"A Tribute to America's Heroes" - Rod & Judy Nyeholt

On July 3rd, 2011, Faith Baptist Church presented a special patriotic program entitled "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  Throughout that program several 'heroes' were recognized.  Two of those heroes are a Mom and Dad - Rod & Judy Nyeholt.

He was born in 1959 in New Orleans.  He was the oldest of John & Jane's four children. When he started 9th grade, his parents moved to Michigan where he would graduate from Hudsonville High School.  After attending Grand Rapids Baptist College for a year he decided that work was a better option.  He was talented with his hands and could fix anything.  Yet, there was a hunger to serve God in a unique way with the gifts God had given him.  So, in 1981 he moved to Lake Wales, Florida to serve with the Agape Players.  He became the driver, the mechanic, and their sound technician.

She was the youngest of three girls born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  Her Mom and Dad were George and Martha - not Washington, but Thornton.  She graduated from Central Cambria High School.  For the next two years she worked in her community until everything changed in the 1977 Johnstown Flood.  She knew God wanted her to serve Him in some way.  A group from Florida came to town called the Agape Players.  She decided to try-out.  She auditioned, was accepted, and in 1979 she moved to Lake Wales, Florida to be one of the players in the Agape Players who would travel across the United States and even the oceans to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They met in 1981.  Three years later in 1984 they had their first date.  Then, on the bus while driving back from a church concert, he asked her to be his life-long mate.  On April 27, 1985 at Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida, Pastor Robert Whitney officiated at the service that brought Rod and Judy Nyeholt together as husband and wife.  In 2011 they celebrated 26 years of marriage.

In 1987 their first son, David, was born.  David has graduated from Lake Region High School.  He received his AA Degree from Polk State College and a Bachelor's Degree in Exceptional Student Education from Southeastern University.  He is now a teacher at Polk City Elementary.  He wants to get a Master's Degree in Exceptional Student Studies and serve God on the Mission field.  David says,

"My mom and dad are always here for us.  They are dedicated, kind, generous and hard-working."

In 1992, their second son, Jonathan, was born.  Jonathan graduated this year from Harrison School of the Arts.  He has played his violin in Chicago, France, and most importantly - the FBC orchestra.  He is enrolled at Southeastern University to study Music Education and Performance.  Jonathan says,

"They (his mom and day) are consistent in everything they do - in their parenting, in their teaching, and in their beliefs."

In 1994, their third child was born - a little girl named Heather.  Heather is a special gift from God.  She is enrolled at Karen M. Segel Academy Learning Center for children with special needs.  Rod and Judy are eternally thankful to God for their three children.  Judy is very grateful to God that their children have chosen to stay in church and follow His path.  Judy says,

"It takes a strong church to help us raise our kids."

Rod is very proud of all his children and how they have applied themselves in school and church.

The verse they have for their children is found in Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

Faith Baptist Church proudly presents the Medal of Freedom and Citizenship for being heroic parents to Rod and Judy Nyeholt.

Others Recognized During "A Tribute to America's Heroes"

• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman & Mike Bissett
• Mom and Dad ~ Rod & Judy Nyeholt
  

"A Tribute to America's Heroes" - PCSO Deputies Weppelman and Bissett

On July 3rd, 2011, Faith Baptist Church presented a special patriotic program entitled "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  Throughout that program several 'heroes' were recognized.  Two of those heroes are Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman and Mike Bissett.

Deputy Michael Weppelman has been a deputy in the Polk County Sheriff's Office for over 22 years.  He is married to Mary, who is a retired EMS and currently the director of Angel's Care Center of Eloise.  He has 2 children.

Deputy Mike Bissett has been a Law Enforcement Officer for almost 21 years.  He also served our country as an Officer in the Army Air Defense Artillery for 4 years.  He and his wife Renee have been married for 20 years.  He has 3 children.

Deputy Weppelman & Deputy Bissett

Working as deputies in the Sheriff's Department is an honorable profession and it is a high privilege to wear the green uniform and serve the people of Polk County.  It can at times be a very dangerous job.  Deputy Weppelman and Deputy Bissett's lives intersected last year when they were called out to what appeared to be a routine domestic dispute.  There is nothing routine about being a deputy sheriff.  On this particular day, the bad guy pulled a gun and fired at these officers.  Because we have a gracious God and good training in the Sheriff's department, Deputies Weppelman and Bissett handled this situation in the most professional way.  They were instrumental in keeping the community safe and protecting the citizens of our county.

