Heroes of the Faith... Do You Have One?

     Do you have one? A hero of the faith, I mean.... Do you have one? We often answer that question by going to Hebrews 11 where the Bible lists its faith "hall of fame". There are plenty of " big names"  on that list.... Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David... But what strikes me most about this list are all the "little people" who made the list. They aren't named. We've never heard of them. They didn't make it into the pages of scriptures. They are the unsung heroes of the faith.

Clemente, wife Cecilia, and son William

     When I was asked that question as a younger man, my answer would always gravitate toward one of those well heroes of the Bible. In recent years, those names have been replaced by others. One name is Clemente. Clemente is the Ecuadorian pastor/evangelist who helped us plant the church in El Tablon. He doesn't get paid to be a pastor, but he definitely has the gift. He made my list as I watched him resign from his steady employment from our radio station (HCJB) and walk by faith for his daily sustenance so that he could be available to serve the Lord, where ever the Lord would lead.

     Another name is fast becoming a part of that list. His name is Jose. Here is a man who, as he matured in his faith, decided he needed to begin telling the truth about some things in his life. It cost him his job. Yet he remains faithful to the Lord and although he is passing through difficult days, he has not questioned the wisdom of his decision. His confidence that God will provide for him astounds me.

     I have worked closely with and mentored both of these men. I have seen their lives up close. And I stand humbled by their faith. In John 14:12, Jesus says, "... the person who believes in me will perform the miraculous deeds that I am doing, and will perform greater deeds than these, ..." I wish I had the faith of Clemente and Jose... but I rejoice in seeing them exercise their faith.

So who are your heroes of the faith?

Doug (& Ruth)

We Are All On a Journey...

At the Nikkel Media Works Studio

     We just arrived home from a 3-week trip from California to Indiana/Michigan and back. It was a great time of seeing people. We decided to drive so that we could see more people and stop more places. Ruth figured out that we slept in 9 different beds, did 6 presentations of our work with HCJB Global (in 8 days), had 3 family reunions, saw over 100 friends and family that we have not seen in a long time, attended a wedding, attended a desert night, attended a Ladies Luncheon (Ruth), traveled over 5,000 miles, did 2 college visits and met with the staff at HCJB Global's Nikkel Media Works where I (Doug) will eventually work when we return to Indiana.

     It was great to see many of our friends, family and supporters on this trip. We are constantly reminded of the great group of people that God has put together who stand behind us in prayer and finances. If you want to be a part of that team, we would love to hear from you.

     I think the really exciting news is that just last night we were talking to a family from the Spanish congregation from our church here in California. As we talked, Ruth and I realized that their daughter had not yet made a commitment to follow Jesus even though she is scheduled to be baptized on Sunday. Well we were privileged to be able to help her understand how to do that. We didn't expect that to happen when we talked about getting together, but it just reminds me that we need to always  be ready to share our faith. I would challenge you to think of someone near you... maybe a neighbor, a coworker, or a family member... and begin praying that you will have an opportunity to share your faith with them.

Doug & Ruth