who have represented a belief in an eternity – an eternal presence with God through Christ Jesus.
Maybe it is your father or mother, or a brother, sister, aunt, uncle or other relative. Maybe it was a close friend in the past. Think back to the times when you were new to the faith. Who was there to inspire, comfort and lead you into a deeper spiritual commitment?
There are many witnesses in my life. A high school teacher who led the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group; the director of the FCA camp where I worked; my pastor at Freedom Baptist Church; the three pastors I’ve know at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church; my wife. All of these people, and many more, stand on the sidelines cheering me on in my spiritual journey.
What we have got to remember is a marathon is a long struggle of endurance. It takes patience, persistence and stamina to finish. So often we go along for a time at full speed. We’re enjoying the fellowship, learning more about God’s word, seeking ways to serve God until we run into a brick wall. We find ourselves reaching a limit. We begin to slip. We find ourselves out of step in the spiritual journey. Troubles overwhelm us.
We must remember to pace ourselves at all times. What matter the most is not so much the speed but the direction we are taking. In Hebrews 12, we are told to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Allow me to list some of those weights that hold us back in the marathon race of life:
Tomorrow – a weight no Christian needs to carry. And yet, we spend so much time anticipating what might be. Jesus said, “Be not anxious for tomorrow.”
The unforgiven wrong – no matter what side you are on – is a weight no Christian needs to carry. Forgive it, or ask for forgiveness. A grudge is a dead weight.
Suspicion – no, everyone is not talking about you. They are too busy talking about themselves.
Temper – so many of us have a terrible temper. Our kids know it, our spouses know it, and certainly God knows it. The problem with a temper is it leaves a trail of terror in those we love the most.
Make your own list of weights that you need to throw off in order to run the race of life. Let them go. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Remembering James J. Hughes
Our family has another hole in its heart. The death of Jenny’s dad, Jim, is a welcome relief in many ways. He just hasn’t been himself the past several months. The hospitalizations, the doctor visits, the fatigue associated with his health finally took its toll. I’m well aware many of you know what I am talking about. I am so grateful his walk with Jesus was so sure and certain. He valued the Christian faith and made sure his family knew the importance of Jesus Christ as Savior, Guide and Friend.
Because he meant so much to me, I want to take some time and space in the Chimes to tell you about him. Among the churches we have had the privilege to serve, you knew him the least. The few times he was able to attend he really wasn’t feeling all that well. Knowing him like I do and how I know you, I believe you would have really enjoyed him. He had easy, engaging, way with others. Jenny dearly loved him and so did I.
I first met Jim before I knew his daughter. I was a reporter for the local newspaper and he was a member of the Syracuse, Indiana, Town Board. When I covered those laborious meetings, Jim was always there. I rarely could quote him because he didn’t say a whole lot. I would learn later that is a Hughes’ trait. Jim, in some situations, was a man of few words.
Yet, Jim would quietly take in all the proceedings around him and carefully considered the issues at hand. He was calm and thoughtful. Besides, at that time, the president of the town board did nothing but talk. Each board member was assigned to a particular department in the town. Jim was assigned the Park Department. In those days the Park Department was small and governed by a group of volunteers. It was an easy place to cut funding and support. Jim, though, had a way of keeping the department alive. He did not waiver from his duty.
Something we recently learned about Jim since his death reveals a lot about his character. He invited a local physician to attend Sunday School with him many years ago at our home church, St. Andrew’s United Methodist. Dr. Jack P. Clark wrote a wonderful letter about how grateful he was to be invited to church by Jim. That one invitation was a spark that ignited many years of faithful service to Christ. Dr. Clark went on to become one of the most dedicated adult teachers I have ever met. I am reminded about the story of Andrew – my home church’s namesake – the brother of Peter, who invited his brother to meet the Lord. When Peter became one of the disciples of Jesus, it changed the world forever. Dr. Clark went on to become one of the most dedicated adult teachers I have ever met. We never know how powerful a simple invitation might mean to the cause of Christ. This is a perfect example of how Jim operated in his life. He was a faithful, quiet, and effective man.
Like so many of the “Greatest Generation,” Jim is one of the many World War 2 veterans who have left us. Each year, the United States loses thousands of veterans from that perilous time in U.S. history. Because he was a college graduate, he was pressed into duty as the second-in-command of a minesweeper known as the U.S.S. Salute in the South Pacific. He was aboard the ship when an explosion took the lives of several sailors below deck. The explosion caused the ship to sink. Jim, though, escaped injury.