Sheriff Grady Judd & Deputy Weppelman

Deputy Weppelman said,

"I enjoy serving the good people of our community.  I will do whatever service the people need - from retreiving an alligator  from a swimming pool, getting a snake out of a house, talking to a lonely soul on a dark street, to replacing a widow's mailbox, to putting away the bad guys."

When Deputy Weppelman joined the Sheriff's Office, he thought it was going to simply be a stepping stone to something else.  It turned out that the Sheriff's Department became a family he just couldn't leave.

Deputy Bissett said,

"I think it's nice that the people of Polk County know that their police officers really care."

Deputy Bissett and family

Deputy Bissett wanted to be a police officer ever since he watched the old Adam 12 TV programs as a boy.  His favorite thing about serving as a deputy is that every day is different.  You never know what to expect when you go to work.  His wife Renee, who teaches in the Special Education Low Functioning Autistic Unit at Garner Elementary said,

"I pray for and completely support my husband.  His being a deputy is part of our lives."

His daughter Hannah thinks that it is fine her dad is a deputy.  She wants to go into the Criminal Justice field and someday be Sheriff Judd's lawyer.  Josh said he also wants to be a police officer and serve on the SWAT team.  Sarah said she used to be scared a little about dad being a deputy but now she thinks it's cool.  Her first question to dad when he gets home is "Did you catch any bad guys today?"

Mike Bissett says that his job is enjoyable because the people of Polk County are very appreciative to the Sheriff's Department.

This year Deputy Mike Bissett and Deputy Mike Weppelman were awarded the Medal of Valor for their effective action in the face of life-threatening circumstances.

Faith Baptist Church is proud to present to Deputy Mike Bissett and Deputy Michael Weppelman and to their families the Medal of Freedom and Citizenship for their heroic service to our community in the Polk County Sheriff's Department.

Others Recognized During "A Tribute to America's Heroes"

• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman & Mike Bissett
• Mom and Dad ~ Rod & Judy Nyeholt
  

"A Tribute to America's Heroes" - Firefighter Jim Davis

On July 3rd, 2011, Faith Baptist Church presented a special patriotic program entitled "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  Throughout that program several 'heroes' were recognized.  One of those heroes is Firefighter Jim Davis.

Jim Davis was born in a little out of the way place called Wauchula, Florida.  His Mom and Dad were named Charles and Weida.  He grew up next door to the fire station.  As a kid he would get an RC Cola and spend his time around the station talking to the firemen.

As a student, he really was not a troublemaker, but he was always in trouble.  The teachers thought that he wasn't paying attention.  In reality, he had an undiagnosed hearing loss, short-term memory loss, dyslexia and a speech impediment.  No one, except his parents, thought he would go very far in life.  As a child, Jim prayed two prayers:

1. Please God, don't let me vomit.  (because he couldn't stand the thought of throwing-up)
2. Please God, let me be smart.

I don't know if God answered the first prayer the way that Jim wanted Him to, but the 2nd prayer was answered in ways that defy the imagination.  Jim had to learn how to cope with the things in his life that would make others want to give up.  Jim developed the PEG system for memory.  That system for learning and memory has taken him to:

• South Florida Community College where he became an EMT
• Polk Vocational Technical Center where he passed the State of Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards
• Polk Community College where he earned an AA degree in General Education and an AS degree in Fire Science Technology
• Rollins College where he earned a BS degree (with honors) in Fire Safety Administration
• University of South Florida where he earned a Master's degree in Education and where he is currently writing a dissertation for a PhD in Cognitive Instructional Technology.

Yes, God made Jim Davis smart.

At 18, Jim volunteered at the Wachula Fire Department.  There were times back then when you were out of radio range and you just had to fight the fire by yourself.  By the age of 20, he was a full-time fireman in Wachula.  In 1975, he was hired by the Winter Haven Fire Department.  Those were the brutal and harsh growing up years where Jim learned to endure mistreatment without getting bitter.  He fought fires and buried himself into reading and studying every shift.  When test taking time came, Jim was more prepared.  In spite of being the youngest person and the least experienced person on the force, Jim was promoted to Captain.  Jim spent 36 years serving Winter Haven and Polk County as a Fireman, a Captain, and as a Deputy Chief.

