We`re not trying to build an organization. We`re

Transcription

Christian Ranchman
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We're not trying to build an organization.
Volume 39, Number 2
We're trying to fill the Kingdom of God.
"..By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another." John 13:35
Great Lakes Conference Experience
It was a conference planned to share outreach opportunity ideas and discuss updates, however the
Lord had a little more than that in store for this event.
It begins Friday evening (the 23rd) with a potluck in a meeting room at the Berlin Grande Hotel in Ohio.
A meal consisting of such items like chicken, stuffing and other delicious foods to fill the gullet but it was
the dessert of simple conversation that, no matter how much was served up, no one felt too full to
continue consuming. Subjects of conversation were enlightening, surprising and tickled the heart.
Kicking off the Saturday morning gathering, Sherri Gentry gave us a retrospection of what it is to be
“chosen”. With words from Romans 8:28…And we know that in all things, God works for the good of
those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose…she reminds us that God has a
reason for ALL things, so even during our trials, we have a purpose. They are stepping stones not only
for us to know God but for God to use us and fulfill our calling and His purpose. So what is the meaning
of “chosen”? Select for a sovereign purpose or one who is the object/choice of divine favor. And to keep
us humble (I believe), the words from John 15:16 remind us…You did not choose me, but I chose you
and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in
My name, the Father will give you. This is My command: Love each other.
Next is Mike Gentry sharing the concept of being “available” and
reminding us that there is no perfect ministry as God uses the broken, the
willing, the available….Proven in current times as well as biblical, God
prepares and provides when we are chosen for what He has prepared for
us if we are available. What does this mean? God has provided the tools;
you have to be willing to use them when the time has come. THIS is being
available. What are these tools? Sometimes they are something you CAN
touch but more often they are your experiences (good & bad ones). Now,
are you allowing yourself to use them? When the opportunity comes, are
you available or do you let the world’s limitations dictate and detour you?
When we are chosen and allow ourselves to be available, incredible
things can transpire. Not only can we help others but in turn we too are
being helped when we didn’t even realize we needed the help. Karen
Jeske describes a great example of this when she shares how taking
Sherri in to live with her; not only affecting Sherri’s life but changing Karen’s
Mike Gentry,
own life as well. The giver of the gift received one as well.
Regional Director
(Cont. on Pg. 16)
Mar / April 2015
The Championship Bull Riding
Classic
It was a great privilege for Our chapter to be a
part of The Championship Bull Riding Classic
Presented by Alan Vines Automotive held at the
Oman Arena in Jackson, Tennessee on January
16th & 17th 2015. CBR is a Leader in the sport of
Bull Riding. At the event we were asked to deliver
the Invocation before the ride each night. We also
were able to have a Devotional and Prayer with
the Riders before the event. We did have a booth
set up and were able to hand out copies of The
Christian Ranchman to the Spectators as they
entered into the Arena. Two of the things the sold
out crowd was packed in to see were: Some Eight
Second Rides and The Three Time PRCA World
Champion as well as the 1995 PBR World
Champion “Tuff Hedeman “. Tuff is also The
Ambassador of Championship Bull Riding. In April
2010 Tuff Hedeman was inducted into The Texas
Rodeo Cowboy Hall Of Fame in Ft. Worth. One of
the Championship Bull Riders was Tennessee Bull
Riding Superstar Corey Bailey from Paris, Tn.
During an interview with the Local Newspaper
(Jackson Sun) Bailey said, “I’ve been around bull
riding pretty much my whole life. My uncle rode
bulls and it just grew on me. I started actually riding
bulls when I was 10 years old and then slowly
started kind of moving up. I went to Junior Rodeo
my eighth grade year and won the Tennessee
Junior Rodeo title. Then in high school rodeo I got
third my first year,
and the last three
years I ended up
winning state. Once
I got out of high
school I started
professionally and
went to some pro
rodeos and CBR
events. My first
event was in Boger
City, La., and I
ended up with a 91
on my first bull. I got
(Cont. on Pg. 13)
Cowboy Chaplain Steve Tankersley left and Tuff Hedeman
right
Fort Worth, TX
Permit No. 284
Cowboys For Christ
P.O. Box 7557
Fort Worth, TX 76111
PAID
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
Page 2 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * Mar / Apr 2015
Dear Christian Ranchman,
Thank you for the Christian Ranchman newspaper. I
enjoy reading them very much. Please fill my order;
the rest of the money is for Cowboys For Christ ministry.
God bless you all, CL in Iowa
Cowboys For Christ,
I believe that your paper being accidentally sent our
direction was sent from the Lord. I pick up my mail as
well as mail for our church, Assembly Of God in Carter.
I was in a bit of a hurry that morning so I put all the mail
together in my bag and placed it in the back of my car,
a couple days later I was cleaning out my car and
remembered the mail, that evening as I looked thru the
mail I saw this newspaper so I opened it and was reading
it, I found it very interesting and exciting. I truly enjoyed
reading this and felt my pastor would enjoy it too they
are big cowboys, so I shared it with them. They were
the ones who brought it to my attention that this wasn’t
my mail nor the church mail. I was so surprised but we
truly enjoyed reading it so much that I would like to
subscribe and share with my pastor and other members
as well. I honestly believe it was sent to us from our
Lord. GOD IS GOOD!!!!
TV in Oklahoma
Cowboys For Christ,
Herein find a gift to aide you in propagating the Gospel
for Christ.
Cowboy & Native American Community Church,
Pastor Gordon Brown, Mandan, ND
Christian Ranchman,
I have moved; please send my Ranchman to my
new address. I thoroughly enjoy your paper and knowing
you are bringing people to Christ.
Thank You.
Sincerely, BM in California
To Whom It May Concern,
Please note my address change, and thank you so
much for all you do; your ministry, mailings, etc. are
awesome, because they reflect an awesome God. I
appreciate all you do, may you be blessed as you bless
others.
God bless, KK in Idaho
Dave,
Just a note to say “God Is Good.” Hope this donation,
long overdue, will help to carry the Word of God to those
who might not hear it in other places. Thanks so much
for the help of witnessing thru the Christian Ranchman
that has been passed out. May God bless all as we
minister in the given Word and opportunity.
In Prayers, Loyd Hodge,
Treasure S.E.A. Riders in Alabama
I believe that your paper being accidentally sent our
direction was sent from the Lord. I pick up my mail as
well as mail for our church, Assembly Of God in Carter.
I was in a bit of a hurry that morning so I put all the mail
together in my bag and placed it in the back of my car.
A couple days later I was cleaning out my car and
remembered the mail, that evening as I looked thru the
mail I saw this newspaper so I opened it and was reading
it, and I found it very interesting and exciting. I truly
enjoyed reading this and felt my pastor would enjoy it,
too and they are big cowboys, so I shared it with
them. They were the ones who brought it to my attention
that this wasn’t my mail nor the church mail, I was so
surprised, but we truly enjoyed reading it so much that I
would like to subscribe and share with my pastor and
other members as well. I honestly believe it was sent
to us from our Lord. GOD IS GOOD!!!!
TAMMY VIDAURRI
Howdy Dave,
I just wanted to tell you about a great conversation I
just had with my friend Rich Heffington. Rich is the full
time Chaplain at Oaklawn Park race track at Hot Springs
Arkansas. Rich was telling me how great Cowboys For
Christ is and how instrumental it was in him being called
to serve God. It seems as if Ted Pressley was friends
with so many people I know and how he helped them in
their walk with the Lord. Ted and Cowboys For Christ
really helped Rich on his path to where he is now. I
assured him you have taken over the reins now and I
don’t know how it could be any better about how you go
about spreading the word of our Lord and Savior.
I am blessed to know how Rich has taken over the
ministry there and it is flourishing both at the track and
also at the farms nearby.
Just thought you would like to know.
Blessings,Cowboy Chaplain Eddie Householder
Hello to you guys,
I have just read my first Christian Ranchman and I
really enjoyed reading it. I would like to see about getting
put on the mailing list for the Christian Ranchman. I
would also like to see about getting a Cowboys For Christ
Bible, and signing up for the Bible Study you offer. And
I would like to become a member of Cowboys For Christ.
Thank you very much for your time and help in this
matter.
May the Lord continue to bless everything you all do.
GP in Arkansas
Dear Cowboys For Christ,
I am sending you this donation to help you keep
spreading the Gospel. WD in New Mexico
Hello Cowboys For Christ,
Winter in NE Colorado (-32 a couple weeks ago, +32
today) gotta love it! Dave our prayers have been
answered, got my first paycheck in 9 months, see how
long it lasts. Gotta roof over my head, clothes to keep
me warm and a full belly, what more do I need? GOD
IS GOOD! Need some tithing envelopes, thanks!
Ye cowboy’n brother in CHRIST, RJ in Colorado
The Christian Ranchman
Volume 39
Mar / Apr 2015
The Christian Ranchman is published Bi-Monthly
(subscriptions are free) by Cowboys For Christ,
P.O. Box 7557, Fort Worth, TX 76111.
