Christian Ranchman e h T
We're not trying to build an organization.
Volume 36, Number 8
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
August 2010
The Red Bud Spectacular Quarter Horse Show Oklahoma City, Ok
From L to R: Larry Hey Of New Castle , OK. helping with the praise and worship. Don Cretsinger of Noble, OK . led the worship in Song.
Cowboys for Christ was invited to have the Services at the “second largest Quarter Horse Show in the World” the Red Bud Spectacular. The show is held at the Coliseum/Fair Grounds In Oklahoma City. Our thanks goes to Mrs., Kristina Hedrick Wilson and her husband Allan for arranging for CFC to do the services they also so graciously allowed bro, Ted to stay at their home the two weekends for the show and the services. Also much appreciation goes out to Mrs. Betty Wells of Norman, Oklahoma. Betty is the wife of the famed Horseman Jerry Wells. she was also very instrumental in setting up the services. These two Ladies, Kristina Hedrick and Betty Wells worked relentlessly with Advertising, setting up, getting the word out to the multitudes. To Them and their families we say thank you and praise God for you! The first service was held in Barn #6 show arena on May 30th. at 10:00 AM. Steve Womack of Noble, Ok. a long time minister for CFC did the music, Brother Ted Pressley brought God’s word in the message, The crowd was blessed and many were touched. The second service was held at 10:00AM on June the 6th. this service was held outside in the pavilion area of the fair Grounds. Brother Don Cretsinger of Noble, OK led the Praise and worship Brother Larry Hey of New Castle, Ok. helped with the music, these guys did an awesome job of lifting up Jesus. Our thanks goes out to them and to Bro. Steve for the wonderful job they did. Then Bro. Ted Pressley brought the message and even though the crowd was small, and the Sun was very hot, Father God received the glory as folks we ministered to through our Lord’s word. Please remember this was the first year for this show but as Betty Wells put it “look out, because we will do bigger and better next year for Jesus” Left: Steve Womack of Noble Ok. Leading worship at the first service Red Bud Spectacular.
Bro Ted Preaching at second service during the Red Bud Spectacular, In Oklahoma City, OK.
Right: Bro. Ted Pressley Preaching at the Red Bud Spectacular first Service.
Thank You! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have donated this month and all who have donated over the years, to help keep “The Christian Ranchman” reaching around the World. Also that CFC as an organization can continue to print, produce, provide ministers, and do our massive outreach for lost Souls and minister to the body of Christ Also. THANK YOU! If any one out there knows of, or you are a part of an Organization with grants available, or if you know of a group we could apply to for Christian financial assistance please contact our office. We intend to continue to fill father God’s kingdom and do it with all wisdom. The word says, “ask and ye shall receive” we do that with pride because we know it is our Lord’s will and way.
Cowboys For Christ P.O. Box 7557 Fort Worth, TX 76111
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Page 2 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Hello Brother Ted, I was living in the elderly and disabled ladies housing at Union Gospel Mission a couple of Christmases ago when a group of your folks came to minister. It’s nice to see you on facebook. From. S.M
My Testimony Aaron Joslin Brother Ted Pressley, As I’m sure that you don’t remember me, I remember your love for Christ during my few visits to CFC on Boat Club Rd. years ago. As years have gone by, I ended up in prison, which was the best thing that could ever have happened, and, today, I was thankful to see a “Christian Ranchman” paper with the familiar face of Bro. Ted. Please allow me to take you back into my past, the old man. As a child, from the open skies of Oklahoma, I grew up in a loving home supported by my Mom & Dad. I was a well-liked kid in the town. As I became too acquainted with folks, I began to be sexually abused by a neighborhood man, who in turn was abused as a child. The shameful acts went on for years thru manipulation. I chose not to speak about it, thinking no one would understand the pain. Over years, I began to cover up my pain with alcohol, anger, and hate; I just didn’t care about myself. Over the years I began bull riding to take out my frustration on the bull. In Haslet, TX Oct 3, 2001 the bull took out his frustration on me, and left me banged up on life support. I knew that I didn’t care anymore and God wanted to show me that he had a plan of healing for me. Well, us cowboy’s know how hard headed we are, therefore, I continued to run from my problems, in hope that they would go away. As time continued, so did my hurt. The seed of pain that I buried sprouted off into Hatred, Alcohol, sexual sin, bitterness, and unforgiveness, and I was out of control. I went thru rodeo school and married a gal in East Texas and continued my miserable life. As time went on, my wife asked me why I was so angry, and I broke down and revealed a little bit of my childhood abuse. My marriage soon ended, because I chose not to face my hurts and get help and I was affecting the lives of my wife and children. As my sins found me out, I was soon in a whole new world-prison. The Bible says “Hard blows remove weakness,” Proverbs 20:30, Prison was a hard blow for me. You see, I have attended church all my life, however, I wasn’t in church, my reproach held me back. I was a prisoner for 20 yrs in the free world, and it took coming to prison to be set free. Just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, HE also called me to life and has begun to loose me and set me free. I have a Joy unspeakable
and a peace, which surpasses all understanding, and Jesus is helping me to face my childhood head on. I see many people who are ashamed to say I need help. I want to encourage you and say, “You are not alone,” ask god to lead you to share your pain or bondage. “Secrets are to sickness, as openness is to healing.” Jesus wants to set you free today, II Peter 3:9. Don’t take it to the grave, He can give you rest, Matt 11:28-30. I thank Jesus for His long suffering and life more abundant. I might be in prison, but I’m not a prisoner anymore. Bro Ted, I share this story to all the cowboys and cowgirls who have childhood hurt, we have dwelt long enough on this mountain, it’s time to mount up and move on.” Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old,” Isaiah 43:18. I pray that this testimony will touch many hearts and inspire them to face their hurts. A great book is “Sexual Healing”, by David Kyle Foster. I ask you to add me to the free subscription list and feel free to publish my testimony.
The Christian Ranchman Volume 36
August 2010
No. 8
The Christian Ranchman is published monthly (subscriptions are free) by Cowboys For Christ, P.O. Box 7557, Fort Worth, TX 76111. Physical Address: 3011 FM Rd. 718, Newark, TX 76071 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/President, Editor Hank Sinatra, Assoc. Editor Dave Harvey, Executive Director Katy Wacasey - Administrative Assistant 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 In Memory of Roy Maye “The Top Man” Donated By: Aubrey & Pinky Mathis
In Memory of Violet Hickey Donated By: Ralph Hickey
In Memory of Willie Davidson Donated By: Buddy & Kathie Kees
In Memory of Mike & Gerry Dayley Donated By: Pam & Penny Dayley
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 a substitute for the local Church or Assembly, nor is it 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 bloodbought 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. 2010 Cowboys For Christ
Sold-Out-to-Jesus Cowboy Wins World Championship Testimony by Scott Mendes Being a Professional Bull Rider, success is usually determined by what belt buckle holds up your wranglers. Well, somehow, I always knew that there was more to life than that. You see, when I was just a little bitty boy, my grandmother used to sit me at the foot of her bed and read the Word of God to me. She loved the Lord with all of her heart, and she had such an exceptional way of making the events of the Bible into stories that I could understand. The most amazing of all of her stories were the ones about the life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and all of the miraculous things that He did for the whole world, and more specifically for me. When I learned how Jesus lived His here on earth, and of His gruesome crucifixion on the cross, it intrigued me how one man could take all of the world’s sin upon Himself, and die a physical death for people who continuously betrayed Him, when at any moment, He could have asked His Heavenly Father to handle the entire situation. That, to me, was the ultimate act of love. My grandmother than told me that Jesus would come into my heart and help me through all of life’s problems while, at the same time, protect me from all evil! All I had to do was ask! Without knowing that Jesus lived in my heart, I’m not sure where I would be today. As I look back over my life, there have been many obstacles I’ve had to overcome. I do know if I would have ever had the strength to do it without Jesus in my life. As a young boy, my parents divorced and moved to different parts of the country. There were many times in my childhood that I used to think my life would have been a whole lot easier if one had not loved me. I thought if that were the case, it might have killed off some of the confusion and insecurity that I always felt inside. With them living so far apart, and each loving me as they did, I always felt like I was in the middle. It was as, if when the judge finalized the divorce, he also ripped my heart in two and gave each one of them a half. So, over the years, I traveled a lot between the two of them and did quite a bit of soul searching along the way. In all of my travels, I built a relationship with the Lord. I think it was because I longed to know the answers to all of my problems, and I knew that He, alone, would surely be the one to answer them for me. No matter what they taught me in school about the process of evolution, and how we may have come from the monkeys, I believed that my God created me, and, regardless of all the many problems I faced daily, I was very confident He had a purpose for my life. God knew that what I was going through in my life would only make me wiser and stronger so that I could some day fulfill His plan for me. I thank the Lord each day that I have two parents who love me, and I can honor them like the Lord has commanded me to do. There were certain things I attained from each of them, which makes me the person I am today. My mother taught me the importance of God and His Word, and letting Jesus be the Lord of my life, I could accomplish anything in life I wanted. My father instilled in me the importance of hard work. These things, along with the inner hope that I had in Jesus, would prove to be all I needed to become an overcomer until I came to the knowledge that God had a plan for my life, and I
realized my parents did the best they could for me with the situation we all faced. I always knew that without Jesus in control of my life, I would never amount to much in life not to mention ever fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a World Champion Bull Rider! In striving to accomplish that dream, I traveled down the road, rodeoing with the love of God in my heart and doing everything that I knew how to do to be a good person. There were many things I did that got me in trouble, and the Lord would have to help get me out. His word says that people perish for their lack of knowledge of His word. By my own lack of knowledge, I just wasn’t strong enough to defend myself from the schemeful temptations and the deceitful ways of the devil. You see, although I loved God with all of my heart and believed and trusted in Him, that isn’t enough! We must also keep His commandments and read, study, and meditate in His word constantly so that the devil can’t come in and steal from us what is rightfully ours-Eternal Life in Heaven! I used to always ask God to show me what it was He wanted me to be doing for Him with my life. Since I was a cowboy and not very educated, I asked if He could please make it clear enough for even me to understand. Well, last year my wife, Angel, and I made a decision to totally serve the Lord with all of our hearts. In doing so we knew that we would have to lay down our old way of life and allow the Lord to cleanse us with His forgiveness for all of our many sins. We also heard a pastor friend of ours, Casey Treat of the Christian Faith Center in Seattle, teach a sermon on Romans 12:2. This scripture gave us both the inspiration to change our lives, and with my beautiful wife being so new to the word of God, this passage also gave her the guidance she needed to start her own faithful relationship with the Lord. It instantly convicted my heart, and I knew the lord had divinely revealed to me what I needed to do. All along, the answers to all of my problems were in my Bible. I read it a lot trying to find the stories my grandmother told, but I had a hard time understanding the Bible. I realized later that the problems were in my head, and as soon as I focused my thoughts on the word of God, I became an applicant for the prosperity that God promises us all! When I reviewed all of the things that had taken place in my lif e, as well as my performance in the arena, it was very humbling to realize that it was only by God’s strength, and a lot of God’s grace that I was able to accomplish and overcome all of the things that I did.