Some significant memories of fires are the different packing house that have burned as well as St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  What haunts his mind are the times he had to watch as people lost their lives in fires where he couldn't do anything to help them.  Sometimes people run back into burning building for insignificant things or things that are easily replaced only to lose their lives.

Jim has won multiple awards including Firefighter of the Year in 1987 & 1995.  He is a teacher, an instructor, a writer and a mentor to young men and women all over Polk County.

Jim married Elizabeth on November 4, 1995 and they make an outstanding team serving God and their community.

Jim is an outstanding son.  He and Elizabeth took care of Weida and Charles until their deaths.  They look forward to their reunion in heaven.

Jim is also a gifted artist.  His company, Inspiration Paintings, features Jim's artwork of Jesus Himself or an angel sent from Christ, assisting the firefighter and law enforcement officer.  Jim's prints are found in homes, fire stations, churches, and many other places throughout the world.  Many people find them as a source of comfort during a difficult period in their life.

Jim and Elizabeth's love for the Lord Jesus Christ is evident in all they do.  A verse these two hold on to is John 15:13,

"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Faith Baptist Church is proud to present to Jim and Elizabeth Davis the Medal of Freedom and Citizenship for their heroic service in the firefighter's community in Winter Haven and Polk County.

Others Recognized During "A Tribute to America's Heroes"

• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman & Mike Bissett
• Mom and Dad ~ Rod & Judy Nyeholt
  

"A Tribute to America's Heroes" - US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone

On July 3rd, 2011, Faith Baptist Church presented a special patriotic program entitled "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  Throughout that program several 'heroes' were recognized.  One of those heroes is Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone.

When asked the question, "Why did you join the Army?" Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone answered:

"I feel it is my duty to serve this great country in which my family lives in freedom.  I believe everyone should serve their country in their community in some way."

Staff Sergeant Pantalone is the Section Chief of Bravo Battery of the 2nd 116th Field Artillery in Winter Haven.  He has served the United States and Winter Haven for the last eleven years.  He was deployed to Afghanistan for a year in 2005-2006 and he was deployed again to Kuwait in 2010.

The most significant things that are in the forefront of his mind when he thinks about the war are the countless children in those war-torn countries.  He is very grateful for the packages from the United States, full of toys, shoes, and good drinking water, that he and his men could pass along to the Afghan children.  He remembers how the children would love to hold the soldier's hand because it made them feel safe.  The faces of those children still stick in his mind.  The second significant thought about the Army is the camaraderie of men at arms.  That friendship is like no other because it is built on a trust that must never be broken.

Seven years ago on July 2nd, Dustin married Alicia and they have three children:  Jacqueline (6), Olivia (4) and Mason (2).  When a spouse is deployed to war half-way across the globe, even though the family left behind does not face literal bullets and bombs, the struggle is just as hard on their hearts and minds.

   

Alicia said that the first deployment was not too bad.  Dustin was even given leave and made it home just hours before Jacqueline was born.  The 2nd deployment now with three small children, was much more difficult on the home front.  But with a strong faith in God and loving family members, she and the children made it through until Dustin returned home.  Alicia said, 

"Other than the leaving and separation which is hard, I am so grateful that Dustin serves our great country.  He is a wonderful leader in our home and for the men in his unit."

Today, Dustin is currently at the Police Academy where his classmates voted him in as the Class Commander.  He believes in Sheriff Grady Judd's goal and mission and desires to continue to serve our community in the Polk County Sheriff's Department.

Faith Baptist Church is proud to present to Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone and to his wife Alicia and their children, the Medal of Freedom and Citizenship for their heroic service in the United States Army.
   

Others Recognized During "A Tribute to America's Heroes"

• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman & Mike Bissett
• Mom and Dad ~ Rod & Judy Nyeholt

More Heroes - A Truck Driver, A Brazilian Pioneer Missionary, & A Persecuted Pastor

This month on our blog, our authors have written about their Heroes.  For this month's edition of Headlines, I would like to point you to some other 'Heroes' articles.  Enjoy.
  