Physical Address: 514 County Road 4699,
Boyd, Texas 76023
Post Master: Send address changes to The
Christian Ranchman, P.O. Box 7557, Fort
Worth, TX 76111.
Phone (817)236-0023
Ted K. Pressley, Founder (1938-2011)
Dr. Dave Harvey, President/Editor
Suzy Harvey, Media Director
Please remember that the statements and
expressions are those of the witnesses, and not
necessarily those of the staff or officers of Cowboys
For Christ.
E-Mail Address:
cwb4christ@cowboysforchrist.net
WEBSITE: www.cowboysforchrist.net
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST
STATEMENT OF POSITION
Supreme authority over this organization
and all its activities is vested in God's own Son,
the Lord Jesus Christ, and exercised by the
Holy Spirit. This must be recognized and
practiced as laid out for us in God's divinely
inspired Word, the Holy Bible.
Cowboys For Christ is not in competition
with any denominational group. It seeks,
rather, through God's enabling grace, to be a
helper to all local churches, denominations
and groups to the extent that they are in
harmony with the will of the Almighty God. Its
function is to proclaim the Word of God. It is
designed for outreach and building up of the
Body of Christ, God's blood-bought people,
and in harmony with the work of the Holy Spirit
is an active force in the Lord's program for
the present day.
The message of The Christian Ranchman
is the saving grace of Jesus Christ. These
messages come to us in a variety of
expressions, including testimonies and Letters
to the Editor, and each is meaningful in its own
way. We pray that the Holy Spirit will minister
to each of you that bit of reassurance and
comfort your need today.
2015 Cowboys For Christ
(Cont. on Pg. 3)
No. 2
Letters To The Editor
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST
EASTER SONRISE
COWBOY CHURCH
LBJ GRASSLANDS
(Cont. from Pg. 2)
I was born in Nuevo Laredo Tamps, but raised in
Laredo, Texas. I’m 22 years old and I am locked up in
jail. Since I was a little kid my mother took me to the
Christian Church. Mostly all my family is Christian, but
with the exception of my father, who is not that religious.
I was a good man, and don’t know what happened to
me, but I am going through a big problem. I know that
Jesus Christ is the only one that can help me and I prayed
your prayer in the little flyer and I would like for you to
help me by providing me a Bible and some more
information. I know how to read English, but it would be
awesome if it is in Spanish, as you can see some of my
words would be misspelled, but let me know please if I
could write you a letter in Spanish. Well, that is all for
today, will be waiting for your answer and the Bible. God
bless you people.
Sincerely, AM in Texas
Enclosed please find a check for a memorial for Chris
Beauregard. You might be interested to know that Chris
is the good friend who introduced us to Brother Ted and
his brother, Dick many years ago, which evolved into a
close friendship with Ted.
God bless you all,
JE in Colorado
Dear Cowboys For Christ
I want to encourage you’ll to keep on serving the
LORD JESUS CHRIST. Don’t grow weary! Enjoy all
the testimonies and articles in the Christian Ranchman.
May GOD bless and keep each of you.
KD in Oklahoma
Christian Ranchman and Cowboys For Christ,
I have enclosed a check, please put us on your
mailing list for your newspaper. We belong to the
Cowboys For Christ in Durango, Colorado. We are very
blessed to be a part of this group. They are very
dedicated to Christ and are serious about their walk with
Him.
Thank you, A & CN in Colorado
I’m an inmate at Cummins Unit in Arkansas. I want
ya’ll to be the first to know that I’ve made a decision to
accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. For I’ve
been a sinner all my life, and I ask God to forgive me. I
know that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from
the dead to save me from eternal death. Today I confess
Romans 10:9-10 & 13. I believe with all my heart that
God raise Jesus from the dead and I call upon the Name
of the Lord to save a wreck like me. In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Reading the Christian Ranchman made me feel the Holy
Spirit. The letters and testimonies made me feel the
love that I felt as a child. I went to church with my
grandpa.nistry and ask could you please help me by
sending a Bible and Bible Study Program, the Christian
Ranchman and the bi-monthly Prisoner Newsletter.
Thanks, GOD Bless, Randall James Smith
JESUS IS LORD!
(NORTH OF DECATUR, TX)
EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 5, 2015
7:00 AM
TADRA POINT TRAILHEAD
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
SISSY JENKINS
from
STEVE WOMACK
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
CHRIS BEAUREGARD
from
GLENN & JEANIE EVERETT
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
PAT LA RUE
from
STEVE WOMACK
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DANIEL S. SNIDER
from
TAMMY & LEE SNIDER
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
SHARON “CHRIS” BEAUREGARD
from
SHARON J. MICKLICH
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
COWBOY CHAPLAIN MIKE SHANE
from
COWBOY CHAPLAINS OF AMERICA
BRING YOUR HORSES AND RIDE
AFTER THE SERVICE OR JUST
COME OUT TO THE BEAUTIFUL
TEXAS COUNTRY SIDE AND ENJOY WORSHIPING THE LORD
817-236-0023
OR 336-601-7393
BRING A FRIEND AND LAWN
CHAIRS
LAUGHTER IS GOD’S GIFT TO
US
By Evelyn Horan
Sometimes when we feel stress and concern
from our daily experiences, we prayerfully turn to
God for His understanding help. Often, we receive
help from our Heavenly Father through His gift of
laughter to us, as He uses our friends and family
to help relieve the pressing tension that has
occurred. Then, we are able to regain our good
judgment to solve our problems. At such times,
lighthearted laughter and a smile or cheery
comment can lighten the difficult burden.
I’m certain many of us can recall times when a
friend or family member has been aware of our
concern and has tried to ease the situation with a
humorous approach to the problem.
In sharing lighthearted laughter from their
remarks, “Hang in there and ask God to help you.
You can solve the problem.” And, “We’re backing
you. You’re a mighty problem-solver. Go for it!”
“Oh, sure,” we say,” easy as jumping over a log,
as long as it’s not too big around or too high.
Remember I have short legs!” We all laugh heartily
and that smoothes out the past tensions.
We can recall a friend who was having trouble
gaining enough confidence to present an
informative speech on Biblical facts to her Sunday
School class, or a speech to an audience of
concerned parents at a group meeting, or possibly
a group of co-workers who were learning a new
procedure. Our friend was filled with “stage-fright”
thinking about the upcoming event.
We heard uncertainty in our friend’s voice, “I’m
sure, I’ll forget everything I know. I’m not a good
speaker.”
You’re going to do fine,” we reassure. “You’re
well-prepared. You told me you’ve stood before a
mirror and rehearsed, and you know your
information. It won’t be hard for you at all!” We
give our friend a reassuring pat on the back.
“Besides, I’ll be there for you giving you a smile
and a “thumbs up.”
“Well, be sure to get a seat in the front row, and
wear a big black glove on your hand so I can see
your special “thumbs up” sign.
We both laugh together, imagining that black
glove on my hand with a “thumbs up” sign. We
hug and our smiles and laughter relieve the tension
and stress. With a happy attitude, our friend can
now look at the situation clearly, with confidence
in an ability to meet its challenges, because God’s
gift of laughter has helped.
In many experiences we face almost daily, as
we become renewed and fresh, with clear thinking,
we can approach methods to solve our problems
which seemed too difficult, only moments ago. With
much relief, we turn gratefully, to a caring God
whose bountiful love and understanding provide a
way for His children to overcome the pressures of
life that can come from stressful living.
It is easy to believe, we should happily praise
our God for His goodness to us by giving us the
gift of laughter to share with one another. We
joyfully sing our songs of praise, like David the
Psalmist, with sincere gratitude and thankfulness,
as we try to fulfill God’s desires for us. And now,
with God’s gift of laughter, provided to us by friends
and family, we often find our problems are no longer
insurmountable, and our struggles and concerns
begin to seem minor as they become solvable.
Dr. Dave Harvey, Cowboys For Christ and Brothers
and Sisters,
My name is Jason Keathley and I am currently
in the Arkansas Dept. of Corrections at the
Cummins Unit in Grady, Arkansas. I just read the
2014 Sept/Oct and Nov/Dec issues of the Christian
Ranchman. I would like to thank you for providing
these newsletters to inmates to help us see that
there is a new way of life around Jesus Christ that
is fun and full of excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed
the whole newsletter. After reading the sections
Riding Point with Dave Harvey from both issues
I’m led to write this letter to share a little about
myself and the ministry God has put on my heart
through the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Okay, first of all some of my first memories are
of my dad riding bulls and broncs. I always had a
horse and my dad had me breaking horses at a
very young age. By the age of 13 I was breaking
horses for H & H Horse Farms and riding bulls
myself. Once in high school I got my shoulder
stomped, dislocating it very badly which ended my
bull riding and football playing. I didn’t realize it
but through these extreme sports packed with
excitement and adventure, I had become addicted
to adventure. In place of these extreme sports I
began to fill the gap with drugs and alcohol, then
with the life style that goes with it.