Scott Mendes
Scott with his lovely wife Angel
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The Silent Message Submitted By Lewis Kirby A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor’s visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The Pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your visit and, especially, for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.” We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left Unspoken,
“Persecution of the Church” By Pastor Bill “Why do the nations rage, and people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.” (Psalm 2:1-3). In today’s world we this see happening just as it did in David’s day also. America has been called the great satan by the radical Islamic nations. There are nations, now, who are persecuting their people because of their belief in Christ, and this same persecution is coming to America also. Already we have seen the Pentagon stop Rev. Graham from speaking to our nation on the national day of prayer just because he stated earlier his feelings about the radical Islamic people, the very ones who deliberately killed over 3000 Americans on 9/11. But, yet, our leaders choose to bend over backwards to their demands. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are soon approaching some bad times here in America. But, don’t let this frighten or put you in despair. Verses 4-5 of Psalm 2 says, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure.” God is not worried about what these leaders are planning against the Church, and neither should we. Oh, we will have to suffer, I’m sure, but just look how much our Lord suffered for us on the Cross. So, let us suffer for Him. Be ready to be arrested or even to give your life for your belief in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Just don’t renounce Christ; always stand up for Him no matter what the cost.
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Joe Kreger
Guys Like Me
Tonkawa, OK
Romans 5:6-9
Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” About the time our country was recov ering from the great depression, I was born into a good, solid, Christian family and the oldest of three boys. I can’t remember not believing in God and knowing in my mind that Jesus was the savior. My Christian Grandmas were great witnesses and helped to shape my faith. I confessed Christ and was baptized when I was a cub scout. From early childhood I always wanted to be a cowboy and a rancher. Horses, cows, and dogs occupied my thoughts and activities and where on the front burner in my life. I got to realize many of my dreams. I Cowboyed on ranches in several states, rode a lot of good horses (and several sorry ones), did a little rodeoing, borrowed a lot of money and got to ranch on a decent scale in both Oklahoma and Arkansas. While I was always a believer, I didn’t have God in first place. I rationalized sin in my life. I didn’t fully value what Jesus did for me, nor did I understand His Grace. “When He who was without sin became sin for us…2 CORINTHIANS 5:21a, He did something for me, but I didn’t have a handle on it. In the early 70’s, God knocked me down, baptized me in His Holy Spirit, and began the process of taking over first place in my life. I have learned that God’s Word is true, and He keeps His promises; His promises to never leave us nor forsake us DT. 31:6 is a rock to stand on in the quicksand of life’s trails. The same God who blesses us in good times will be there through the rough times. He can carry us through heart trouble, cancer, droughts, floods, divorce, going broke, death of our children, or any other trail we may face and make us victorious on the other side; I know.
He wouldn’t have had to hang there, On that cross at Calvary. He wouldn’t have had to bleed and die, If it weren’t for guys like me. It wasn’t that we didn’t know, We should have done it better, But we couldn’t live within the Law, Not down to the letter. And it wasn’t that we didn’t try, But we kept on doing wrong. We floundered in our weakness, Though we thought that we were strong. We really didn’t mean to, But it was guys like you and me, Who missed the mark so badly, We helped nail Him to that tree. He walked the same paths that we walk, Faced everything we face. He showed us how to do it right, Then he covered us with Grace. All the bad things that we did, And the good things left undone, Were paid for one dark Friday, By that single righteous One. He stepped in and took our place, Took the death we should have taken. And, we just stood back and let Him pay, All alone and so forsaken. But our sentence got suspended. He came to set us free, And I know that He’s the only hope, That there is for guys like me.
In His Pasture, But... By Dale Brenneman, New Castle, Pennsylvania
PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS AND OUR NATION!
‘“Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen!’ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your body as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Godwhich is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 11:35-12:2
While reading in Romans, I marveled at how God takes scripture that has been read many times before and makes it come alive in a new exciting way. As livestock people, in particular horse owners, there is hardly anything more frustrating than wanting to go for a nice ride only to have your horse refuses to be caught. You all know the feeling. You walk into the pasture, get within 6 or 8 feet of your horse, then he turns on his heels and runs to the other side of the pasture. Usually, when he gets to the other side of the pasture, he will look at you with his ears up as if to say, “Isn’t this a cute little game I’m playing!” Now, this horse had no idea why you wanted to catch him. Maybe you wanted to train him. Maybe you wanted administer an injection to cure a present illness or fend off a future one. Maybe you wanted to care for a wound or maybe you wanted to scratch him between the ears and let him know you love him. Regardless of what you wanted to do, as long has the horse refuses to be caught he will not benefit from any of it, and he is of no use to us. We, as Christians, sometimes try to play the same type of “cute little games” with our Master. We really want to be within the perimeter of God’s pasture (being saved) and to enjoy the benefits He provides us there, but we do not want the Lord to get close enough to us to “do” anything to us or to use us for His purposes. We do not want to give total control of our lives to our owner. (“For we are brought with a price.” 1 Cor. 6:20). We never benefit from the healing He has had for us, experience the training He wants to give that would give us value and purpose, and we miss the loving He is longing to show us. As a result, we are content wandering around in God’s pasture, never experiencing the full joy and blessing of having a close personal relationship with Him. If we yield to this call and make ourselves available to Him, His boundless love is ours for the taking. At different times He will train us through His word or give us a shot of encouragement and support. He will also call us to care for and heal our wounds, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. Ultimately, in some way, the Master will call us and want to use us in building His kingdom. What a tremendous privilege it is to be chosen by Christ to be His instrument on earth. Recently, my good friend Ron Nagel, and I were invited to conduct a worship service before a John Lyons Symposium in Romney, WV. After a good service of singing, testimonies, and the Word, we sat back to watch how John had conditioned his stud horse, Zip, to come to him when called. This was not the horse’s natural will, but because Zip trusted John and was submissive to John’s will he was able to totally obey John’s directions. In the same was we must trust our Lord completely, giving our will up and replacing it with His. As it says in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” If we do this, we will be ready to be used when our Master calls.