•  The Man Who Was My Father - This author was two years old when he moved to live with his grandparents.  He writes a moving tribute about his grandfather.

  "My grandfather looked like Abraham Lincoln without a beard. He was the most masculinely tender man I have ever known and the closest to Christ-likeness of any man I have ever watched. And I watched him all the time."

• "It's time to stand back and watch what God is going to do" - Here's another story of a Pioneer Missionary Hero - Harold Reiner, missionary to Brazil.  Harold just recently went home to be with his Lord.
   
• Finally, here is a video from Voice of the Martyrs.  Watch a true Hero who was and continues to be persecuted for preaching about Jesus Christ.

Past editions of Headlines:

• Social Gospel, Seeds Family Worship, and 'Tempted and Tried'
• Facebook Makes Us Miserable, AFD in Baptist Bulletin, and Haiti Video
• Summer Camp at Camp Gilead, Sproul on Creation, & Desiring God's 2011 Pastor's Conference
• Bible Reading, Frozen Baptisms, & eJournals

D-Day Veterans: My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)

Image from Sue Whicker

On July 3rd, 2011 at 6pm, our church will present "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  This special program will honor some specific individuals from our church and community who are truly heroic.  To get us thinking about the heroes in our lives several of our blog authors are writing about their heroes.

Hero = “a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities”; “one that shows great courage”; “an object of extreme admiration and devotion”

The summer of 1988, my parents were working at the Greater Lisbon Christian Academy in Portugal, and my younger sister was with them as a teacher. I was in transition between teaching at the King’s Academy in West Palm Beach and going to work for Regular Baptist Press. So my parents flew me to Portugal, and we took a road trip to Great Britain, Spain, and France.

Our trip took us to Normandy, France, where we visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial, and the Airborne Museum. Everywhere we went, we read of the heroism of American military personnel. We read statistics and names. We looked at personal items. We read notes and letters and looked at photographs. I realized that real men had fought and died.

It Was a “God Thing”
I am not sure if it was at Omaha Beach or Pointe du Hoc, but we visited the top of a cliff and walked through a concrete bunker where German soldiers clearly had the advantage. The Americans, on the other hand, reached the top of the cliff from the sea only to be open targets for the German guns. As I stood there that day, I realized that only God could have given the Allies the victory. From a human standpoint, the
Germans should have won.

Normandy American Cemetery
The Normandy American Cemetery covers 172 acres and seems like a sea of white crosses and stars of David. Nine thousand three hundred and eighty-six (9,386) American war dead are buried there, with 307 of them unknown. The remains of approximately 14,000 others were originally buried in the region but were returned to the US by request of their next of kin. I remember a part of the memorial that lists those missing in action and presumed dead—1,557 names. But they weren’t just names. None of those nearly 25,000 men were just names. They were all flesh-and-blood people with eternal souls, with hopes and dreams and weaknesses and fears like the rest of us.

When I think about what they went through because they believed in freedom and in our country, I consider every last one of them a hero.

Pointe du Hoc
Among all those heroes stands out the 2nd Ranger Battalion under the command of Col. James E. Rudder. The morning of D-Day, June 6, 1944, they scaled a 100-foot cliff to seize a fortified enemy position that controlled the landing approaches to Omaha and Utah beaches. The battalion lost more than 50 percent of its men! Col. Rudder himself was wounded twice during the course of the fighting. In spite of this, the rangers
dug in and fought off German counterattacks for two days. They helped to successfully establish a beachhead for the Allied forces.

These are my heroes!

Full Circle
Remember my missionary heroes? Well, many of those men served in WWII, came home and took Bible training, and then went out as missionaries to be heroes again taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Other 'Heroes' Posts:

• Not Your Typical Hero (by Lou Gentry)
• Pioneer Missionaries:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• Nicki Simpson - My Wife and My Hero (by Stephen Simpson)
• Cher Ami - WW1 Hero (by Lee Dusing)
• D-Day Veterans:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)

Cher Ami - WW1 Hero (by Lee Dusing)

Image from Sue Whicker

On July 3rd, 2011 at 6pm, our church will present "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  This special program will honor some specific individuals from our church and community who are truly heroic.  To get us thinking about the heroes in our lives several of our blog authors are writing about their heroes.