Before I knew it I was an extreme drug addict
and criminal. I looked to find God, but with so many
different denominations of Christians, with all of
them saying they were the one true Church. I was
confused and lost and I cried out to God to show
me the Truth. Before I knew it I was in jail looking
at prison time over drug paraphernalia and then
parole violation over drug use. That was in 2001.
I was sentenced to 3 to 6 month’s rehab. When I
got there it was a place called, “New Beginnings
Ministries.” It was an awesome place and I learned
so much about God and his people and us as the
Body making up the Church. I was released and
done good for a while, got married and then
relapsed and started with alcohol and then drugs
again.
Ever since I have been battling with the disease
of addiction, not until now do I know the exact
seriousness and depth of the sickness of addiction.
I did not realize that even listening to worldly music
would eventually lead me back to drugs and alcohol
and the life full of sin. So, over the last 14 years
I’ve been to “RPF one time prison” three times and
“technical parole violators” program three times.
Every time I get out, back to the same music, same
people, same places with no support or goals set
and before I know it I’m doing the same thing.
Not this time! I’m “presenting my body a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” and “not
conforming to this world, but being transformed by
the renewing of my mind” by changing the way I
think. I now know that how you think is “how you
feel” and that is how you act. I know Jesus is very
much alive and as long as I follow the Holy Spirit
He will lead me and guide me. I know I will only
partake of spiritual music and books and works.
God has put it on my heart to start “Thorn In
The Flesh Ministries” an outreach ministry to reach
out to the alcoholics and addicts and felons to first
and foremost proclaim Jesus Christ, Him crucified
and resurrected and the Resurrection Power-old
things are passed away, behold all things become
new. God’s thoughts toward us are to give us a
future and a hope, and when we search for Him
with all our hearts He is found by us. Thank you,
Jesus.
I would also like to create a bridge between
prisons and society to offer jobs for felons on
parole, probation or just getting out of prison. It
would be amazing if there was a way that we could
get funding to be able to pay these guys, but do
jobs for free to widows, elderly or the poor, who
couldn’t afford it or do it themselves, whether it
was their roof needing mending, firewood, lawn
cut, whatever the need may be. Not only would
we be blessed to be a blessing, but it would also
help build the guys self-worth, which in turn would
help motivate them to want to come to work and
stay off of drugs.
This is the vision God has put on my heart. Even
though I will always be a cowboy at heart, I see a
huge need to reach out to these “outlaws” and build
the Kingdom of God and follow the Holy Spirit. I
don’t know anything about starting a ministry; I’m
just following the Holy Spirit and asking for help
from Cowboys For Christ. So, if there is any way
you can help me with this, please do so and
everyone please pray for the leading of the Holy
Spirit and the Will of God in this ministry. I’m
scheduled to go up for parole in April, in the mean
time I would greatly appreciate any Bible studies
you could send along with advice and information
on starting and running a ministry or non-profit
organization. Thank you all very much and God
bless you all.
With love in Jesus, Jason Keathley
Riding Point With Dave Harvey....
SEEK HIS FACE
I am a relationship horse trainer, and I strive to develop a relationship with the horses that I train to
get their trust, to build their confidence and to understand the way they think to help them to preform
to the best of their natural ability. It takes a little while longer to develop a relationship and there are
no short cuts to take if you want to make a real solid trained horse. Now I am aware of the fact that
horses comprehend at different levels, just as people and that some can achieve much faster because
of their GOD given talent and physical ability. But it doesn’t matter so much on the quickness of their
comprehension if I take the time to build that relationship and to explain, develop and train them to
achieve to their best. Actually some of the slow ones turn out to be the best when given enough time
to work their way thought to excel to a far greater level then some who started out so quick only to
reach a point and never going any farther. I enjoy building that relationship and I enjoy working that
young colt to build that trust, confidence and ability.
Cowboys and Cowgirls, I just described my training method or principle and I have been thinking
about the relationship with our LORD and SAVIOR and I know that HE is working to build a relationship
with us. There are many Scriptures that confirm this, especially the ones that the LORD tells us to
seek HIS FACE. King David, a man after GOD’S own heart wrote these words in “Ps 27:8 My heart
says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.” King David was a man who was continually seeking the FACE OF THE LORD. Since our
LORD is working to build a relationship with us, are we working to develop that relationship, too? Are we doing our part to come into HIS presence to
worship, praise and thank HIM or do we just go to HIM with our wants and demands?
I enjoy my “saddle time” with these young colts, and I greatly enjoy when I sense that they are responding to my cues and especially when they are
trying to please me and do what I am asking of them. How much more would our LORD be pleased when we are seeking HIS FACE in prayer, in
mediation and in seeking HIS presence in our lives? I really work at building that relationship with these colts, and I want them to want me around them
and especially for them to realize that they have a job to do and when they are trying their best than that is all that I am asking of them.
Do you think that the LORD is enjoying the time with you as you seek HIS FACE and as you search for the TRUTHS in HIS HOLY WORD? We
certainly should be very willing to “seek the presence” of someone that has paid an enormous debt that we owe but could not pay. In fact, it was paid
before we even knew HIM, before we even knew that the penalty of that debt was eternal death and all we had to do was to accept that gift of “debt paid.”
Folks, it is assured that you will not see the FACE of JESUS CHRIST if you don’t seek HIM and receive HIM as SAVIOR and LORD.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. The Prophet Isaiah tells it like it really is, but do we really receive the
word he wrote into our hearts. To put in a cowboy talk; is your seeking HIS FACE bringing a smile to HIS FACE? Well, is it? Back to the colt training, I
really expect the colt to do his part of trying to understand what I am teaching him and to respond in a positive manner, especially to be involved in the
activity. And, I really am pleased when they respond with a willing attitude and I sense that they are enjoying the training and the time with me.
Can you remember the time you first went seeking the FACE OF JESUS CHRIST for salvation? HE does! Do you remember the many time you
sought HIS FACE for strength and help in times of trials and troubles? HE has them numbered, and for most of us it is a large number, too. Maybe we
really are just seeking a building with a steeple on the roof, or a person (pastor, friend or family member) because we just want to belong. Or, are we still
seeking the FACE OF JESUS because HE is our SAVIOR and LORD and we desire HIS HOLY PRESENSE in our daily lives. To seek the FACE OF
JESUS CHRIST is to desire HIS DIVINE COMPANY and the more we seek the closer we will come to HIM and the more we will want to “seek HIS FACE.”
As Christian Cowboys and Cowgirls our cry should be; I want JESUS therefore I will seek HIS FACE, I want to seek HIS FACE because HE is my
SAVIOR and LORD and I enjoy spending time with HIM. I will bow my knee before the THRONE OF GRACE to worship HIM because I desire to please
HIM and I will submit to HIS TEACHINGS and TRUTHS because HE has proven HIS LOVE for me, time and time again, even though I have failed HIM
many times. I want to seek the FACE OF JESUS because I need HIM in my daily life; I need HIM in my decisions, my thoughts and my actions. I must
seek the FACE OF JESUS because HE is my SAVIOR and LORD and I want to please HIM and serve HIM. Ps 105:4 Seek the Lord, and his strength:
seek his face evermore. Again, King David tells us how to respond to the LORD’S training.
Rev 22:1-5 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the
middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the
leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his
servants will serve him. 4 They will **see his face**, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light
of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
You can be assured, if you seek HIS FACE now, you will not be surprised when you are face to FACE with JESUS CHRIST.
In CHRIST,
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST
CHAPTER DIRECTORY
For more information about activities, meeting dates, times and locations,etc.,please contact people listed for the chapter nearest you, or our website at: www.cowboyforchrist.net
CALIFORNIA
ALABAMA
Circuit Riders CFC – Ohatchee, AL
Troy Crosson, Pres., 256-419-3140
Jason Yates, V. P., 256-490-3549
Email: hatcreekboys@yahoo.com
Fellowship: Fridays at 6pm
Malibu Chapter-Malibu, CA
Morten Wengler, Pres., 310-457-0586
Elizabeth Smith, V.P.
e m a il: e ld o r a d o r a n c h @ h o tm a il. c o m
Contact for information
Cowboyn’ for the Son CFC- Athens, Al
Odis Everett, Pres., 256-431-7338
VP Eugene Leimneweder,
256-444-0035
Website: www.cowboynfortheson.com
Email: baughncg@gmail.com
Fellowship: 1st Thursday each month
At 6pm at Meeting same time at 306 BBQ
Restaurant
Angel Haven Ranch & Rescue Chapter,
Littlerock, CA
Monique Yates, Pres. 661-944-1803
Gina Nichols, VP 800-692-8977
Call for information
S.E.A. Riders (Southeast Alabama)
Chapter, Troy, AL
Tommy Manns, Pres. 334-897-8316
Bobby Jones, V.P. 334-566-6303
Fellowship: call for location and time
Cowboyn’ for the Son CFC-Athens, AL
Dan Adams, Pres., 256-217-2696
Odis Everett, VP 256-431-7338
Website: www.cowboynfortheson.com
Email: dan.adams1964@gmail.com
Monthly activities posted on the website
ALASKA
FLORIDA
SonCoast Chapter – Nobleton, FL
Barbara Mackenzie, Pres., 352-568-1507.