Page 5 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Today’s Thought Focuses On Distractions By Levi Britton In the spring of 2008 my roping partner, Heath, and I found ourselves in a very privileged, enviable, yet high pressured position. We were in Reno NV, and we were competing in what was then, the Richest One Day Roping in the world. We were backing our horses into the roping boxes for our final steer. We were leading a talented field of 271 teams, in the number one position (fastest on 3 head); one more solid run and we could receive $200,000. plus $45,000 in other prizes and Calcutta winnings!!!! I can tell you, we were as focused as two scared Montana cowboys could be. We were the very last team to go in the entire competition, all eyes were on us. As we concentrated on our task at hand, even the voice of the announcer became shut off to our minds. As we pointed our two horses down the awaiting and expectant arena, which was just a split second from calling for our steer (the most important steer of our roping careers)… could you imagine how distracting and possibly disastrous a cell phone ringing in either of our front shirt pockets could have been? Be assured we had thought of such a distraction and we guarded ourselves from that happening by purposely leaving our phones with our other gear, clear in the next adjacent building, too far away for us to possibly hear. With God’s blessing we did catch that steer and with nearly 2 seconds to spare we were the Reno Rodeo Invitational Champions… Amen! Later that same year, I was driving my vehicle and horse trailer, with Heath following me with his truck and trailer as well. We were in heavy, rush-hour, 4-lane traffic in Oklahoma City heading for the fairgrounds for the USTRC National finals roping championships. At just the wrong moment my cell phone went off, I tried to answer it, got distracted, took the wrong exit by mistake, putting us on a 1 way turnpike heading east, the wrong way! With Heath following, we both were forced into driving over 40 miles out of our way before we could get off the turnpike and come crippling back on narrow 2 lane roads to our proper location. To add insult to injury we both had to pay the toll fee to get off the turnpike that we did not want to go on in the first place. Distractions can not only get you off course, but can cost you spent energy, finances and lost ground. Spiritually, distractions from our intended course can be harmful as well. As believers, we can easily be distracted by events, circumstances and pressures of this world and get off course from where God had planned us to be. When our daily walk slowly drifts away from God, it means we are probably being busy with our own things and neglecting to check in with God to see if he has any marching orders for the day. Do you suppose that satan would deliberately distract us to keep us out of God’s will?? You can bet the farm on it!! Often referred to as our “daily walk with God”, it has daily there for a very important reason. I believe that some day we will be shown how many missed
opportunities and missed blessings we were too “distracted and disconnected” to be a part of. We will be both shocked and sad! Psalms 68:19 says: “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benef its”… Remember: To be available you have to be reachable and you can’t be used if you can’t be found! Jesus says in Proverbs 8: 34 “blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” Jesus speaking to his disciples said in Luke 9:23 …”if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” I am personally confident and am suggesting that checking in with God is a daily need, once a week, once a month or twice a year just doesn’t cut it. For comments, questions or needs call day or night. (406) 690-6633 Beware: Don’t fall for one of satan’s best traps: “get them distracted and render them unusable!”
Levi and Doc about to stop the clock!
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Note to Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents Quarterly Updates are due by the 15th of the following months: January, April, July & October. The update form is available at: www.cowboysforchrist.net If you do not have internet access and do not have the current form, please call the office at 817-2360023 and we will mail it to you. Quarterly Updates can be e-mailed to: cfcmail@cowboysforchrist.net or mailed to PO Box 7557, Ft. Worth, Texas 76111. CHECK T HE WEBSIT E & CR CHAPT ER DIRECTORY — We have audited all chapter files. If your chapter is not listed in the directory or on the website, we have not received the required Quarterly Updates. If your chapter is active, please submit a current Quarterly Update so your chapter information can be reinstated in the next issue of the Christian Ranchman and posted on the website. If there is an error, please call the office or e-mail cf cmail@cowboysforchrist.net and it will get corrected as quickly as possible. Contact us via E-Mail: Ted Pressley and Dave Harvey General mail: cwb4christ@cowboysforchrist.net Submit testimonies, articles or to subscribe to the Christian Ranchman at ranchman@cowboysforchrist.net Order Inquiries: cfcorder@cowboysforchrist.net Paperwork/Chapter Correspondence: cfcmail@cowboysforchrist.net WEB SEARCH ENGINES Please continue to use Google and Yahoo search engines to locate Cowboys for Christ Official Website. This will help us keep our ranking in the search engines. www.cowboysforchrist.net
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Page 6 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010 ALABAMA Circuit Riders CFC – Ohatchee, AL Blake Woodten, Pres., 256-310-1736, Andrew Langston, V.P, 256-473-0622 Email: cfco1999@yahoo.com Contact Troy Crosson Cowboyn’ for the Son CFC- Athens, Al Kenneth LeSueur, Pres., 256-771-1826, Odis Everett, V.P., 256-232-7018 Website: www.cowboynfortheson.com Email: klesueur@charter.net ALASKA Mat-Valley CFC - Wasilla AK Tim Avritt, Pres. 907-376-2370, Chuck Abbott, V.P., 907-376-7007. COLORADO Durango CFC – Durango, CO Sam Noble, Pres. 970-247-4416, Frank Stimac. V.P. 970-382-8094 Email: swiftcreekranch@hotmail.com Lori Swift FLORIDA Ridin’ Double CFC – Fort Pierce, FL Tommie Potter, Pres. 772-468-7322, Johnnie Kemp, V.P. 772-461-1812 Soncoast Chapter – Nobleton, FL Barbara Mackenzie, Pres. 352-568-1507, Karen Gillette, V.P. 813-917-8499 GEORGIA Southeast CFC- Statesboro, GA Jimmie Davis, V.P. 478-237-4666 ILLINOIS Christian Cowboys Outreach Granite City, IL Gary Wagoner, Pres. 618-580-6372; Dan Boone, V.P. 618-797-1021 INDIANA Central Indiana – Indianapolis, IN Eric Martin, Pres. 317-862-9207, Michael McCauley, VP 317-862-9207 Northern Indiana CFC – Paris, IN Ted Schowengerdt, Pres 574-831-5764, Willie Hostetler, VP 574-575-0451
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
KANSAS Clay Center CFC – Clay Center, KS Chuck Smith Pres. 785-632-5841 Dean Stockert V.P 785-761-5242 Website: www.claycentercowboysforchrist.org Email: leegirrens@gmail.com – Lee Girrens
Faith Riders – Lowry City, MO David Price, Pres. 417-644-7701, Bobby Long V.P., 417-646-8841. Ozarks CFC- Springfield, MO Don Day, Pres. 417-300-1625, Wade Dickerson, V.P., 417-773-3502 Email: k.wade.Dickerson@gmail.com Wade Dickerson
Twin Counties CFC – Rocky Mount, NC Deck McCain, Pres. 252-459-3221, Larry Smith, V.P. 252-236-1625 Email: dustyroadstbl@embarqmail.com – Linda Braddy NORTH DAKOTA Dakota CFC Karen Hook, Pres. 701-663-8026, Loren Wetsch, V.P. 701-663-5424 OHIO NE OH CFC – Newberry, OH Joe Miller, Pres. 440-669-4394, Matthew Tzak, V.P. 440-346-2268
Fredonia Kingdom Riders of Southeast Kansas- Fredonia, KS Sarah Lowe, Pres 620-212-4097; Eddie Henley, V.P 620-537-7137 Email: sagebrushcreations@hotm ail.comSarah Lowe
Pony Express CFC – St. Joseph, MO Matt Wagnor, Pres. 816-238-7503 or 816390-7561, Glenn Spencer, V.P. 816-6853210 Email: midwestcfc@aol.com
The Rugged Cross CFC – Conway Springs, KS Darrin Green, Pres. 620-456-2203, Brian Strange, V.P.
Sierra Grande Mountain Top CFC Donnie Fernandez Pres. 575-445-8977 Leo Trujillo V.P. 575-278-2593 Email- harvesthdq@bacavalley.com Donnie Fernandez
Central OK CFC – Norman, OK Steve Womack, Pres. 405-872-7329, John Payne, V.P. 405-396-2738
NORTH CAROLINA
Pawnee Lakeside CFC- Pawnee, OK Peggy Coleman, Pres 918-285-6626 Linda Jestes, V.P. 918-762-3851
KENTUCKY Ridin’ On Faith – Shepherdsville, KY Pamela Thompson, Pres., 502-931-4853 MICHIGAN Great Lakes CFC - Coopersville, MI Jim Hansen, Pres. 616-997-1234, Harlan Smith, V.P. 616-837-6432 Heavenly Hoofbeats – Mason, MI Ron Squires, Pres. 517-420-3908 Michigan CFC - Midland, MI Pat Murphy, Pres. 989-832-9092, John Oelberg, V.P. 989-839-0675 MISSISSIPPI Circuit Riders CFC- Hazlehurst, MS Scott Biggers, Pres. 601-672-4262, Jack Foster V.P, 601-894-3809 MISSOURI Capital City CFC – Jefferson City, MO Tom Shands, Pres. 660-849-2149, John Hunter V.P. 573-310-1293 Email: Timberline2@earthlink.net - Gary Ellis . Green Hills CFC – Kirksville, MO Jarrod Rapp, Pres. 660-626-7912, Ansil Hale, V.P. 660-874-4200
NEW MEXICO
Cape Fear CFC – Clarkton, NC Gary Cashwell, Pres. 910-874-0613, John McMIllan, V.P., Heart of Carolina CFC – Clayton, NC Cliff Lee, Pres. 919-553-6726 Email: cleeconstruction@embarqmail.com, Jerry Sprague , V.P. 919-365-9247 Jacksonville CFC - Home of Camp LeJeune – Jacksonville, NC Carl Godfrey, Pres. 910-324-7137, Athina Williams, V.P. 910-779-9529 NC Foothills CFC – Statesville, NC Craig Deal, Pres. 704-873-3421, Drew Sams, V.P. 704-880-3661 NC Foothills Youth CFC – Statesville, NC Billy Saunders, Pres., 704-902-3106, Brett Barnes, V.P., 828-632-8374 Trail Riders for Christ – Cameron, NC Nancy Thornton, Pres, 919-774-8030, Robin Dowdy, V.P., 919-258-6561
Trumbull County CFC – Southington, OH John Smith Sr., Pres. 330-889-3818, Roger Booth V.P. 330-847-7462 OKLAHOMA
Riders for Christ CFC – Poteau, OK David Archer, Pres. 479-639-0026, Marty Davis, V.P. 918-647-3328 PENNSYLVANIA West Keystone CFC – New Castle, PA Dale Brenneman, Pres. 724-924-2830, Bob Steffler, V.P. 724-758-6255 SOUTH CAROLINA Coastal Cowboys for Christ– Conway, SC Buddy Smith, Pres. 843-397-9133, Calvin Barfield, V.P. 843-365-5636 TENNESSEE Greene County CFC – Greeneville, TN Barbara Badenhope, Pres. 423-636-1922, V.P. Heather Jones 423-257-3095
Tri-County CFC – Marion, NC Bill Queen, Pres. 828-738-8485, James Nations, V.P. 828-738-4343 Email: mckinneywalkers@yahoo.com (Cont. on Pg. 7)
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST CHAPTER DIRECTORY (Cont. from Pg. 6) TEXAS Cleveland Chapter CFC – Cleveland, TX James Knobloch, Pres. 281-543-3990, V. P., Roger Spinks 713-542-1684 Southeast Texas CFC – Kountze, TX A.H. Elmer, Pres. 409-246-8985, Sneed Elmer, V.P. 409-246-8985 VIRGINIA Central Virginia CFC – Rice, VA Randy Broadwater, Pres. 434-392-8630, Robby Fortner, V.P. 434-390-4701 Greater Richmond CFC, Bumpass, VA Henry “Sonny” Wortman, Pres. 540-8722828, Donna Edwards, V.P. 804-380-9969 Southside CFC – Gretna, VA Mike W hitmer, Pres. 434-248-5386, Sharee Whitmer, V.P. 434-248-5353 WEST VIRGINIA Kyowva Cowboys CFC – Harrisville, WV Larry Mullens, Pres. 740-574-4802TJ Gainer VP. 304-643-4767, Ridin For The Brand CFC- Victor, WV Elbert Horrocks, Pres. 304-658-5730, George Hawkins, V.P 304-658-4206 WISCONSIN Lighthouse Chapter CFC – Fond Du Lac, WI Janet Kent Pres 920-517-3845, Mary Harris, V.P. 608-547-5477 WYOMING Platte Valley CFC – Torrington, WY David Kendall, Pres. 307-837-2090, Fellowship: 3rd Saturday of each month at 6:30 pm. At 615 Main, Torrington, WY 82240
Pray For Our Country....