While researching for a hero, I tried to find out about my father, who was in WW1. Being as he died when I was four years old, it is hard to find out a lot of details. All I knew is that he was in the trenches where they were poisoned with mustard gas and that it took years, but he died as a result of that gassing. Talking to my family, I also found out that he was at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive (Argonne Forrest) in which 117,000 of our American troops gave their lives and that he was in a company that had few survivors. Also found that he had fought hand-to-hand with bayonets. But the actual details are still a mystery. So, my dad and all of our men that fought in WW1 are my heros.

Cher Ami - Homing Pigeon Hero

What I did find is a hero of the avian kind. His name was Cher Ami (French for "dear friend", in the masculine) and he was a homing pigeon which had been donated by the pigeon fanciers of Britain for use by the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France during World War I and had been trained by American pigeoneers. He helped save the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division in the battle of the Argonne, October 1918.

On October 3, 1918, Charles Whittlesey and more than 500 men were trapped in a small depression on the side of the hill behind enemy lines without food or ammunition. They were also beginning to receive friendly fire from allied troops who did not know their location. Surrounded by the Germans, many were killed and wounded in the first day and by the second day, only a little more than 200 men were still alive. Whittlesey dispatched messages by pigeon. The pigeon carrying the first message ("Many wounded. We cannot evacuate.") was shot down. A second bird was sent with the message, "Men are suffering. Can support be sent?" That pigeon also was shot down. Only one homing pigeon was left: 'Cher Ami'. He was dispatched with a note in a canister on his left leg,

We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven's sake, stop it!

As Cher Ami tried to fly back home, the Germans saw him rising out of the brush and opened fire and for several minutes, bullets zipped through the air all around him. The men of the Lost Battalion saw Cher Ami tragically shot down, but miraculously, he was airborne again soon. He managed to arrive back at his loft at division headquarters 25 miles to the rear in just 25 minutes, helping to save the lives of the 194 survivors. In this last mission, Cher Ami had delivered the message despite having been shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, covered in blood and with a leg hanging only by a tendon.

Cher Ami had become the hero of the 77th Infantry Division, so army medics worked long and hard to save his life. They were unable to save his leg, so they carved a small wooden one for him. When he recovered enough to travel, the little one-legged hero was put on a boat to the United States, with General John J. Pershing personally seeing Cher Ami off as he departed France.

Upon return to America, Cher Ami became the mascot of the Department of Service. The pigeon was awarded the Croix de Guerre Medal with a palm Oak Leaf Cluster for his heroic service in delivering 12 important messages in Verdun. He died at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, on June 13, 1919 from the wounds he received in battle and was later inducted into the Racing Pigeon Hall of Fame in 1931. He also received a gold medal from the Organized Bodies of American Racing Pigeon Fanciers in recognition of his extraordinary service during World War I.

Cher Ami was as well known as any human World War I heroes. Cher Ami was later mounted by a taxidermist and donated to the Smithsonian where he is enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution, and is currently on display with Sergeant Stubby in the National Museum of American History's "Price of Freedom" exhibit.

Who are these who fly like a cloud, And like doves to their roosts? (Isa 60:8)

(Wikipedia and other internet sources)

Other 'Heroes' Posts:

• Not Your Typical Hero (by Lou Gentry)
• Pioneer Missionaries:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• Nicki Simpson - My Wife and My Hero (by Stephen Simpson)
• Cher Ami - WW1 Hero (by Lee Dusing)
• D-Day Veterans:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• More Heroes:  A Truck Driver, A Brazilian Pioneer Missionary, & A Persecuted Pastor

Nicki Simpson - My Wife and My Hero (by Stephen Simpson)

Image from Sue Whicker

On July 3rd, 2011 at 6pm, our church will present "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  This special program will honor some specific individuals from our church and community who are truly heroic.  To get us thinking about the heroes in our lives several of our blog authors are writing about their heroes.

I have the unique blessing of being married to my hero.  Nicki Simpson is my hero.  Her examples of sacrifice and perseverance are truly heroic.