Nancy Ramirez, V. P., 352-569-5318
Fellowship: Call Barbara for location and time
Website: www.cowboysforchristfl.com
GEORGIA
Middle Georgia Chapter, Pike County, GA
Bob Perkerson, Pres., 770-584-2429
Nancy Perkerson, VP, 404-514-1919
Call for ministry activities and info
North Georgia Chapter, Cleveland, GA
John Holden, Pres., 706-809-3737
Wayde Hoose, VP, 706-499-1368
Valley Hills Bucking Chute Ministries
Ramsey Steen, Pres. 712-204-6290
KANSAS
Clay Center CFC – Clay Center, KS
Chuck Smith Pres., 785-632-5841
Brian Girrens, V.P., 785-926-3085
Website:
www.claycentercowboysforchrist.org
Fellowship: See website.
Round Up Minisries Chapter, Inman, KS
Ken Pitzer, Pres., 620-200-9750
Karen Pitzer, VP 620-200-2157
Call for info and activities.
LOUISIANA
Riding For The Brand Cowboy Ministries,
Loranger, LA
Rick Ledoux, President 504-878-6524
call for ministry activities and info
MARYLAND
CHAPS (Christian Horseman Always
Planting Seeds) Chapter, Westminster, MD
Joel Nupp, Pres. 410-259-1301
Sheryl Nupp, VP, 443-557-8680
East Georgia Chapter, Walton County, GA
Linda Dillard, Pres., 678-425-4499
Kent Pratt, VP, 770-896-1875
Maryland Cowboys For Christ Chapter,
Walkersville, MD
Bob Grove, Pres., 240-476-5397
Melody Grove, VP, 301-996-4887
ARIZONA
INDIANA
MICHIGAN
Southern Arizona Chapter - Tucson, AZ
Jason Summerkamp, Pres. 520-403-8289
Ministry activities and fellowship - call for info
Northern Indiana CFC – Elkhart, IN
Willie Hostetler, Pres., 574-575-0451
Ryan Eash, V.P., 574-202-3946
Fellowship: Trail Ride 3rd Saturday of each
month
Cowboy Gathering first Saturday of every month
5:30pm
Great Lakes CFC - Coopersville, MI
Jim Hansen, Pres., 616-450-4887
Harlan Smith, V. P., 616-837-6432
Fellowship: Call Jim Hansen for location and
time
Mat-Valley CFC - Wasilla AK
Tim Avritt, Pres., 907-376-2370
Jerre Attwood, V.P., 907-775-0834
Fellowship: 2nd Monday at 6:30pm
Call Debbie Avritt at 907-376-2370
ARKANSAS
Element Christ Riders, Siloam Springs, AR
Jessica Thompson, Pres. 918-859-3396
Youth Division-Lindsey Thompson
Ronnie Gilman, VP 918-697-0383
Youth Division-Hannah Thompson
Facebook: Element Christ Riders
COLORADO
Durango CFC – Durango, CO
John Beranek, Pres., 970-247-8288
Chris Swift, V. P., 970-533-9797
Email: swiftcreekranch@hotmail.com
Fellowship: Thursdays at 7pm, at Animas
Valley Grange Hall, 7271 County Rd 203,
Durango, CO
South/Central Indiana Chapter
Ed Edwards, Pres. 812-343-0776 Lisa
Edwards, VP 765-516-3828 Fellowship: call for
information
IOWA
We Will Ride Ministry Chapter, Greene, IA
Mike Reicherts, Pres., 641-330-6791
Scott Chisholm, VP, 319-230-1859
Fellowship: call for date and time
Michigan CFC - Midland, MI
Pat Murphy, Pres., 989-832-9092
John Oelberg, V. P., 989-708-0090
Fellowship: Call Pat Murphy for location & time
MINNESOTA
Minn-Iowa Cowboys For Christ, Frost, MN
Judy Wiedemeier, Pres., 515-538-0109
Kim Olson, VP, 962-913-6936
Fellowship: Second weekend of the month-call
for info
Cowboy Church: 1st Sunday each month-9am
Jackson Livestock Sale Barn, Jackson, MN
Revelation Ranch Ministry Chapter –
Janesville, MN
Curtis Malecha, Pres., 507-461-3313
Linda Malecha, VP, 507-779-3333
Ministry and fellowship; call for info
MISSISSIPPI
Flying B Soldiers Of The Cross CFC Hazzlehurst, MS
Scott Briggers, Pres., 601-672-4262
Jack Foster V. P., 601-894-3809
Fellowship: Call Scott Briggers for lo
cation and time
East Mississippi Equestrian Riders—
Meridian, MS
Jack R. Griffith, Pres. 601-479-9242, Gerry
Rutherford, VP 601-616-5577, Call for
information on activities
MISSOURI
Capital Region CFC – New Bloomfield, MO
John Hunter, Pres., 573-310-1293
Bible Study: Tuesday 6-7 PM at Camerons
Country Cafe Banquet Room
Pony Express CFC – St. Joseph, MO
Matt Wagner, Pres., 816-390-7561
Glenn Spencer, V. P. 816-685-3210
Email: midwestcfc@aol.com
Fellowship: 1st Tuesday at 7pm at Pony
Express Club
Green Hills CFC – Kirksville, MO
Jarrod Rapp, Pres., 660-689-3127
Betty Young, V. P., 660-349-1686
Fellowship: 3rd Thursday at 7pm.
Call Craig Bakke at 660-695-3803 for more
information
Salvation Riders CFC – Lamar, MO
Jim Harrison, Pres., 417-682-9219
David Eaves, V. P., 417-214-1239
Fellowship: 1st & 3rd Sunday at 6pm at Memorial
Hall
Cotton Creek Chapter - Richmond, MO
Mike Stephens, Pres. 816-256-1403
Bob Simmons, V.P. 816-776-2936
email:
mik e@co tton creekchristianminist ry.o rg
website:
w w w. c o t t o n c reek c h r ist ian m in ist ry. o rg
First Monday of each month at 7:00pm at
40794 E. 144th St., Richmond, MO
Cotton Creek Cowboy Chapel 9:30 every
Sunday
Tombstone Village Ministries
Tony Smith, Pres., 417-274-4334
Laurie Smith, VP 417-274-4333
Meeting: Sunday 10AM West Plains, MO
(Chapters continued on page 7)
COWBOYS FOR
CHRIST
CHAPTER DIRECTORY
(Cont. from Pg. 7)
NEVADA
Central Nevada Outreach, Austin, NV
Les Hornback, Presw., 775-934-9248, Diana
Hornback, VP, 775-964-2015
Call for info and activities
NEW MEXICO
Las Cruces Chapter - Las Cruces, NM
Pat
Henry,
Pres.,
575-644-5108
David Komarek, VP 575-523-2062
Robert Barnard, Reporter 575-373-3737
email
robert@4barcompany.com
NORTH CAROLINA
Heart of Carolina CFC – Clayton, NC
Cliff Lee, Pres., 919-553-6726
Jerry Sprague, V. P., 919-365-9247
Email:
cleeconstruction@embarqmail.com
Fellowship: 2nd Thursday of each month at
Carolina BBQ at 6:30 pm
Website:
www.heartofcarolinacfc.com
Jacksonville CFC - Home of Camp LeJeune
– Jacksonville, NC
Carl Godfrey, Pres., 910-324-7137
Athina Williams, V. P., 910-779-9529
Email: jcblaze@embarqmail.com
Fellowship: Call for date, time & location
Mid-East CFC – Ayden, NC
Jack Keel, Pres., 252-525-8519
Lennis Freeman, V. P., 910-358-9723
Fellowship: Call Jack Keel for more information
NC Foothills CFC – Statesville, NC
Craig Deal, Pres., 704-873-3421
Andrew Sams, V. P., 704-880-3661
Email: craigdeal@bellsouth.net
Fellowship: Call Craig Deal for more info.
Tri-County CFC – Marion, NC
Bill Queen, Pres., 828-738-8485
James Nations, V. P., 828-738-4343
Email: mckinneywalkers@yahoo.com
Fellowship: 1st Monday of each month at 7pm
at Providence Farm
Twin Counties CFC – Rocky Mount, NC
Alfred Tyson, Pres., 252-459-6091, Sue
Armstrong, V. P. 252-443-4434
Email: dustyroadstbl@embarqmail.com
Fellowship: 4th Thursday of each month at
Englewood Assembly of God Church, 2181 S.
Halifax Road, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Cape Fear Chapter - Bladenboro, NC
Jack Johnson, Pres., 910-874-0171
Gary Cashwell, V.P. 910-874-0613
Email: AnthonyRich72@yahoo.com
Fellowship: 3rd Saturday of each month
Trail Ride 10am; Dinner 7pm
Call for location
Sand Hills Chapter - Fayetteville, NC
Gary Wells, Pres. 910-286-6906
Stewart Wells, V.P. 910-797-3386
Email: gary.h.wells@gmail.com
Fellowship: 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm
at Western Sizzling, Fayetteville
NORTH DAKOTA
Dakota CFC - Mandan, ND
Karen Hook, Pres., 701-391-4271
Loren Wetch, V. P., 701-663-5424
Fellowship: 3rd Sunday of each month
OHIO
River Valley Chapter, Felicity, Ohio
Stephen Knipp, Pres. 513-218-1791
Nicole Troxell, VP, 513-312-4495
Call for ministry activities and info.