Page 7 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Montana is Awake (A Report from CFC evangelist and president of the Central Oklahoma chapter, Steve Womack. For official schedule, history and goals, please see www.montanaawakening.org) Around the middle of March, I came home from work and found a message on my answering machine. The message said, “Hi, Steve, my name is Mark Stearns and I’m from Butte, Montana. We’re needing a cowboy preacher up here in MT for a thing called ‘Montana Awakening,’ and the Cowboys For Christ office in Fort Worth, Texas gave me your name and number and highly recommended I contact you.” Well, TWO things immediately piqued my curiosity…1. The term “Montana Awakening” and 2. That I was “highly recommended.” I don’t hear those words used much in describing me!! I returned Mark Stearns’ call, and he began to tell me about this “Montana Awakening”. He said, “You’ll be going to a different town each night for 5 days, plus a strictly cowboy gathering in Great Falls Saturday night, and then I’d like you to preach at the church I pastor on Sunday morning and at the First Baptist Church of Butte Sunday night, if that’s OK.” He went on to explain that there would be some people giving their testimonies at the “Montana Awakening” get-togethers, and then I would preach. Usually, I tell folks I need a few days to pray about going places, but, as he spoke, I immediately felt “right” in my spirit about it, and told him I’d be honored to be a participant. I thought, “This is gonna be great- a weeklong statewide cowboy revival. I’m gonna get to meet a lot of ranchers, ranch hands, and maybe some rodeo cowboys whom I’ve never met and get to preach to ‘em. COOL!!!” Two days later I got an email from another guy in Montana. His email said, “Hi Steve, my name is Rick King. I am the logistic coordinator for the Montana Awakening. I realize that you have been communicating with Mark Stearns on your program but I need to wade in and coordinate events, timings and other issues. When you arrive I intend to marry you up with your speaking partner/team. We have planned a full week for you. Do you have any questions for me?” Well, YEAH, I did!! Ever since I’ve been in Cowboys For Christ, wherever I’ve gone it’s just pretty much been God, my Bible, my guitar and me. I wrote him back, telling him I was looking forward to coming, asked him where and when specifically I’d be preaching so I could pray about each city individually, said, “Also, this is the first time I’ll have ever had a ‘speaking partner/team’…. exactly what IS that?” His return email (about an hour later) said, ‘Monday morning in Billings we have a prayer breakfast scheduled with Gov. Beasley and Fritz Klumpp speaking. From there we’ll hook you up with your speaking partner and head to Glasgow. You’re tag teaming with Oliver North Mon-Wed. There will also be Al Klien and Chuck Huber from N.D and George and Carol Anderson of Maryland as testimonial speakers. You will go from Glasgow to Miles City, and then come back to Billings. Cal Thomas is the Thursday morning speaker and you are the Thursday evening speaker. On Friday I hand you off to Mark Stearns who’ll take you to Butte and Great Falls.” A state governor? A navy pilot training instructor? OLIVER NORTH?? CAL THOMAS??? I sat there kinda dumbfounded and though, “I’m gonna Google ‘Oliver North’. There must be two of’em!!” Guess what?? There ain’t!! This is Lt. Col. Oliver North! And nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas!! These guys are waaaay outta my league!! Well, Rick made the mistake of putting his phone number in that email, so I called him and said, “Ricky, are you sure you’ve got the right guy comin’ to Montana from Oklahoma?? All I’ve ever done is mostly cowboy church services at rodeos and fairs and other cowboy related things. I’m not a motivational speaker. All I do is sing a few songs, preach the Gospel and invite people to come to know Jesus!!! “It was kinda quiet on the line for 2 or 3 seconds and Rick softly said, “I believe we have EXACTLY the right guy coming from Oklahoma.” That helped, but let me be real honest. I still got kinda spooked, thinking of how famous some of the folks were I was gonna be meeting and hangin’ around with. Not only were THESE guys gonna be there, but so was Joe Nuu and Ricky Bolden (two former NFL football players), Jim Rice (a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer) and a slew of others. I immediately called my wife and told her all this and her reply was, “Sounds like you’re gonna be running with the big dogs. God must have something special He’s gonna do through ya.” I’d find out soon enough. So, off to Montana I went. Let me say this. The “Montana Awakening” folks didn’t fly me to Montana. (Flying was the only way I could go. I told one guy my truck as 499,000 miles on it and our car has 334,000 miles on it and really didn’t know if either one would make it to Montana and back.) I’m pretty sure I know the individual who paid for my tickets, and all I’ll say about that is, God Bless him. The REASON I say this is because in their advertisement/literature, they stressed that all the speakers coming to Montana had waived all speaking fees and were paying for their own transportation to come there and get back home. They stressed no love offerings would be taken and no admission would be charged to come to AN of the gatherings. The reason for THAT, sad but true, is that some folks will use it as an excuse, “All them folks are coming for is to line their pockets.” Sounds like some of our local church folks, DON’T it?? Oh well…let’s move on here. When I arrived in Billings about 10:00 Monday morning, they took me to the Holiday Inn where Col. North was. On the way to the hotel, they told me there’d been a change in plans. Due to some late health problems, Col. North’s doctors told him he could be gone from Washington no longer than 36 hours. He therefore had flown in Sunday afternoon, spoken to about 110 people in Glendive, MT. that night was going to speak to two different groups Monday morning, then they were taking him back to D.C. They directed me to the meeting hall where he was speaking to a VFW group and after listening to him for about 20 minutes or so, someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Your ride to Glasgow is here. You all have to leave NOW.” Even though I was nervous about the thought of traveling with Col. North, it now kinda saddens me I didn’t get the chance to do so. I rode to Glasgow, MT with George and Carol Anderson and Fritz Klumpp. George is a former “brand name church” minister who has literally traveled the world preaching and writing books and Carol is his helpmate. Fritz Klumpp has been in aviation for most of his life, not only has a Navy pilot and Navy flight instructor, but also a commercial airline pilot. There were some great folks to travel with and had the most humble, soul loving spirits of anyone I’d been around in a long time. At Glasgow that night I’m gonna guess around 250 people showed up at the event center (it’s mostly used to play hockey in). After George and Carol gave their testimonies, I sang a few songs and preached to them. During the invitation 5 hands went up. Indicating those who wanted to have their names written on the Lamb’s book of Life!! After breakfast Tuesday morning, we headed back to Miles city. Rodeoing for as long as I have, I’ve met lots of tough men. None are any tougher than George Anderson. George is 78 years old and did ALL the driving, from Billings to Glasgow and back to Miles City. The second leg of that trip was no easy drive. It was lightly showering when we left Glasgow that morning and the wind was blowing like crazy. Weather reports had it all day long at 45-6mph with gusts of 74mph reported in eastern Montana. George drove us through ALL of them!! People always wanta talk about Oklahoma tornadoes…trust me they’re no spookier than goin’ down a long hill and upon reaching the bottom of it, having your car slapped over into the other lane!! I don’t mean PUSHED over…I mean SLAPPED over into the other lane like it was being done by an invisible giant of some kind!! I’d keep saying, “George, you want me to fight the wheel for a while?” He’d say, “Naw, I’m OK”. The brother never weakened!! We had left Fritz Klumpp in Glasgow that morning, because he was gonna be the Tuesday night speaker, so upon arriving in Miles City, we stopped to eat lunch. We were all wore out. George from driving and fighting that wind, Carol from telling him to keep both hands on the wheel, and ME from digging my fingers into the rubber around the side windows on the van so as not to get knocked outta my seat. At the restaurant where we stopped, local cattle/horse rancher Pat Linger came to meet up with us. I’d never met Pat before, but knew his dad is Sonny Linger, a retired PRCA stock contractor. Pat and I hit it off real good, and he was my “chauffeur” for the next two days. I was supposed to speak in Miles City Tuesday night and then have Wednesday night off. Well, due to some schedule changes, pertaining to Col. North and Cal Thomas (who called Monday and cancelled all of His engagements), it worked out to where I preached at Miles City Tuesday and Wednesday night. Tuesday night was great. Al Klein, Doug Karr, Shawn Connolly, George Anderson and Chuck Huber all gave testimonies. After that, I again got to sing and share the Gospel. This meeting was held in a really neat old, remodeled, Movie Theater, and it was pretty full. TWELVE people prayed to receive Jesus that night. PRAISE
(Cont. on Pg. 13)
Page 8 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Cowboys For Christ General Store
The Following Items Are For Sale
Specialty Items
The Following Items Are Free: Tracts Qty.