Nicki's heroism is most clearly seen in what she has endured for our children.  God has blessed us with four children.  Abigail is four years old.  Esther is two.  We have a son who was born at 15 weeks and is now in heaven.  And, we have another child who is currently growing in Nicki's womb.

Abi, Nicki, & Esi (Christmas 2009)

In each of her pregnancies, Nicki has suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which is "generally described as unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids." (from HER Foundation)  Our pregnancies have included:

• an abruption which resulted in Abi's premature birth and 12 days in the NICU
• frequent hospitalizations for dehydration
• the insertion of a PICC line and TPN treatment
• costochondritis
• one prescription after another - none of which did any good

What amazes me is to know that she would endure all of this again for our children.

In spite of all the difficulties and experiences we have been through, Nicki's God-given desire to be a mother has not waned.  God has given her a burning desire to be a mother.  He has also abundantly equipped with the gift of motherhood.  She is an excellent mother to our children.

As I've already mentioned, in God's sovereignty we find ourselves pregnant.  And once again, we are traveling through some unique and challenging experiences. Every day I watch Nicki struggle, I am reminded of the heroic acts she is undergoing in order to bring life to our children.

Nicki is an example to all those who treat motherhood flippantly.  She is an example of one who is willing to make severe sacrifices for another.  Many in our society place little or no value on the unborn child.  The life of Nicki Simpson shouts loudly that the unborn child is to be treasured and preserved at all costs.

So, my wife, Nicki Simpson, is my hero.  I pray that my daughters will grow up to be just like her (minus the sickness).

Other 'Heroes' Posts:

• Not Your Typical Hero (by Lou Gentry)
• Pioneer Missionaries:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• Nicki Simpson - My Wife and My Hero (by Stephen Simpson)
• Cher Ami - WW1 Hero (by Lee Dusing)
• D-Day Veterans:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• More Heroes:  A Truck Driver, A Brazilian Pioneer Missionary, & A Persecuted Pastor

Pioneer Missionaries: My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)

On July 3rd, 2011 at 6pm, our church will present "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  This special program will honor some specific individuals from our church and community who are truly heroic.  To get us thinking about the heroes in our lives several of our blog authors are writing about their heroes.

Hero = “a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities”; “one that shows great courage”; “an object of extreme admiration and devotion”
  
Stephen Simpson asked those of us who write for this blog to consider writing about our heroes, particularly those we have actually met or known.

I have not met any of my heroes, but I am looking forward to meeting them in Heaven, throwing my arms around them, and telling them how much I appreciate the testimony of their lives.

These heroes are the men and women of three to four generations ago who blazed the trails of Regular Baptist overseas church planting.

Generation T (for Trailblazing)
I work for the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. One of its ministries is Gospel Literature Services, headed by Chris Hindal. He is also the GARBC’s representative with the International Partnership of Fundamental Baptist Ministries (IPFBM). Every year more church associations join to partner with Christians the world over who share the same beliefs and practices.

Who planted the churches that are now associating locally and partnering internationally? For the most part, it was my heroes.

I Met Them in the Pages of a Book
When I was a teenager, my dad encouraged me to read We Two Alone, the story of Ruth Hege and Irene Ferrel, Baptist Mid-Missions missionaries in the Congo. The two were attacked by Marxist guerrillas in 1964, and Irene was killed. One of the book’s reviewers wrote: 

“We Two Alone does not simply retell their personal struggle; it supplies fresh insight into the faith and dedication, the purpose and difficulties, of men and women who serve God under the most demanding conditions on earth today. The commitment to take the Christian Gospel to those in darkness is shown in the day-to-day life of the two women suddenly thrust into the spotlight after years of unheralded devoted service.”

It is interesting that the reviewer mentioned “the most demanding conditions on earth today,” because when Miss Hege and Miss Ferrel were on the field, the conditions truly were demanding.

That’s why “old-time” missionaries are my heroes. They lived and served thousands of miles from home—often hundreds of miles from civilization—without benefit of paved roads and reliable transportation, before the medical advances missionaries today know, before the communication technology we enjoy, and before most of the modern conveniences we take for granted. Some were under supported, and few had the good retirement plans that missions agencies today require.