OKLAHOMA
Central OK CFC – Norman, OK
Steve Womack, Pres., 405-872-7329
John Payne, V. P., 405-396-2738
Fellowship:
1 st Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the
Remington Place
No Bull About Jesus Chapter—Pocola, OK
Jamie
Jones,
Pres.
479-926-3242
W ade
Biggs,
VP
479-522-0605
Prison, Jail and
Recovery ministry
Call for information on activities
Southwest Oklahoma Chapter - Comanche,
OK
Ken
Neher,
Pres.
580-470-8055
Carolyn
Neher,
VP
580-470-8055
email
ken@one2oneministries.org
SOUTH CAROLINA
WISCONSIN
Coastal Cowboys For Christ, Conway, SC
Buddy Smith, Pres. 843-397-9133, Calvin
Barfield, V.P. 843-365-5636
Fellowship: 3 rd Thursday of each month at
Shoney’s in Conway, SC
Lighthouse Chapter CFC – Arkdale, WI
Mary Harris, V. P., 608-547-5477
Fellowship: Last Saturday of each month
Call for location and time
TENNESSEE
Round Up For Jesus Chapter, Morris Chapel,
TN
Steve Tankersley, Pres. 731-607-1073
Brenda Tankersley, VP, 731-607-0871
TEXAS
Southeast Texas CFC, Kountze, TX
A.H. Elmer, Pres. 409-246-8985, Sneed Elmer,
V.P. 409-246-8985
Fellowship: Meeting - 3rd Saturday each month
at 7:00 pm at the CFC Barn on Hwy 326 N,
Kountze, TX
Cowboys For Christ Headquarters – Boyd,
TX
Dave Harvey, Pres. 817-236-0023
Call for more information
For His Glory CFC, Royce City, TX
John Clayton, Pres. 903-441-6975
Kay Healey, VP, 972-210-1874
CFC Bible Study led by Dr. Dave Cellella every
first and third Thursday &:00pm at Rockwall
Equine Center 9385 CR 2432, Poetry, TX
Ministry info: John Clayton 903-441-6975
Hill Country/South Texas Chapter,
Wimberley, TX
Dr. Bob Rawson, Pres., 512-847-0521
Barbara Rawson, Sec/Tres 512-847-0521
email: doctorbob@austin.rr.com
website:
cowboysforchrist-southwest
region.netministries
Fellowship/ministry study and activities-call for
info
WYOMING
Northeast Wyoming, Wright, WY
Robby Gallop, Pres., 307-622-7411
Kathy Jordan, VP, 307-622-0302
Call for info and activities.
Cowboys For Christ is in great need
of sponsors for Bulk Mailing of the
Chrisitan Ranchman: more than
2500 at the cost of over $300 in bulk
packs every issue. Please help us
spread the GOOD NEWS.
Thank You,
HORSESHOE NAIL
NECKLACE
Help support Cowboys For Christ
Prisoner Bible/Bible Study Ministry
You will receive a free
HORSESHOE NAIL NECKLACE
for each $20 that you donate which
will help send three Bible/ Bible
Study to prisoners. THANK YOU
for helping us share JESUS
CHRIST to those who are seeking
HIM. Please designate that it is for
the Prison Program.
VIRGINIA
Green Country Cowboys For Christ Collinsville, OK
Fred Thomas, Pres. 918-378-8855
Rita Simpkins, VP 918-815-7087
Fellowship: Call for information on activities
Boots and Bibles Chapter Madison, VA
Heather Campbell, Pres. 540-219-6928
Joanne Owings, VP 540-923-4679
Call for information on activities
PENNSYLVANIA
WEST VIRGINIA
West Keystone CFC – New Castle, PA
Dale Brenneman, Pres., 724-924-2830,
Bob Steffler, V. P., 724-758-6255
Fellowship: 1st & 3rd Sundays/ Call for times
Ridin For The Brand CFC- Victor, WV
Elbert Horrocks, Pres., 304-658-5730
George Hawkins, V. P., 304-658-4206
Fellowship: call for Location
Silver Spurs Cowboy Church, Fawn Grove, PA
Brad Rineholt, Pres., 717-578-7294
Mike Kosmicki, VP, 717-495-6289
Call for ministry times and info
Christ’s Cavalry Chapter, Daniels, WV
James Hartsog, Pres. 304-763-4207,
Beth Mays, V.P., 304-763-7247
Fellowship: call for location and time
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Hello Dave,
I’m sorry it’s been so long since I have
contributed anything for our chapter here in Royse
City. Life took a hard turn for us last summer and
we are still dealing with a lot after the loss of my
father-in-law as we are now caring for his very
needy 82 year old widow. I’ve been praying for
the Lord to give me something to contribute and I
believe this is what He would like for me to submit
this time. I hope you enjoy and that others will be
touched by this story & testimony.
In August of 2014, we began caring for my ailing
80 year old father-in-law, George. He had been
having great difficulties breathing for some time
and, after a visit to ER in September, he was
diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We began
spending as much time with him as we could.
George was not in church his entire adult life and
began, during these last weeks, to talk more and
more about the faith of his beloved Mother who
had passed away many years ago. He often would
shed tears remembering her favorite hymns. My
14 year old daughter, Janie, would just sit next to
him and keep him company and often he would
share stories from his past with her. One such story
was about a horse named “Midget” that his family
owned. Janie decided to write this story down and
present it to him. Here is that story:
George & Midget
Hauling his schoolbag off his shoulders, George
hastily tossed it to the floor. With a quick glance
out the window, he sped out of the house as fast
as his feet could take him. George could plainly
spot the little barn ahead of him. The crisp, autumn
air nipped at his small, freckled nose. Nearly
approaching the barn, George almost collided with
his father. Not wanting to miss an opportunity,
George blurted, “Can I go ride Midget down to the
creek?” He watched his father shrug his shoulders,
his brow creased in thought.
“Alright, but let me tell you something,”
“What?”
“If you get lost, and you will if you go down to
that creek, just drop the reigns and let Midget guide
you back home. She knows the way.”
“Ok, thanks!” George raced passed him. In his
mind, George doubted he could actually get lost.
How confusing could it be? Once the wide, grassy
pasture came to view, George held his fingers up
to his lips and whistled. He waited. Before long,
the sound of low hoof beats reached his ears.
There she was! Her beautiful bay coat glinted in
the fall sunlight. Her feathery black mane danced
in the wind. Within a few minutes, George had
her saddled and together they rode off.
Several hours later, the evening shadows began
to shade George and Midget’s path. If he wanted
to reach home before dark, he better head back
now. Turning Midget around, George urged her
forward. After venturing through the trees for
several minutes, George found that everything
began to look the same. He had no idea where to
go. Had he come through that set of trees? Or
was it those? Determined to find the way, he took
a path to his left. Soon, however, he found that it
was useless. He was lost. He stopped Midget,
thinking. A sudden breeze filtered through the
trees. The branches above him moaned. He could
hear the creek lazily flowing nearby. George
glanced down at Midget; her soft, black-tipped ears
were pricked forward, alert. His father’s words
floated back to him. It was worth a shot. He let
the reigns slip out of his grasp. Midget seemed to
know exactly what to do. Turning around, she
headed in the opposite direction through a thick
bunch of trees. George shielded his face from
flimsy branches. He huffed, “Midget! This can’t
be right.” Midget continued marching through the
brush. “Dumb horse,” he muttered. But Midget
never stopped. She stepped through the brush,
tromped through the leaves, and crossed the
winding creek. Suddenly, they emerged into a
clearing. George frowned as he spotted the back
of someone’s house. Where were —? Then it
dawned on him. Midget had done it! There was
his house, sitting in the same spot it always had.
“Well, Midget. I don’t know how you did it.” George
slipped off the saddle and patted her thick neck
before asking, “Same time tomorrow?”
Sometime after Janie presented her Papa with
his written story, we had a conversation about dying
as we often did since he felt his time was drawing
near. From two different people, he had been given
the scripture:
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will
be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for
the old order of things has passed away.”
We talked about that promise and how it
seemed that the Lord wanted him to hang on to
that promise. We talked about how we can trust
Him and how, just like young George trusted
Midget that day many years ago to lead him home,
he could trust his Savior - He knows the way.
It was a couple of weeks later, in the ER room,
that George prayed and invited Jesus into his
heart. There were many happy tears shed in that
room and great rejoicing in heaven!
George passed away on October 3, 2014,
forever free from death, mourning, crying, and
pain. His Savior led him home.
We are so very grateful to our Heavenly Father.
How wonderful and freeing it is to know that we
can drop the reigns and trust our Savior to lead us
daily and ultimately to our forever home.
