Heroes

I think everyone should have heroes in life, and I thought I should share some of mine. I have so many heroes, and some I can't mention because they have to keep their identities secret but some I can mention. I'll start with Pat Thurman. More than a friend has Pat been to me over the years. My buddy Tony (who is also one of my heroes) said that he believes Pat is an angel. If so, Pat is one of the more cuddly unintimidating angles I've ever encountered. My buddy Andy, Nathaniel, and I think that Pat may be of the same stock as the Apostles of the first century, and we have had several pub discussions throughout the years and though we haven't arrived at any definitive conclusions we are convinced that he is something phenomenal. Allen Hlavka has suggested that when the Thurmans enter a room the presence of the Spirit can be felt. I've noticed this myself: that whenever I see or spend time with Pat, I feel a peace the whole time I'm around him. I've not noticed this with anyone else I've met. Numerous times Pat has been an answered prayer for me on numerous occasions. Paul has said to his readers "imitate me as I imitate Christ" I often attempt to imitate Pat.
My brother Jesse, and my Dad. These guys are incredible. My dad has been through the ringer; life has not been easy for him. There are countless stories of Captain Bob Chase enduring hardships. He's survived three shipwrecks, he's ministered on the streets, in prison, on the job, at home, and in the church. My dad is a constant reminder that no matter how tough it gets, don't whine, just keep pushing forward. My brother is one of the brightest and diligent people I know. Jesse, is a living example of "following your dreams." Jesse took huge risks, and worked harder than most, and has one of the most successful companies in the state where he operates. He also gives more money away than almost anyone else I know. I think Randy Alcorn has him beat but that's about it. Jesse also has character. He's a straight shooter, and he raises his family with Christ like morals. He's honest, and he continually challenges himself. I'm super proud of Jesse, and I'm honored to be his brother. He is a hero of mine. I have a few friends that are heroes of mine: Tony Whipps, and Dan Franklin. Tony is humility manifest, he's a good steward, he's self aware, he loves unconditionally, and he can predict a song that will play on whatever radio station your listening to right before his predicted song plays. In fact this is one of his super powers. He also has great hair. It doesn't matter what kind of hair cut he gets... it just works on him. Dan is a fantastic thinker, he's self aware as well, and he has critical thinking capabilities that rival histories most critical thinkers. He also runs his own think tank, and is the only one in it as the thinking capacity of the tank itself is at its max with his thinking capabilities alone. The tank simply can't handle any more thinkers. He's also got a dry unmatchable delivery on most of his jokes, which place him among the funniest people I've ever known. He's a great movie companion and father... but not to me (he's not a father figure to me, that is) he's a father to Mathew... and that's okay with me. Dan is a great teacher, and he's also great at watching 24. I can't mention all my other heroes on this post, lest the villains get to much info and try to exploit their weaknesses. I suspect Dan is probably already under some sort of villainous attack. I will mention Jeremy Pietzold. He has the super power of laying fibre, and speeding up peoples Internet connection. Unfortunately he can only do this in the state of Oregon. He's not national, or global, but we hope one day he branches out. He's also persistent, thorough, and bright. As a child he set a world record for most pull ups in a row, at his local Sandy elementary school. He's very good at building houses without being a professional builder. He's really quite incredible. There are 12 other heroes I'd like to mention but I simply don't have the time or energy. I will mention their public identities; supertuck, greasyboy, burundius maxiumus, festidious flabb, crazy bowels, frickis, Dane the sharp, Jenuin the wise, flower girl, munchius, frenchy the bagel, and last but not least, concave chest. Thank you men and women, for all you are, and for all the service you provide for humanity.

the great commissioning

Hopefully my parents will log on and watch this little commissioning video of this last weekend. We're getting closer and closer to leaving for a few years. This last weekend we were commissioned by our church to serve in Burundi, Africa. And if all goes well with the video, those who missed it can watch the video clip of our church sending us off and praying for us (you have to click the little pink box in the upper right corner of this post. This commissioning surpassed all our expectations (Trina and I) and we are so thankful for the support of this church. Pat Thurman, came to every service to pray on stage with US as did Ryan Moffat, Janie and Jonathan Martin. That blew me away. Also, Kristin came up twice, Rakel was there, Dan Franklin, Lou, Gene Takalo, Trina's parents, grandparents, Allen, and so many others. I really can't communicate to you all how much of a blessing you all were to us this last weekend. The weekend was an emotional high for both of us, and it is difficult leaving you all. This was genuinely one of those big moments for us on our journey here. Never before has good shepherd felt so much like family as it did to us this weekend. I really can't thank everyone enough who has poured into us. Here is a link to the video if you don't want to click on the little pink box in the corner... unfortunately it's refusing to be posted on this blog right now... you can copy and paste it into your address bar: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9192121701640831927