In my early days at the GARBC home office, I worked on a book titled Not by Might, Nor by Power. It was written by Joyce Metzler Baker, granddaughter of the couple whose story it told: Paul and Etiennette Metzler.

Paul and Etiennette Metzler

I could barely believe all the trauma the Metzlers experienced. Instead of sparing this couple, God allowed them to suffer severe trials. Yet the Metzlers stuck it out, ministering in the heart of Africa for nearly 50 years! Their trials included—but certainly weren’t limited to—sickness, back injury and pain, death of three of their babies, separation from their older children, dangerous travel by sea during WWII, and the daily struggles of poor living conditions. Wow!

These are only four of the missionaries whose biographies I have read or whose stories I have heard. There are countless others, and they all are my heroes!

When the writer of Hebrews penned what is now chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, he mentioned the “great cloud of witnesses” whose lives served as role models and encouragement to him and his audience.  

For me, my heroes—those missionaries of a past era—are a great cloud of witnesses of God’s faithfulness and of the truly important things in life.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1, 2, NKJV). 

Other 'Heroes' Posts:

• Not Your Typical Hero (by Lou Gentry)
• Pioneer Missionaries:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• Nicki Simpson - My Wife and My Hero (by Stephen Simpson)
• Cher Ami - WW1 Hero (by Lee Dusing)
• D-Day Veterans:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• More Heroes:  A Truck Driver, A Brazilian Pioneer Missionary, & A Persecuted Pastor

Not Your Typical Hero (by Lou Gentry)

Image from Sue Whicker

On July 3rd, 2011 at 6pm, our church will present "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  This special program will honor some specific individuals from our church and community who are truly heroic.  To get us thinking about the heroes in our lives several of our blog authors are writing about their heroes.

To look upon her, my heroine was certainly atypical. Lena O’Neil was a woman in her late 60’s or early 70’s when I first met her years ago through a Sunday Class which Nadine and I had joined. It was a couples  class--age range, thirty to forty years--who all had children about the same age, except for this elderly widow. I couldn’t figure out what she was doing in the class even though I had heard her state, “Her place wasn’t with the old folks.” In retrospect, I now understand the Lord put her there for me.

At that time, my personal relationship with the Lord was essentially nonexistent. But for some reason Lena took an instant liking to me. After a few Sundays, she asked me if I had read any books on or was interested in the subject of eschatology. Not knowing what the word meant but not wanting to appear stupid, I replied that I was interested in the subject but hadn’t read a lot about it. That was all the opening she needed! She started supplying me with books, tapes, and inviting me to attend seminars on the subject with her. In turn, I was totally captivated with the subject, just as I had been with my introduction to philosophy in college. But a wonderful thing happened to me! Whereas philosophy had destroyed my faith, God used the study of eschatology to restore me to Him.

How did this restoration take place? First of all, in the study of Scripture. Initially, my studies were primarily limited to those passages which discussed the end-times. But then a second thing happened which had a major impact on my life. Lena introduced me to the teachings and ministry of Dr. D. James Kennedy. His teachings of apologetics caused me to expand my studies beyond that of eschatology. And, thirdly and most importantly, I finally came face to face with the reality that if I accepted what the Bible said about Jesus and really believed Jesus was Who He said He was, then I needed to be obedient to His teachings. In Luke 6:46, Jesus states, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say?” I sought forgiveness for my doubts, rededicated my life to Him, and made him Lord of my life. And once God knew I was serious about my new commitment, He revealed the true meaning of life to me--to glorify Him!

If the Lord had not sent Lena my way, I don’t know how my life would have turned out. I do know I would have missed a beautiful relationship with my Savior which I have enjoyed for many years. Lena has been in heaven for some time now, and I look forward to seeing my heroine once again.

Other 'Heroes' Posts:

• Not Your Typical Hero (by Lou Gentry)
• Pioneer Missionaries:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• Nicki Simpson - My Wife and My Hero (by Stephen Simpson)
• Cher Ami - WW1 Hero (by Lee Dusing)
• D-Day Veterans:  My Heroes (by Jonita Barram)
• More Heroes:  A Truck Driver, A Brazilian Pioneer Missionary, & A Persecuted Pastor