Blessings to your & yours,
Lanett & Janie Laramore
Reporter & Jr. Reporter
For His Glory CFC, Royse City, TX
Cowboys for Christ Conference
January 23 – 25, 2015, Berlin, Ohio
By Cheryl MacDonald
Everyone, except a few people from my church,
was a stranger to me on Friday night at the
beginning of the conference. I soon realized that
all were welcome, even “town girls” like me. By
the end of the retreat on Sunday, we were no longer
strangers, but brothers and sisters in Christ.
It was an exciting weekend that went by too
quickly. The potluck on Friday evening was an
icebreaker. It was inspiring to hear how God was
using each person and their unique abilities to touch
people’s hearts.
Music was shared by several members of the
group throughout the weekend. Each song was
sung from the heart and fit the occasion. Saturday
morning, Sheri Gentry spoke on how we are chosen
by God. Mike Gentry followed with the message
that we need to be available for God to use us.
Then Mike opened the floor for testimonies. This
was one of my favorite parts of the meetings.
Several shared their stories and some requested
prayer for healing. The Holy Spirit’s presence was
felt in a mighty way. Just as I remember from
childhood during healing services, the ones seeking
healing were anointed with oil and prayed over with
a “laying on of hands.”
Saturday evening, Dave Harvey, gave an
uplifting message on having the Joy of the Lord in
our lives. Dave also sprung a big surprise on the
Gentry’s. He ordained Mike Gentry as a Chaplain
in the Cowboys for Christ organization. Mike has
been preparing and praying for this for some time.
Congratulations Mike!
After the evening service, there was a baptism
service in, of all places, the hotel swimming pool!
After the person was baptized, Dave asked if
anyone else wanted to be baptized that night.
Someone else stepped forward. After almost
everyone had left, yet another person requested
and received baptism. Three baptized in one night!
Praise the Lord! What a wonderful way to end the
evening. On Sunday morning, Dave ended the
conference with an encouraging message.
I was privileged and blessed to be included in
this retreat. Everyone made it home safely through
the “snow event” we had that weekend. God truly
blessed this gathering of his children.
During the conference I was reminded that I am
chosen by God. I am to be available and ready to
listen and obey Him. I need to look for opportunities
to spread the Good News to those who are hungry
to hear that Jesus loves them. I learned that God’s
message doesn’t have to be delivered within four
walls on Sundays. God can and does work in
unconventional ways and places. He meets us
where we are, just as we are.
MY TESTIMONY
By Keri Lynn Martin
Hi, my name is Keri and I would like to share
my testimony. Growing up I want to church, had a
loving family and knew God. I didn’t come from a
dysfunctional family even though my Grandparents
mostly raised me. I was loved and taught right
from wrong. From six to nine years old I was raped
by one of my grandparent’s workers. They had no
clue. I felt I was the one in the wrong. I became
very sexual at a young age. I felt that was the way
to show love. I started smoking marijuana at age
13 and started hanging with the wrong kind of
people. By age 15, I was snorting cocaine. I
attempted several times to kill myself. In and out
of mental institutions, I felt hopeless.
The devil stayed in my ear. My faith was very
weak at that time. Well, when I turned 17 a “friend”
introduced me to a man in his 30’s. Oh man, I fell
so “in love” with him, he could do no wrong in my
eyes. I ended up doing speed with him. When
the cook got arrested my “friend” who introduced
me to Chris introduced me to crack cocaine. This
was someone I trusted, and my life went downhill
from there. My boyfriend went to prison and I had
an addiction to feed and no means to feed it. For
a little while people were okay to give me dope
here and there. Then came the time when they
expected me to give something back. I had no
money and no clue how they expected me to give
them anything.
Well, this woman, more or less, said to go sell
your body. I was so scared the first time I walked
down the “hoe stroll.” I had every right to be scared
and for good reason. The first time I tried “tricking”
a guy in a Jeep picked me up. I thought everything
was okay, but I was still nervous. He parked in a
dark area away from most people and raped me
by gunpoint. He took away my most of my clothes,
beat me up, and left me walk back. Some would
say I should have expected this since I was
prostituting. Well, this was only one of the horrible
things that happened when I was on the streets.
Needless to say, I continued prostituting even
after my first horrible time and I continued off and
on until I went to prison my first time. I hitch-hiked
to Phoenix and Las Vegas and at times I felt that I
was worth nothing. Nobody loved me, and I felt
that God had turned his back on me. These were
lies from Satan. I felt like trash at times, and that
is how the devil wants you to think. Well, I went to
prison in 2009 and got my life straight for a little
while. I stayed somewhat sober and I sort of
repaired my relationship with God. However, the
devil stayed in my ear, “You can make a little money
and not do any drugs. That paycheck you worked
all week for you could make that in a couple of
hours.” So, once again I ended up relapsing.
I had become friends with the man God
intended for me all along, but the problem is that I
kept him as a friend. He kept faith in me even
when I didn’t have any faith in myself, and he was
a listening ear. I thought that God had abandoned
me again. God and my f amily had never
abandoned me, I had abandoned them. I lost touch
with God and myself. The Bible tells you that “you
cannot serve two masters, because you will love
one and hate the other.” Well, at that time drugs
were my master. You see, God is a Gentleman,
and He will never force himself on you. I didn’t
feel worthy of God’s love, my family’s love, and
now my husband’s love.
I relapsed again after thinking I could make a
little money and not get high; I had once again
chosen my master. Again, I turned my back on
God and I was wondering why all of these horrible
things were happening to me. Where did I go
wrong? Then I called out to God and I asked Him
to please get me out of this situation. I asked for
help, because I could not do this again. Well, I
didn’t expect to get incarcerated, but I am thankful
for it. I was on the broad path to destruction. I was
living in sin and got tangled up in it real quick.
Once I sobered up I was wondering, what was
I thinking, because I was now incarcerated for
aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. I had
hit a woman with my car while under the influence
of drugs. At first I wasn’t sorry for it and I felt she
deserved it because she stole from me. I picked
up my Bible thinking God will get me out of this.
Let me just, “fake it ‘till I make it.” Well, let me tell
you, God knows your heart, you may think you can
fool Him but you can’t.
I was sentenced to twelve years, and I am
thankful for my time because it’s giving me a
chance to grow spiritually. I have now rededicated
my life to God. I pray every day for Him to take
away my addictions and to create in me a clean
and pure heart. I got married to the man I kept as
a friend, and he is a good Christian man who has
seen me even at my lowest on the streets and
couldn’t hardly function because I was so high on
drugs. My family stands beside me and God is
blessing me every day in big and small ways. I am
learning more daily in my walk with God.
Some days are hard and I still get the feeling
that God has abandoned me, but then I remember
that’s just the devil telling lies. The devil doesn’t
want you to know the Good News. He wants to
keep you down and he wants to keep you bound
in sin. I want you to know that you are worth
something! You are a child of God, created in His
image and He will bless you if you let Him. I want
to be like the Samaritan Woman in John 4, even
though I was a prostitute. Jesus is now using me
to share the Good News. We need to look at our
past life and give it all to Jesus! So we can be
healed; she was and I am.
A lot of our problems come because we don’t
trust God; we do it our own way. But now that I’ve
given it all over to Him, I am at peace. I have a joy
that’s out of this world! Every day I strive to get
closer to God. When you are sincere in your walk,
you and others will see a difference. I encourage
each and every one of you, if you don’t know Jesus
and haven’t accepted Him as your personal Savior
that you will give Him a chance. Thank you, God
bless you and give you strength. Sincerely, Keri
Our Chapter also had the privilege to be able to
hold a Cowboy Church Service at the NBHA Barrel
Race in Iron City, TN on January 31st 2015. We
were able to set up a table there and hand out
some Christian Ranchman. The sermon delivered
that day by our Cowboy Chaplain Steve Tankersley
was about “Being A Winner For Christ.” We can
become a winner in a lot of different events here
on this earth, but our main focus should be on
becoming a Winner For Jesus Christ. This is the
race (event) in which we will receive much greater
rewards. We should have the same desire that the
Apostle Paul had, to faithfully run our Christian
Race in total consecration to our Heavenly Father.
We should be just like Paul, he ran his race with
wholehearted sincerity and effort, that he might
receive the most wonderful prize of the spiritual
reward which he knew the Heavenly Father would
give him in due time.
“I press toward the mark for the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:14
Until next Time, God Bless each and every one
of you. Continue to Ride With Faith, believing that
God can do ALL things. Phil.4:13
Round Up For Jesus
Brenda Tankersley
Vice President
Cowboys for Christ
Limited Edition Rifle
**** SEND IN YOUR ORDER TODAY. WE STILL HAVE SOME NUMBERS LEFT! ****
Cowboys for Christ proudly presents a legacy firearm to cherish for generations. The limited edition
piece will be offered in .22 caliber S/L/LR. Model H001 will feature the Cowboy and Cross design
laser engraved on the stock made from Missouri grown walnut. The Henry classic lever action .22
rifle will include an 18-1/4” round barrel length with an overall length of 36-1/4 “ and weighs 5-1/4 lbs.