I remember the tears that formed in Jim’s eyes when he recalled that fateful day. A reunion of his shipmates occurred in 1987. The wound ran deep, but the survivors and family members pulled together to support one another. Again, in his own quiet style, Jim rose to the occasion as co-organizer of those annual gatherings.
When I received my call to ministry, I was really looking for some guidance from family and friends. In fact, I was expecting them to say something such as “You are crazy!” Instead, Jim’s response was short and brief. “I wondered how long it was going to take before you figured this out,” he said.
Of course, I will always remember Jim. He sang in our wedding. He gave of himself in countless ways to support us in our marriage – especially during those early years. In fact, he single-handedly (I was of no help) built an addition to the only home we ever owned. He did all that work just to watch us sell it later so I could pursue a seminary education. I never heard him complain.
These are just a few of the many qualities I admired about Jim. He was Jenny’s father, but in many ways he was my father too. (Thanks Sue Ann for reminding me of that.)
Because he meant so much to me, I want to take some time and space in the Chimes to tell you about him. Among the churches we have had the privilege to serve, you knew him the least. The few times he was able to attend he really wasn’t feeling all that well. Knowing him like I do and how I know you, I believe you would have really enjoyed him. He had easy, engaging, way with others. Jenny dearly loved him and so did I.
I first met Jim before I knew his daughter. I was a reporter for the local newspaper and he was a member of the Syracuse, Indiana, Town Board. When I covered those laborious meetings, Jim was always there. I rarely could quote him because he didn’t say a whole lot. I would learn later that is a Hughes’ trait. Jim, in some situations, was a man of few words.
Yet, Jim would quietly take in all the proceedings around him and carefully considered the issues at hand. He was calm and thoughtful. Besides, at that time, the president of the town board did nothing but talk. Each board member was assigned to a particular department in the town. Jim was assigned the Park Department. In those days the Park Department was small and governed by a group of volunteers. It was an easy place to cut funding and support. Jim, though, had a way of keeping the department alive. He did not waiver from his duty.
Something we recently learned about Jim since his death reveals a lot about his character. He invited a local physician to attend Sunday School with him many years ago at our home church, St. Andrew’s United Methodist. Dr. Jack P. Clark wrote a wonderful letter about how grateful he was to be invited to church by Jim. That one invitation was a spark that ignited many years of faithful service to Christ. Dr. Clark went on to become one of the most dedicated adult teachers I have ever met. I am reminded about the story of Andrew – my home church’s namesake – the brother of Peter, who invited his brother to meet the Lord. When Peter became one of the disciples of Jesus, it changed the world forever. Dr. Clark went on to become one of the most dedicated adult teachers I have ever met. We never know how powerful a simple invitation might mean to the cause of Christ. This is a perfect example of how Jim operated in his life. He was a faithful, quiet, and effective man.
Like so many of the “Greatest Generation,” Jim is one of the many World War 2 veterans who have left us. Each year, the United States loses thousands of veterans from that perilous time in U.S. history. Because he was a college graduate, he was pressed into duty as the second-in-command of a minesweeper known as the U.S.S. Salute in the South Pacific. He was aboard the ship when an explosion took the lives of several sailors below deck. The explosion caused the ship to sink. Jim, though, escaped injury.
I remember the tears that formed in Jim’s eyes when he recalled that fateful day. A reunion of his shipmates occurred in 1987. The wound ran deep, but the survivors and family members pulled together to support one another. Again, in his own quiet style, Jim rose to the occasion as co-organizer of those annual gatherings.
When I received my call to ministry, I was really looking for some guidance from family and friends. In fact, I was expecting them to say something such as “You are crazy!” Instead, Jim’s response was short and brief. “I wondered how long it was going to take before you figured this out,” he said.
Of course, I will always remember Jim. He sang in our wedding. He gave of himself in countless ways to support us in our marriage – especially during those early years. In fact, he single-handedly (I was of no help) built an addition to the only home we ever owned. He did all that work just to watch us sell it later so I could pursue a seminary education. I never heard him complain.
These are just a few of the many qualities I admired about Jim. He was Jenny’s father, but in many ways he was my father too. (Thanks Sue Ann for reminding me of that.)
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