American made Poplin cotton jackets!
_______ Your Entry Fees Are Paid _______ Need a Lift? _______ FREE Professional Tips to a Winning Ride _______ The Race Is On _______ Just a Short Ride Across the Arena _______ Five Steps to Become A Top Hand _______ God, Cowboys and Reining Horses Other Materials Qty.
Cost 3.50 4.50 6.50 7.50
From 150.51 200.01 250.51 325.01
To 200.00 250.50 325.00 400.00
Cost 9.50 10.50 11.50 12.50
G O L D Guardian Angels (with cowboy hats) just $4.50 each.
SI LVE R Guardian Angels (with cowboy hats) just $4.50 each.
Color Size Price Blue/White 1" 24K Gold Plated Sterling Silver Blue/w Logo Cotton Poplin S-M-L-XL Blue S-M-L-XL-XXL White or Khaki Antique Bronze Silver w/24k Gold Plate Inlaid-Royal Blue, White & Green in Shield & Letters
______ ______ ______ ______
T-Shirts Ball Caps Belt Buckle Belt Buckle
______ ______
CFC Flags COMPLETE (Palm Size) Bible WHILE THEY LAST
$ 5.50 $ 4.50 $34.00 $10.50 $14.50 $35.50 $50.50
$50.00 $ 6.50
Include S & H cost posted to the left.....
Address: ________________________________________________ City: ____________________State: ______ Zip: ______________ Phone: (_______) ________________________________________ Please fill out quantities. Fill out check/money order for sale items. Fill out portion below and mail to: CFC, P.O. Box 7557, Fort Worth, TX 76111
NOTICE
Shipping & Handling Costs by Purchase Amount To 15.00 40.00 100.00 200.00
______
Item Belt Pins Cowboy Angel Hat or Shirt Pin CFC Jacket
Name: __________________________________________________
_______ Bible Studies _______ Ministry Brochures _______ Bumper Stickers: Cowboys For Christ _______ Offering Envelopes _______ CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN newspapers
From 0.01 15.01 40.01 100.01
Qty. ______ ______
Logo Shield belt or hat pins with screw on backs just $5.50 each....order yours now!!!!
Contributions, gifts, bequests and legacies of money or property, made to Cowboys For Christ, for any phase of its ministry, are tax deductible. Cowboys For Christ ministries include evangelism to the livestock industry, missionary outreach, publishing The Christian Ranchman, tract outreach, personal counseling, preaching, praying and writing. A Tax deductible receipt is issued at the year's end, for every gift. Checks should be made payable to: Cowboys For Christ
CFC Headquarters has these 3 different bumper stickers that you can get FREE of charge....just ask for them!
Page 9 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST ENTIRE BIBLE This wonderful Bible is the Easy-to-Read version by the World Bible Translators, prepared especially for CFC. It’s the Old and New Testaments with beautiful CFC colors—royal blue leather imprint with expensively striking gold inlay on the cover. It is 4-7/16 inches wide by 6-5/8 inches high, perfect size to fit in your coat pocket, yet designed with type size—very easy to read. Printed on thin crystal white onion skin paper, making it beautiful, flexible and very readable. This awesome Bible brings an easy and new flare to Bible study. It's a must for your spiritual life! Order yours now, they make GREAT gifts!!!! See order form.
Only $6.50 each + Shipping & Handling
Palm Size Case Lots of 40 $220.00 + S & H
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THESE ARE WONDERFUL FOR MEN OR WOMEN. ANYONE WOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE ONE!!!
CDs Now Available through Cowboys for Christ - Order Yours Today!!! Living Proof by Omar Stiefer - $15 + shipping This CD features the Official Theme Song for Cowboys For Christ
THEY’RE HERE! CFC FLAGS THAT WAVE IN THE WIND SPECIAL PRICE $50.00 PLUS S&H
WANTED Your Testimonies Revelation 12:11 says, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the WORD of their testimony."
Have you shared His Word lately? Send us your testimony today!
Real Life – Like Never Before by Shannon Hall - $15 + shipping NCHA Hall of Fame Member Shannon’s music will lift your spirit and touch your heart.
Page 10 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
CHAPTER UPDATES ALABAMA Circuit Riders CFC- Ohatchee, AL Fellowship: Every Wednesday at 6:30pm. At Big Valley Arena Cowboy Church Alexandria, AL Upcoming Events: None at this time Cowboyn’ for the Son – Athens, AL Fellowship: 1 st Thursday each month at 6:30 pm at Lulus Restraunt Upcoming Events:For more information on these events please contact Ken Lesueur @ 256-771-1826 or email at klesueur@charter.net or Odis Everett at 256-431-7336.
Go To Chapter Directory (pg. 6 & 7) For Contact Info. Fellowship: 2nd Saturday at 5:00pm at Various Locations Call for meeting information 478-237-8702 Jimmie Davis Vice President Upcoming Events: None at this time. ILLINOIS Christian Cowboys Outreach CFC- Pontoon Beach, IL Fellowship: call for details. 618-580-6372 Upcoming events: None at this time Southern Illinois CFC # 55- Carmi, IL Fellowship: 1st Thursday of the Month at 7pm. Weekly Bible Study every Tuesday morning at 6am and Tuesday Evenings at 7pm. INDIANA Central Indy CFC- Indianapolis, IN Eric Martin, Pres. 317-862-9207, Michael McCauley, VP 317862-9207 Fellowship: Call for more info
ALASKA Mat- Valley CFC –Wasilla, AK Fellowship: Fellowship: The 3rd Monday at 6:30 pm at the Fairview Loop Baptist Church. For more info call Debbie Avritt @ 907-376-2370 Upcoming events: None at this time call for information COLORADO Durango Chapter – Durango, CO Fellowship: Thursday 7:30pm at Animas Valley Grange Hall, 7271 County Road 203, Durango, CO Upcoming Events: None FLORIDA Micanopy CFC- Micanopy, FL Fellowship: Tuesday at 7pm at the Triple Cross Church. Upcoming events: None at this time Soncoast CFC – Nobleton, FL Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Village Inn in Zephyrhills FL Upcoming Events: None at this time Range Riders for Jesus – Okeechobee, FL Fellowship: 3 rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Basinger Civic Center
Northern Indiana CFC – Paris, IN Ted Schowengerdt, Pres 574-831-5764, Willie Hostetler, VP 574-575-0451 Fellowship: Call for information KENTUCKY Ridin on Faith CFC – Shepherdsville, KY Fellowship: Thursday at 7:00 pm at call for location Upcoming Events: Sep 11th- CFC second show at the Blue Grass Arena KANSAS Clay Center CFC- Clay Center, KS Fellowship: See website Website: www.claycentercowboysforchrist.org Email: leegirrens@gmail.com – Lee Girrens Upcoming Events: none at this time Fredonia Kingdom Riders of Southeast KansasFredonia, KS Fellowship: 3rd Thursday at 7pm at Fredonia Livestock Assoc. For more info please call Sarah Lowe Chapter President at 620212-4097. Email sagebrushcreations@hotmail.com Upcoming Events: None at this time We Are a Fairly new chapter so please come check us OUT!!!! MICHIGAN
Ridin Double CFC- Fort Pierce, FL Fellowship is the 2nd Saturday of every month @ 6pm at 990 North Kings Hwy. Upcoming Events: None Venus CFC- Venus, FL Fellowship: 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Venus Clubhouse in Venus, FL. Call Libby at 863-465-4621 for more info on this as well as upcoming events. GEORGIA McIntyre CFC Chapter- Leesburg, GA Fellowship: Tuesday at 7pm at the Mc Ranch Upcoming events: None scheduled at this time. Call for information. Stephen McIntyre 229-878-5019. Southeast CFC- Statesboro, GA
Great Lakes CFC – Coopersville, MI Come fellowship with us every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 13796 68th Ave. Coopersville, MI 49404at 7:00 pm. Contact Kris Hansen 616-997-1234 Upcoming Events: 2nd Tuesday 7pm Monthly Devotions and Fellowship August 10 6:30pm Open Trail Ride Eastmanville Farm Park Heavenly Hoof Beats – Dansville, MI Fellowship: 2nd Sat from 3:30 -7pm at Dansville, or Perry, MI. Call for more details. Ron Squires Pres. 517-420-3908 Upcoming events Sep 10-12 Charlotte Down Home Day Oct Dates TBD Draft Horse MI CFC – Midland, MI Fellowship: Call for time and place. Pat Murphy, Pres. 989-832-9092, John Oelberg, V.P. 989-8390675