The easy load tubular magazine holds 15 .22 long rifle, 17 .22 long and as many as 21 .22 short. This
western style rifle includes a large loop lever that is perfect for individuals with larger hands or when
wearing gloves in colder weather. There will only be 1,000 of these rifles manufactured. Each
rifle will be given a special serial number beginning with CFC0001.
*
*
Firearms must be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL holder). Receiving fees and background check fees
vary in price, so please check with your FFL holder first (average is $15-$30).
Please make sure that you can legally own this firearm before placing your order.
RESERVE YOUR LIMITED EDITION RIFLE NOW!
Pre-paid orders only.
Tentative ship date is May 1, 2015.
Price of $400.00 includes shipping to your local dealer.
Mail order form along with current signed copy of FFL (faxed copies are not acceptable)
and check payable to CFC to: Cowboys for Christ – P.O. Box 7557, Fort Worth, TX 76111
Name: ______________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State: __________ Zip: _____________
Phone #: (____) ______-_____________ Email: __________________________________________________
FFL License #: ________________________________ FFL Phone #: (____) ______-_____________
For more information/questions contact: Dave Harvey at Cowboys for Christ Headquarters (817) 236-0023
Middle Georgia Chapter Report by
Chapter President Cowboy
Chaplain Bob Perkerson
Not only was January the first month of a new
year, it was a month of firsts for our CFC Chapter.
Our Chapter, which met at 7 pm on Thursday,
January 22, was the first group to use the newly
decorated banquet room at the Oink Joint BBQ
restaurant on the court square in Zebulon. The new
wall murals are outstanding and contribute to the
cowboy theme. The award winning BBQ is only
exceeded by the helpfulness of the owners and
wait staff. The Oink Joint has contributed greatly
to the success of our Chapter. God Bless them!
For the first time we had 40 people attend our
chapter meeting, and 7 of those in attendance were
first timers. Our first order of business was to thank
the Pike County Horse Club for allowing us to meet
jointly with them during November and December,
since our normal meeting date of the 4th Thursday
fell on Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2014. Next,
we were delighted to recognize two of our members
as first time American Stock Horse Association
National High Point Champions. Lori Orr won
Limited Non Pro, and her daughter Taylor Orr won
Youth. Husband and Father (Charlie Orr) is mighty
proud. We are glad the Orr family is part of our
chapter.
hapter member Jerry Warren, a cowboy poet,
recited two humorous poems that many of our
members heard for the first time. Jerry had
everyone laughing. Member Earl Bumgarner
reminded us that people were attracted to Jesus
because he was joyous and loved people.
For the first time we had a banjo player, Nathan
Mixon. He joined Garret Rogers, who played his
guitar. They provided the music for our meeting,
and accompanied our CFC Quartet (Earl
Bumgarner, Tom Kerlin, Jerry Warren, and Bob
Perkerson). The quartet sang “I Saw the Light” and
“Farther Along” for the first time.
For the first time Tom Kerlin brought the
devotional, and what a message the Lord had given
him. Tom, who is a cutting horse competitor,
explained how hard it was for him, after being a
cowboy in Wyoming to learn to drop the reins and
trust his cutting horse to handle the cow. With
scripture passages, Tom drew the parallel for how
hard it is for some of us to learn to trust God.
For the first time in January, we had a request
for a chaplain visit at a hospice. The gentleman
was mentioned in our chapter meeting opening
prayer. The availability of our chaplain services was
announced, and we closed our meeting with prayer.
Several days after our Chapter meeting, our CFC
Chapter Quartet received an invitation to sing for
a local church sponsored event. This was our CFC
Quartet’s first invitation. Unfortunately, we had to
decline since the date and time conflicts with our
February CFC Chapter meeting. This is our first
Chapter report for 2015. We are excited about
what other firsts God has in store for our Chapter,
as we ride this ministry trail led by His Holy Spirit.
The Championship Bull Riding
Classic
(Cont. from Pg. 1)
bucked off my second bull and then I was 89 in the
third round and I placed second, and I’ve just been
going ever since then.”
Corey Bailey said something he learned early
in life and still keeps it with him today was to give
Glory To God. Also he said that he always prays
before he sits on a bull.
The winner of the Championship Bull Riding
Classic was twenty-four year old Elliot Jacoby from
Fredericksburg, Texas. Oman arena exploded with
excitement as the sold out crowd witnessed a
record setting night of bull riding. 2014 CBR Bull
of the Year, Penny Lover, was ridden for the first
time in twenty-four attempts, and veteran Elliott
Jacoby won the championship event title by posting
three 90 point plus scores. Jacoby, who has been
riding bulls on the pro circuits since he was
eighteen, selected a bull named Gold Buckle for
his final ride in this event. This was the third time
Jacoby and Gold Buckle (the Black & White spotted
bull) had met. Elliot Jacoby’s scores for the three
rides were: 90.5, 90.5 and 93.
Another wonderful and fun part of the event was
“Whiplash” the Cowboy Monkey who entertained
the crowd with his phenomenal herding skills
aboard his trusty Border Collie, “Boogie “.
Our Chapter was really blessed to be a part of
this event. We are looking forward to being able
to be a part of it again next year. I thank God for
opening up doors for us here in west Tennessee
for us to be able to share the Gospel with other
Cowboys and Cowgirls.
Until next time, God Bless each one of you.
Continue to Ride With Faith and believing that God
can do all things. Phil.4:13
Round Up For Jesus
Steve Tankersley
Cowboy Chaplain
Did you know that when you carry the
Bible, Satan has a headache, when you
open it, he collapses, when he sees you
reading it, he loses his strength, AND when
you stand on the Word of God, Satan can’t
hurt you!
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COWBOY CHAPLAINS OF AMERICA
DELAWARE
DR. DOUG BRIGGS-302-379-6298
GEORGIA
Bob Perkerson-770-584-2429
Darrell (Skeeter) Spaulding-706-639-7909
IOWA
Mike Reicherts-641-330-6791
Ramsey Steen-712-204-6290
NEBRASKA
Tom Youngquist-308-787-1715
LOUISIANA
Rick LeDoux-985-878-6524
Wanda LeDoux-985-507-8616
Gerald Kelly-318-282-3516
Diana Baker-985-517-4192
Wayne Lomax-985-507-9276
Justin Wascom-225-921-3617
Walter Mahogany-225-485-4136
David Chenevert-095250-MP
Raymond Flank-110756-MP CYP3
Charles Varnado-077373-CAMP F L4
Noble Bates-120581-MP ASH4
Clarence Frederick-121926-CAMP C BEAR2
Ellzey Crossley -344739 MP WAL 4
MARYLAND
Joel Nupp-410-259-1301
Sheryl Nupp-443-557-8680
Bob Grove-240-476-5397
Melody Grove-301-996-4887
MISSOURI
Matt Wagner-816-390-7561
Mike Stephens-816-256-1403
PENNSYLVANIA
Brad Rineholt-717-578-7294
OKLAHOMA
Steve Womack-405-641-5992
Elvin Horner - 405-756-7466
TENNESSEE
Steve Tankersley-731-607-1073
TEXAS
Auburn Powers-940-231-4453
Ben Addington-830-832-8302
Dr. Bob Rawson-512-847-0521
Carl Smith-214-957-6111
Clint Parker-817-584-4107
Dennis Lewis-254-205-3188
Tommy Tutt-325-669-2717
Kelli Goode - 940-368-1589
WEST VIRGINIA
Eddie Householder-304-279-9195
The Crash
By Jessica Thompson
It was a normal Wednesday afternoon, Lindsey’s
friend Ashley Goings had come home with her after
school so they could ride horses before church like they
did every week. I fixed everyone an after school snack
and the girls headed out to catch horses. Troy was
splitting some wood, Hannah was watching Sponge Bob
and I decided to try to get little Mr Tristan to take a nap.
The only way to get him to take a nap was to get his
binki (pacifier) and me lay down with him with my arm
over him till he drifted off to sleep. I guess I drifted off to
sleepy land too (it’s hard work teaching 4th graders all
day lol). All of the sudden I was jerked awake by someone
saying “PRAY.” I sat up & looked around (no one was
there) & my first thought was, that was crazy I am going
back to sleep, but then I thought maybe God woke me
up to pray!! So I prayed, “Dear Jesus please keep
Lindsey and Ashley safe, send angels to watch over them
& protect them.” Then I laid down & went back to sleep.
A little bit later I heard the door slam & Ashley screaming,
“Come quick Lindsey had an accident!” I jumped up &
ran out the door, Troy was outside & had already started
that way with his truck so I jumped on the horse Ashley
had been riding & headed to the far pasture by the pond.
When I got there what I saw scared me to death Lindsey
had been riding my gray mare and they had rolled off a
ravine, the type of ditch or holler that the men throw big
rocks down to clear the hay field. There she was my
blond haired blued eyed little girl pinned under a horse
with huge rocks all around her.
