GRACE OVER THE LONG RUN
An autobiography of a missionary and pastor who is not perfect
by
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At one camp I decided with another missionary friend to go scuba diving off the swimming beach below the camp. We had been scouring the bottom at about fifty feet when I began to gasp for air. Rising just ten feet more air was released from my scuba tank. Soon however the air was gone. I looked below for my diving partner. Not seeing him I headed for the surface. Immediately I saw that the swells had risen significantly. I put my snorkel in my mouth and gulped a mouth full of sea water. I thought I was going to drown. Unlatching my weight belt I let it drop and was about to ditch my scuba tank when I felt my diving partner nudge me up above the surface. I freed my kinked snokel tube and began gasping air. We were about fifty yards from shore. Also we had drifted away from the small beach. In front of us were high rock cliffs on top of which rested the camp. Waves were crashing onto the rocks and shore. Finding a small ledge we decided we would let the waves carry us up and toss us onto it. To our left a rock spur ran down to the beach. We hugged the cliff on the narrow ledge and inched our way to the spur. However, it was separated from the ledge by about four feet. My dive buddy was able to jump the four feet with the waves fourty feet below. He urged me to jump also. But me knees were like rubber and I could do nothing but hug the clif. Climbing down the narrow spur he called for help. No answer, so He returned to my place on the ledge and took my scuba tank. By now I had quit shaking and was able to jump to the spur and crawl down to the beach. Totally exhausted we lay on the beach. After much yelling help arrived from the camp above. Dinner was already underway. I was to be the evening speaker and all were wondering where we were.
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About the Book
Losing his mother at age ten changed the author’s life forever. Entering a Christian high school gave him a solid foundation in the Word of God. The next five years of military service as a Navy Corpsman (medic) with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division in Korea brought him into manhood. The next fifty years in the Lord’s service at Biola College (now University) as a student, in Japan as a missionary, and as a pastor of several churches in the Inland Northwest. Tragedies, his own near death, the death of their son, and difficult pastorates made him well aware that God’s grace is unconditional and eternal. This book should inspire you to trust in God’s grace completely no matter what the circumstances are.
About the Author
1. Growing up in a one parent home from age ten, going to a Christian High School, and entering the Navy upon graduation set my goals for life. I graduated from Biola University (then College) with majors in Bible/Pastoral Ministry. Later I received my Masters Degree in Education/ counseling and guidance from Whitworth University. A life-time of missionary and pastoral work led me through many and various experiences.
2. I have lived an exciting life as a Navy Medic with the 1st Marine Division, Korea, student, missionary, and pastor over fifty years. Serving many churches and other Christian organizations has led to a personal understanding of missionary and pastoral life. Learning to set priorities in Christian service is most important and will have the greatest influence on family.
3. My wife and I have four children, all boys. One is deceased. We live in Spokane, Washington and both are retired. We have nine grandchildren, five of whom are girls. Our children and grandchildren held a great party for our fiftieth wedding anniversary three summers ago. Over one hundred family and friends celebrated with us. Lots of happy memories of family, ministry and friends made the day one to remember. Now we rest and enjoy our grandchildren. This book is mainly written for them with hope that others nay enjoy and be blessed by it.