MISSISSIPPI Circuit Riders CFC- Hazlehurst, MS Fellowship: Thursdays 7pm at JM Saddlery Scott Biggers, Pres. 601-672-4262, Jack Foster V.P, 601-8943809 Upcoming Events: None at this time MISSOURI Capital City CFC- Jefferson City, MO Fellowship: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Timberline Stables, 2380 State Rd. MM in New Bloomfield. Chapter Ride Day: 3rd Saturday of each month. Please call 573491-9988 for time/location Music Jam: 1 st Friday of each month from 7-10:00 pm at Timberline Stables in the Lodge. Upcoming Events: None at this time Green Hills CFC- Kirksville, MO Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of each month. Call Jarrod Rapp for details. 660-626-7912 Ozarks CFC – Springfield, MO Meetings are the 1st Thursday of the Month at 6pm. At the Library Station, N Kansas Express, Springfield MO. We are a new chapter if you have any info please contact Don Day- President at 417-300-1625. HOPE TO SEE Y’ALL THERE Pony Express CFC – St. Joseph, MO Fellowship: 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. At King Hill Baptist Church in St. Joseph, MO for the winter months. Expect to be back at Pony Express Saddle Club in May Call for address and directions. Upcoming Events: None at this time NEW MEXICO Sierra Grande Mountain Top CFC Donnie Fernandez Pres. 575-445-8977 Leo Trujillo V.P. 575278-2593 Email- harvesthdq@bacavalley.com Donnie Fernandez Fellowship: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7pm. At Harvest Headquarters in Raton NM NORTH CAROLINA Cape Fear CFC- Clarkton, NC Fellowship: 3rd Saturday of each month at 7:00 pm at the HJ White Stables in Bladenboro Upcoming Events: None at this time East Coast CFC- Morehead City, NC Russell Nead, Pres 252-223-2953, James Hill, V.P. 252-6651016 Email: cowboys4christecc@yahoo.com Fellowship: Call for information Upcoming events: Aug 19 7pm Monthly Business meeting at Our Fathers House Sept. 16 7pm Monthly Business meeting at Our Fathers House Sept. 24-26 Mule Days Benson, NC Oct. 15-17 Uwharrie Ride 4 B farms El Dorado, NC Oct 21. 7pm Monthly Business meeting at Our Fathers House Nov 18 7pm Monthly Business meeting at Our Fathers House Dec 16 7pm Monthly Business meeting at Our Fathers House
(Cont. on Pg. 11)
Page 11 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Chapter Updates
OKLAHOMA
(Cont. from Pg. 10)
Central CFC- Norman, OK Fellowship: 1 st W ednesday night every month at 7pm at Remington Park. Call for more information. Steve Womack 405872-7329
Go To Chapter Directory (pg. 6 & 7) For Contact Info Jacksonville CFC- Jacksonville, NC Call for meeting times and locations Carl Godfrey 910-324-7137 or Athina Williams, V.P. 910-779-9529 Email: jcgblaze@embarqmail.com contact- Carl Godfrey Upcoming events: None at this time Heart of Carolina CFC- Clayton, NC Meetings are at 630 till 845 on the 2nd Thursdays of every month. At Carolina Bar B Q Hwy 70 Garner NC Upcoming events August 3 7pm SEBRA Rodeo August 10 7pm SEBRA Rodeo August 12 6:30pm Monthly Business Meeting August 17 7pm SEBRA Rodeo August 24 7pm SEBRA Rodeo August 31 7pm SEBRA Rodeo September 9 6:30pm Regular Business Meeting October 14 6:30pm Regular Business Meeting October 24-26 Benson Mule Days October 28-29 East Wake Academy October 30 Oak Ranch Wild West Days and Trail Ride November 11 6:30pm Regular Business Meeting December 9 6:30pm Regular Business Meeting N.C Foothills- Statesville, NC Meetings: Call Craig Deal @ 407-873-3421 Upcoming Events: TBA Barrell Racing They do not have Wednesday night bible study. N.C Foothills Youth- Statesville, NC Meetings: Call Billy Saunders @ 704-902-3106 UpComing Events: TBA: Barrel Racing Trail Riders for Christ Cameron, NC Meeting at The River Lodge Restaurant in Sanford, NC. Contact Nancy Thornton 919-774-8030if you have any questions. Upcoming Events: None at this time Tri County CFC- Marion, NC Fellowship: 1st Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Providence Farms. Upcoming events: None at this time Twin Counties CFC- Rocky Mount, N.C Fellowship: 4th Thursday at 7pm at the Englewood Assembly of God Church at Rocky Mount. Upcoming events: None at this time. NORTH DAKOTA Dakota CFC Fellowship: 3rd Sunday of each month at 7pm at Kist Livestock, on the strip, Mandan Upcoming Events: August- Keenie Word September- Lloyd and Linda Hohn October- Laurie Gills November- Greg Hager NEW MEXICO Sierra Grande Mountain Top CFC Fellowship: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7pm. At Harvest Headquarters in Raton NM. Upcoming Events: None at this time.
Pawnee Lakeside CFC- Pawnee, OK Fellowship: 2md Monday at 7pm at Pawnee Lakeside Arena Riders for Christ CFC- Poteau, OK Fellowship: 1 st Thursday at 7pm at the Sugarloaf Christian Fellowship. Call for more information. David Archer 479-6390026 Upcoming Events: 1st Thursday of the month at 630 Regular Monthly meeting 3rd Saturday of the month Monthly Trail Ride Nov 7-8 Sat 9-5 and Sun 12-4 Cowboy Trade Days in Poteau OK OHIO Northern Ohio Chapter Fellowship: Tuesdays at 9pm. At the Leroy Community Chapel 12791 Painesville-Warren Rd Upcoming Events: None at this time. Trumbull County CFC- Southington, OH Fellowship: TBD please contact John Smith Sr. 330-889-3818 Updates: PENNSYLVANIA West Keystone CFC – Portersville, PA Fellowship: 1st & 3rd Sundays call for times at Brenneman’s Creek Hill Stables Upcoming Events: Aug 1st 2pm Trail Ride @ Brennemans Aug 15th TBA Trail Ride @ TBA Sept 5 2pm Trail Ride @ Moraine St. Pk Sept 19th TBA Trail Ride @ TBA Oct 3rd 2pm Trail Ride @ Brenneman’s Oct 17th TBA Trail Ride @ TBA Dec date TBA time TBA Christmas Caroling on Horseback
SE TX CFC – Kountz, TX Fellowship: Meeting - 3rd Saturday each month at 7:00 pm. Playday - 2nd Saturday of each month at 7:00 pm. Both events are at the CFC Barn on Hwy 326 N, Kountze, TX VIRGINIA Central VA CFC- Rice, VA Fellowship: 3rd Sunday of every month @ 10am and Tuesdays at 7pm. At Heart Land Ranch Upcoming Events: None at this time Greater Richmond CFC, Bumpass, VA Fellowship: 3rd Tuesday at 7pm at 1917 Signboard Rd. Bumpass, VA Upcoming events: None at this time Southside CFC- Gretna, VA Fellowship: 4th Sat except in November it is the 3rd Sat. At 6pm The Location is various please call 434-248-5386 for information Upcoming events: None at this time WEST VIRGINIA Christ Cavelry- Crow, WV Greg Lilly, Pres. 304-894-5166, James Hartsog V.P 204-7634207 Fellowship- Call for more information Upcoming events: none at this time Kyowva CFC – Harrisville, WV Fellowship: Sunday 7am at the Chapel in Winfield, WV Upcoming Events: Ridin For The Brand CFC- Victor, WV Fellowship: Call President Elbert Horrocks for info. 304-658-5730 Upcoming Events: WISCONSIN Lighthouse CFC- Fond Du Lac, WI Fellowship: Last Saturday every month at 5pm at 871 S Main St. # 43 FDL, WI or 2047 Cumberland Ave Arkdale, WI Upcoming Events:
SOUTH CAROLINA WYOMING Coastal Riders CFC- SC Fellowship: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at Horry Saddle Club. For more info on upcoming events please call Buddy Smith, Pres. 843-397-9133, or Calvin Barfield, V.P. 843365-5636 Upcoming Events: None TENNESSEE Greene County CFC – Greeneville, TN Fellowship: 4th Saturday of the Month. Call for time and location 423-636-1922 – Brenda Badenhope Upcoming Events: None at this time TEXAS Burkeville CFC – Burkeville, TX Howdy Neighbor! As one of the newer chapters of CFC, we’d like to welcome you to our fellowship starting at 7:00 pm in the Burkeville Code Building on the 24th of every month. Come be a part of what God is doing in our area! Cleveland CFC- Cleveland, TX Fellowship: 2nd Saturday at 4pm at 240 Smith Ln.
