I don't feel that my life has been as good an example of how Christ would have had me live it as perhaps some others. I was raised in a good Christian home, and accepted the Lord at the age of 7 shortly before my dad returned from the war in 1945.
What happened as I became deeply involved in a self serving lifestyle, executive corporate life, my passionate pursuit of flying, and the negative effects it had on my Christian and family life is not something I wish to share here except to say, that we have a great and wonderfully forgiving God. Who in spite of our shortcomings, and through His Son Jesus Christ, has given us the opportunity for forgiveness, If we just simply and sincerely ask for it.
In 1991 we lived in Wauseon, Ohio, and we were members of the Evangelical Mennonite Church there. One fine day, my son Brad called me from Ft. Wayne, and said to me these words which I'll never forget. "Dad, I feel called to form a "Southern Gospel Quartet and can't think of anyone I'd rather have sing bass. Will you do it?". And what a blessing it was for 8 years to sing the praises of Christ alongside my son. The "Chapel Quartet" is now approaching it's 17th year of ministry, and although I can no longer sing with them, the Lord has provided me the ministry of coaching them, and doing the "bookings" and mailings. They have become quite popular in Christian circles, and have recently had to cut down the number of appearances they make annually to a number that is more compatible with their own individual family and church responsibilities. The Lord has been very good to the "CQ", in providing both the finances and dedicated Christian personnel to keep the ministry going.
When we first retired and moved to Bluffton over 12 years ago, it took us two years to finally find a church that met our needs spiritually. But when we first entered the doors of Bluffton first Church, we almost immediately knew we "were home". From the friendly greetings to the spiritually uplifting message of the Cross, we knew we had and still feel we have a loving and supportive Christian family.
God has been with us through some recent very trying family and health situations, and has revealed Himself to us in many ways through them. We don't know what the future holds for us, but it's in His hands and we feel secure in His love, praise His holy name.