Her daddy ran down & lifted the horse off of her and
the most shocking thing happened she got up and walked
up the hill. She was okay!!!! Troy had to cut the saddle
off of my horse to free her enough to get up but she was
fine too. Both were scared and shaking but neither one
had a scratch. Praise God!! He woke me up at the exact
moment that my daughter needed prayer. I believe this
would have turned out way different if I did not have a
relationship with God. If I was not a Christian and did
not hear his voice and obey him that day my daughter
Lindsey would probably be in a wheel chair or even in a
grave today.
God wants a relationship with his children (us), he
wants to help us though life, the good times, the bad
times, the ugly times (like when we do ugly things or act
ugly), and the scary times like the day this accident
happened. Talk to him, tell him how you feel, your
problems, your upcoming decisions, your joy, your pain.
He wants to be right beside you helping you though this
amazing journey called life.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know
them, and they follow me.
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and
will tell you great and hidden things that you have not
known.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches.
Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears
much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Storm
By Sheila Sellinger
I can’t remember a worse monsoon. It was the
summer of 1981, but it could have been yesterday.
I sat huddled on the sofa as the storm shrieked
outside. Rain lashed the windows in sheets leaving
blankets of water running down the glass. The wind
howled and shoved violently at our stalwart trailer,
and I wondered if the tie-downs would hold, or would
we tumble end-over-end like the leaves blown from
the tree in our yard.
I pulled my mom’s afghan up to my chin, sank
further into the cushions, and wondered where God
was. I could hear the swollen river roaring – an
enraged lion staking it’s claim – devouring it’s flooded
banks in a fury of rushing water. Thunder crashed,
mingling with the groans of straining metal, and
lightning flashed behind thick clouds.
It was dark and scary but, my mom soon joined
me and, it was okay. She held me close and told me
not to be afraid, that she was with me. Her presence
comforted me. I knew that I was safe in her arms,
had faith that she would protect me.
In Matthew 8:23-27, we see another fierce storm.
The wind is tossing the boat as waves rise up,
towering over the sides. The apostles are soaked
and terrified, but Jesus is fast asleep. How could
He sleep through their trouble? The storm was going
to drown them all! Didn’t He care? So, in a panic,
they woke the Lord from His slumber, but Jesus
simply asked; “Why are you afraid? You have so
little faith!” then He stood and commanded the wind
and waves to be still. All was instantly calm, and the
apostles were amazed.
Faith. Jesus said they had little faith because
they were afraid of the storm. They didn’t trust that
His mere presence would keep them safe. Then they
were amazed. But, “Why?”, you may ask.
Well, are we any different? When the storms of
life rise up and threaten to drown us, don’t we cry
out, “Lord, help! We’re drowning!”? then, when He
is silent (asleep), do we wonder if He cares? Do we
worry and fret while we pray for Him to do
something? And, if so, is that faith? If we have faith
in the things we can see and touch; why is it that we
so often struggle with our faith in the Divine Creator
of all things? Is it because we don’t believe? Or, is it
because we want our troubles fixed in our time, not
His? Do we really trust that He knows what He’s
doing? Or, do we think that we know best?
We are anxious and afraid, but maybe the storms
that He allows us to go through are tests. Maybe He
is growing our faith in Him – as long as we allow
Him to. But, no matter what, He is always with us,
holding us through every storm.
Cowboys For Christ
Chickasaw State Park
(Wrangler Campground)
Henderson, Tn.
Campsites Still Available
Everyone Welcome,
Camping or Not
Saturday March 28th
5:00pm - HorseSense
Horsemanship Presentation
7:00PM - Gospel Singing
( The Downs Family )
Free Admission - Love
Offering Will Be Accepted
~Bring Your Lawn Chairs~
Sunday March 29th
8:30am - Cowboy Church
with Dave Harvey
For More Info:
Steve Tankersley
(731) 607-1073
Have You Moved or are You
Planning to Move? Please
notify COWBOYS FOR
CHRIST of your new mailing
address.
Death, as Christians understand it, is a
change in the form of life; it is not a
cessation of life. Those who have been
given eternal life in Christ Jesus will spend
a few fleeting moments here on this earth.
The rest of eternity is spent in the presence
of God.
Service in the name of Christ can also
live on, even though the servant has gone
to his heavenly reward.
A living memorial in the name of a loved
one, in the form of contributions, bequests
or gifts to the work of Cowboys For Christ,
will be acknowledged with a reproduction
of the Keith Avery drawing, "A Time For
Looking Back". Keith's poem accompanying the drawing. "Checkin' the Back Trail",
will also be included with the reproduction
of the drawing, in a framable presentation
which acknowledges the receipt of the gift.
Memorial Gifts
Cowboys For Christ
P.O. Box 7557,
Fort Worth, TX 76111
This donation is in memory
of:
Name: _____________________________
Address:____________________________
City: ______________State: __ Zip: _____
God Bless
America.
Pray for our
Soldiers.
DONOR: ___________________________
Address: ___________________________
City:______________State: __ Zip: ______
Great Lakes Conference
Experience
(Cont. from Pg 1)
Dale Brenneman
from Pennsylvania
also shares an
example of being
available and being
chosen.
In
Massachusetts, a
person was needed
for a service but they
had no one. They
contacted Dale for
help. He prayed over
this for quite some
time. “Please Lord
send us someone to
help share the word in this little Massachusetts
church.” Dale prayed on this hard and lumbered
over it, when a question came back to him from
the Lord. “Why are you asking for someone else,
I chose you. Sometimes we are available but need
to recognize that we have been chosen.
As the morning progressed, souls were
recharged as more experiences were shared on
how God used those who made themselves
available.
Fellowshipping continued as the group took a
break for lunch and exploring the town. Returning
for an evening gathering, words and scripture were
shared by Dave Harvey. Music added flavor to the
evening from Durena Holobaugh, Brad Rineholt
and Rochelle Dickason. Such songs were sung
like “Lord I need You”, “Amazing Grace”, “Every
praise, “All my hope”, “There is power in the name”
and a few other terrific musical numbers praising
the Lord. Brad with guitar in hand sang “Stroll over
heaven” and “I’ll fly away” for us with Dale
Brenneman later blessing us with songs like “It’s
just a little bend in the river of life” and “I saw His
scars”.
During the evening service, the opportunity for
laying hands on and anointing those needing it,
arose. Many were prayed over that attended but
just as many that hadn’t attended were prayed for.
It was an incredible thing to be a part of as the need
seemed never to end. How blessed can we be to
have the opportunity to do this?
In addition to the many blessings of the word,
stories and music; the baptism of Julie Gailey (a
recovered alcoholic) was to take place. Julie, in the
hospital and unable to speak, had only gospel music
to listen to and time to think. Specialists said she
wouldn’t make it as she was in a coma for 19 days.
Accepting the branding of death, Julie decided it
was time to pray for her family. The following day
she started to recover. Julie wanted to share her
blessings, gratefulness and love for the Lord with
us that evening so we all went down to the hotel
pool and she was baptized. Not in the plans and
completely unexpectedly, two others decided to be
baptized: Brad Rineholt and Samantha Holobaugh.
Praise God!
Although anyone was welcome to the weekend’s
events, only one was not invited but chose to show
anyway. Satan. As the evening dwindled down
during the post-service hours, Satan reared his ugly
head to let us know he wasn’t happy with the things
that transpired that evening. Julie Gailey and her
husband Bob went to the pool area to enjoy the hot
tub. When they started to leave, Bob went into a
serious seizure. Bob hadn’t had any bad seizure s
in about 2 years said Julie. He had another bad
one before the paramedics arrived. We prayed over
him and kept doing so until the paramedics arrived.
Guess who won that weekend? Bob returned to
join us for Sunday service the following morning.
Again, praise God!
Sunday
morning, Dave
Harvey shared
more of the word
and talked about
being “ready”. As
the night before,
songs were sung
and prayers were
given. And we
wrap it up with a
group photo that
will remind each of
us the things we
shared and how
we
were
encouraged to be available when we are chosen.
At the end of the weekend’s events, a gift was
given to help with the ministry of Dave Harvey. A
vehicle. As this person wishes to remain
anonymous, but states this: “Not everyone can
offer something like this to help in the CFC
ministries and they shouldn’t feel like they have
to. I was simply blessed in being able to. However,
it is my hope that others would help support Dave
with the financial support for gas and maintenance
of the vehicle.”
As we reflect upon the weekend, we know we
have not only been blessed, but we are humbled
by all that has happened: the lessons, songs,
scriptures, prayers, baptisms, experiences shared
and challenges given. It is a weekend that has
encouraged our walk today and the paths we will
take tomorrow.
(Standing L to R) Don Diroff, Deb Diroff, Jim Neff,
Howard Kessler, Mike Gentry, Sherri Gentry, Eddie
Householder, Marcia Householder, Bob Gailey,
Dave Harvey, Julie Gailey, Cheryl MacDonald, Bob
Patterson, Samantha Holobaugh, Durena
Holobaugh, Rochelle Dickason, (sitting L to R)
Eldean Kessler, Brad Rineholt, Dale Brenneman,
Faith Brenneman, Penny Patterson, Kim Krumnow.

We`re not trying to build an organization. We`re

Transcription

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