Platte Valley CFC – Torrington, WY If you have any questions about these event please contact David Kendall President at lingletown@hotmail.com Fellowship: 3rd Saturday of Each month. Time at 6:30pm 615 Main, Torrington WY 82240 Upcoming Events:
Page 12 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
From The Desk of Dave...... FIRE FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! Whenever this is shouted out it brings instant fear and panic to those hearing these words of warning. In the old days, before fire departments, trained firefighters and emergency workers, a fire could destroy a whole town or community. But even today with fire alarms giving spontaneous alert and the modern techniques and fire fighting equipment, a fire can still be a tragedy causing major damages and loss of lives. Cowboys and Cowgirls, if our “spiritual fire” is going out, if it is being extinguished, if the once hot flames are now only warm embers, shouldn’t we be warned, don’t we need a cry to alert us of this terrible condition? We need a “fire going out” alarm to sound. If being “luke-warm” is such a terrible condition that our LORD JESUS warned us about the results in Rev 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. NIV The spiritual “hot flames” of the New Testament Christians (Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. KJV) are readily apparent as we read about the persecutions and trials they were forced to bear. No doubt just “warm embers” of faith would have not carried them through the early days of the beginning church. To endure a cold rainy day, a couple of inches of snow or a blistering hot afternoon certainly takes effort to serve and worship the LORD, but to continue when your family is being slaughtered or you are thrown in prison is certainly a different matter. But the early church suffered this and more, but, with the “FIRE” of the LORD, they continued to flourish and grow. Folks, I have seen many Christians that after receiving the LORD as their SAVIOR and catching the “FIRE” of the HOLY SPIRIT that John the Baptist spoke about. Matt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: KJV Actually they seem to have been baptized is gasoline instead of water. They were ready to spread the “flames of the GOSPEL” to any and all who would give them a chance to share “how good the LORD really is.” Ps 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. KJV So often those “flames” that once burned so brightly (Rev. 3:17a Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing) began to cool and flicker until they are almost completely extinguished (and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:) because of no fuel (no reading and studying GOD’S HOLY WORD) and no oxygen (no prayer life) which causes major problems. But the LORD gives us the answer to the cool flames and no “FIRE.” 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. KJV Our LORD gives us a plan of action, a detailed description of HIS LOVE and a call to repent of those “warm embers” and be on “FIRE” for HIM. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Not only does HE give a plan and tell is what. to do, but HE also informs us that HE want to help us and that HE will be with us every step of the way. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. KJV Cowboys and Cowgirls we are supposed to be prepared, armed and ready to serve and worship HIM, especially during this very unstable and troubled time in this country and around the world. It is imperitative that we keep the “FIRE” for the LORD and the GOSPEL burning brightly for a lost and dying world to see. Rom 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, (which means don’t be lazy in HIS service) but keep your spiritual fervor, (we must be energized and enthusiastically with the “FIRE” burning brightly) serving the Lord. NIV May the LORD greatly bless and strengthen you and give you a thirst for HIS HOLY WORD and constant communication with HIM through major prayer. In CHRIST, Dave
The Prospector By John Brown Looking for a lost gold mine or hidden treasure has always intrigued me. I would dare to guess that most people have had dreams of this kind at one time or another. The lure of treasure hunting is a strange one. It can make the imagination really charge into overtime. I can remember my first encounter. I was about six years old, but it’s as plain as if it were yesterday. There was this older fellow down the road from where I lived. He was quite a guy who took a shine to my brothers, and me, and we visited him a lot. He told us stories of when he was a young boy and of the Indians who lived nearby. These stories weren’t only very interesting, but to the best of my knowledge were true. He told me of them taking him to a cave full of treasures, but he could never find it. You may be thinking this is just a tall tale for the amusement of a kid. Well, you’re welcome to your opinion. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t even matter. At least to no one but me. You see, because of our friendship. I believed him then, and I still do. I have never looked for the cave he told me about. But, that’s not to say I haven’t given a lot of thought to it. You might say it’s a lot like the old prospectors of the Wild West. They roamed the deserts and mountains all of their lives looking for gold. Some found it, but most of them didn’t. They died broke, but happy. It was a way of life for them. Good or bad, it was their life. Prospectors often, endured hardships in search of their quest for gold. Enduring heat, cold, thirst, hunger, wild animals, hostile Indians, outlaws, plus numerous difficulties. We may not completely agree with their reasons for doing this. We may even say they were greedy. But, I dare to say that the largest part of us is very much like them. We just look for our gold mines in a different way. We use corporate power and getrich-quick schemes, just to name a few. Don’t get me wrong, its not bad to work hard for our future and our children’s future. But greed is wrong. Now, where do we draw that line of making a good future and greed? First of all we have to sit back and take a good look at our priorities and the price we are willing to pay to attain our goals. The next thing is to go to our Bible and see what God has to say about this. The one thing I can assure you of is that God does not condone greed. No goal or gold mine is worth our soul or the neglect of our family. In today’s world it is not at all uncommon for people to neglect their families so they can put in the needed time to climb the corporate ladder. It may be strange, but I have never read any accounts of old prospectors having families. That’s not to say there wasn’t any. I just haven’t read of any. I firmly believe that the most driving force for the old prospectors was the hunt for the gold. It became a way of life. It’s still true in our world today. Simply because very few people ever quit when they reach any rung on the corporate ladder. Even when they get to the top they often get so obsessed that they have to find another ladder to climb. It never ends unless they see the truth. And the truth is in the Bible. Have you got the time to read it and see? If not, you only have one thing to look forward to when you have climbed your last ladder. This is an eternity in hell. There is no plainer way to put it. Whatever you put before God becomes your God. Think about it. And, most important of all, what are you going to do about it? Remember, God will not listen to excuses on judgment day. Only obedience to God and a complete dedication to Him will get you anywhere. Accept Jesus, His Son, as your Savior, and be baptized into Him. Life everlasting is the only goal worth prospecting for and worth giving your life.
Page 13 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Montana Is Awake (Cont. from Pg. 7) GOD!!! Wednesday morning, Pat Linger and I drove around Miles City inviting people to that night’s meeting. He also had set up on a noon meeting out at the Miles City Stockyards. They had a little lunchroom there and approximately 15-20 people showed up. Most of them were yard hands who worked there, but Rick Bolden, who’d been an offensive lineman with the Cleveland browns, and the guys who’d driven him to Miles city also came. Some of the Montana Awakening women had fixed up a hot lunch, and we ALL enjoyed that. After eating, I got up and did a couple of songs and told a cowboy poem or two and invited all of them to come down to the movie theatre that night. It was another good meeting Wednesday night the old theater was really full. I think they must have heard the former football player was coming. Ricky Bolden is great. Not only is the testimony of how he entered the NFL funny and interesting, he can get serious and really get a crowd’s attention. He is now working with suburban churches to reach inner city kids in Atlanta, Georgia. After I preached and gave the invitation, ELEVEN folks became born again!! WHAT A GOD WE SERVE!! Thursday morning we woke up to snow. Not a LOT, but I ain’t much of a snow fan, unless it’s on Christmas cards or television. Pat and his wife picked me up and we headed for Billings, via Joliet, MT. pat had set up a couple of morning/noon lunch meetings there. Wasn’t a lotta folks showed at an 11:00am meeting at the Joliet 1st Baptist church, seeing as how it was a weekday and snowy, but those who did come seemed to have a good time. After that meeting was over with, we all drove over to the Joliet Wesleyan Church for a lunch meeting. I did a couple of songs and poems and spoke for a few minutes and invited them all to come to Billings that night. Thursday night found us at a ballroom in the Holiday Inn Grand in Billings. This was the biggest crowd I saw the entire week. I’m guessing there were about 350-400 people there. They had some good music during dinner and some excellent testimonies. One was a retired rodeo hand, one a lady who’s written some inspirational/motivational books, and one local retired politician. Once again, God used me to speak to people’s hearts and EIGHT more souls were saved!!! I spent the night in the home of some really great folks by the name of Jack and Ann Streeter. These Montanans are downright hospitable! Friday morning, Mr. And Mrs. Richard King, Sr. picked me up at the Streeters’ home, and we took off for Belgrade (a halfway meeting place on my way to Butte). In Belgrade, we stopped at a restaurant and met with a dozen other Montana Awakening folks and swapped stories about how THEIR meetings had been going, so far. Everyone was excited about all that God was doing in their state. The man who had been my very first contact regarding the Awakening, pastor Mark Stearns of Butte, was there, and I rode back to Butte with Him…rapidly. Come to think of it, anywhere you ride with Mark happens rapidly. I think his life long ambition was to be one of them mountain racecar drivers. You can’t believe how hard it is to take scenic pictures when the telephone posts looks like a picket fence!! Just jokin’…but not much. After arriving in Butte, Mark and his wife, Sue, put me up in a cottage they have out behind their house. It was real comfortable and some ladies form the Awakening had been in there and left me a welcoming present…a basket filled with fruit and other goodies, a book, and a sweatshirt. One other thing about Montanans, I guess if you’re a guest, they think you’ve gotta eat 3 times a day. I wasn’t used to that. Having shod horses for over 28 years now, I’m used to eating ONLY after I finish my last horse of the day. Usually that mans I only EAT one meal a day. Man, these folks were hurtin’ me!! But, I’m back to normal now. That night we had a great meeting. A man and his daughter, who played the guitar and fiddle, respectively, did some really good music and THEN had to listen to ME. It was a step down musically, Maybe two. I preached that night about Jesus’ healing of the man with the withered hand and God used it to touch
hearts. During the invitation, hands were shooting up so fast I was only able to count NINE and I know I missed 5 or 6 by only catching them out of the corner of my eyes. Praise God the angels in Heaven never miss a one!! Friday night officially closed the “Montana Awakening” statewide, but Saturday Mark had me lined up to go to a “Cowboys and Horseman For Christ” rally in Great Falls. The drive from Butte to Great Falls is one of the prettiest I’ve ever experienced. Mark even slowed down to 70-75mph a few times and let me get some good pictures. We left a few hours early because he said he wanted to show me a favorite fishing hole of his. It was a beautiful river he stopped at. I guess it really IS his favorite fishing hole, because while I was standing there admiring the view, he opened his trunk, took out his waders and fishing pole and proceeded to walk out into the river and catch 5 rainbow trout in about an hour’s time. He only kept 3 of’ em. Something about size limits, I think. If you ever get an opportunity to visit western Montana, TAKE IT. You wont be sorry. It’s some of God’s best handiwork THESE eyes have ever witnessed. After Mark’s fishing lesson (that’s what HE called it), we went on up to Great Falls. It was nice to see the Cowboy for Christ banner hanging on the wall. This is what I thought my trip to Montana was all about in the first place, remember. Their meeting was at the Great Falls fairgrounds, and it was a nice sized crowd. A couple local boys did some songs, as did two brothers who played the accordion and drums. Sounds like an odd combination, but they did a great job. After that, I did 2 or 3 quick songs, gave my testimony and listened as a former bullfighter, Bill Plouff, brought the sermon. Lives were touched and some more folks were saved!! Mark and I returned to Butte in a light snow that evening. This made him slow down to around 60mph or so. Sunday morning I preached at the church Mark pastors, Church on the Rock, and 3 people were saved. After eating, AGAIN, and doing some sight-seeing around Butte and the surrounding vicinity, I preached that evening at the 1st Baptist Church of Butte, and ONE more soul was saved! What a great week for the Kingdom of God! Monday, Mark and his wife took me to Billings and the three of us spent the night with Sue’s mother. It was here that I was flipping through the television channels and came across The Weather Channel showing tornado destruction in the town where I live. I spent most all the rest of the night glued to the TV and using lots of cell phone minutes calling and checking on my wife, family and church members. Thank God the tornadoes hit in a two-mile circle around our home. We had some church members who had some damage, but no lives were lost. I appreciate God for that more than anything. Wood, shingles and bricks are easily replaced!! I got home Tuesday night and, though we had no electricity for a few days, there’s still no place like home. There was a lot of destruction around town and out by Lake Thunderbird, but we didn’t lose one tree limb. God is so good. Not only did He bless and use me to see over 53 souls won to His kingdom that week, the following weekend He blessed me, personally, by helping me win the “50 and over champion” buckle at the big Roy Duvall steer Wrestling Jackpot held every year in Checotah, Oklahoma. I’ve been going to Duvall’s jackpot for years and had never won a dime. Not only that, but the next night he allowed me to place in the new IPRA “Rodeo for Jesus,” sponsored by several churches down in Fredrick, Oklahoma. One of my favorite brothers in Christ, Marty Brock, got to preach to the crowd both nights between the team roping and barrel racing and told me they had a total of 170 people saved in two nights (162 at the rodeo and 8 in a church he preached at Sunday)!!! It was a great week and even though I, myself, know that I don’t do nearly enough for the Kingdom, nor do I deserve a fraction of the blessings God bestows on me, it was kinda nice to think that maybe this particular week, God looked down and said, “Well done, Steve. Thanks.” Montana’s awake. How about OUR states???
L-R: Pat Linger- Montana Rancher, Rickey BoldenFormer Lineman for Cleveland Browns And Steve Womack- Central Oklahoma CFC President
Folks gathering for CFC meeting in Great Falls, Montana
L-R: Pat Linger- Miles City, Montana Rancher, Steve Womack, Carol & George Anderson- Bowie, MD, Al Klein & Chuck Huber- N. Dakota Christian Businessman
God Bless America
Page 14 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Cowboys for Christ Lighthouse Chapter Update By Janet Kent Sorry for the delay in the newsletter being sent out to you again this month. We are working hard at getting the articles sent out via E*mail to those who returned their questionnaires requesting that, but we are experiencing some roadblocks. We will be sitting down this week to address these problems and hopefully solve the issues so next month the articles will be sent out on time. Meanwhile CFC ministry is up and running at full swing. Here are a few of the things we’ve done recently and will be doing in the near future. June 4th, 5th and 6th we were at Camp Ukarydee in Arkdale, WI. It was a wonderful weekend filled with camping, Bible Studies, equestrian fun, and great Christian fellowship. I will highlight a few of things that took place this weekend. We had four Bible studies, all of which inspiried and taught us valuable life lessons. You will never be uninspired if you join us for one of these studies. Jo taught us that you can use a deck of cards to remember all that God did for us. Mary showed us that simple word pictures can trigger our memories of God’s love for us. (Simple yet effective). Mike’s Bible study took on deep meaning as we all tossed in our comments about a simple Bible verse. Janet had a fun game of Jeopardy to help us recall important Biblical facts. These lessons won’t soon be forgotten. We welcomed two new families to our group over the weekend. Rob, Heidi, Breezy and Tucker joined us Friday night and Saturday. Kevin, Bobbi and Tim joined us Saturday and Sunday. We enjoyed getting to know you folks and pray that you will join us in the future. Your Christian walk is evident in your Christ-like behaviors. Thanks for coming. It rained a little bit Saturday late afternoon, but good Christian fellowship didn’t dampen the spirits of those at this retreat. We held our monthly meeting Saturday night and discussed the Manawa Rodeo, which is our next event that we will be at. We decided that we will camp at Bear Lake Campgrounds verses the rodeo. We will have a booth set up July 2nd threw the 4th at the rodeo. We will hand out literature, talk to folks about CFC, and do some face painting for the kids. Stop by and visit with us. We would love to see you. In August we will be in Viroqua for Wild, Wild West Days. This event is a blast. We will be repeating what we are going to be doing at Manawa Rodeo only we will be decked out in our Old Western Day attire. This event captures the Old West like no other event that I have ever attended. Come join the fun. Some of us took a trip to Oklahoma to visit Phil as he graduated from Rhema Bible College. Phil was the founder of CFC Lighthouse Chapter about seven years ago. It is amazing to see how much he has grown Spiritually since the onset of this group. I intend to invite him back to speak to our group in the near future. Those that went to visit enjoyed the adventure, did a little sight seeing but were happy to return back home after a 14 hour ride one way. Before closing this note, I ask that you continue to pray for this ministry. Pray for all of us that we daily
seek God’s direction even when things seem impossible. God is good all the time. He is our provider and our strength; lean on Him for all your needs. Gods’ blessings, today, tomorrow and forever.
Love Song For A Savior By Molly Car In an open field of wild flowers, she breathes the air and flies away. She thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses, in no simple language. Someday she’ll understand the meaning of it all… As we begin to come near to the close of the second millennium of the Common Era, and look forward to twenty-first century, all around us we are hearing words of Armageddon and the end of the age. Now, we neither know the time nor the hour, but this we do know; we must be ready when the time does come. What must we do to get ourselves ready? We have to really know Jesus. He’s more than the laughter or the stars in the heaven, as close as a heart-beat or song on her lips. Someday she’ll trust Him and learn how to see Him. Someday He’ll call her and she will come running, and she’ll pray; I want to fall in love with you. Remember the first time that you fell in love? Was it with your freshman English teacher who made poetry come alive? The quarterback on the football team who had the dimples and the pretty smile? The girl or guy in the back row who could make everyone laugh? The cute guy with wranglers that could dance a mean two-step? The gal who could ride the barrels and look as fluid as the wind? Remember the feelings we have when we are truly, deeply in love-confidence, security, trust, comfort, support, and strength, putting that person first. Ah, isn’t love grand! Sitting silent wearing Sunday best, the sermon echoes through the walls. A great salvation though it calls to the people, who stare into nowhere and can’t feel the chains on their souls. Sunday goin-to-meetin-day, having to go to services. Secretly (or maybe not too secretly) hoping it doesn’t last more than an hour, or into the football game, or a trip out to the lake. Get in and get out. That does sound like it is a chain on our souls. I know that there are times I just think those things. Doesn’t sound like I am in love there. Does it? But what if we thought about it this way- spending time with someone we are in love with, someone we feel passionate about and can’t wait for that closer feeling. That my friends, is what knowing Jesus is all about. It seems too easy to call you Savior. Not close enough to call you God. So as I think of the words I can mention, to show my devotion, I want to fall in love with you. That is what we as baptized Christians have been called to do. It is really what life is all about—working on our passionate love affair with Jesus Christ. And at His name not just having knee bend on every tongue confess that He is Lord, but have our hearts skip a beat, because we are in love, and he loves us back with even more fire, with even more passion, falling in love all over again with the one who loved us so much that He would (and did) die for us!
He’s more than the laughter or the stars in the heaven… He is more than laughter. He is more than the stars in the heaven. He created the stars in the heaven. He is all of the above and all of the around! As close as a heartbeat or song on our lips, Someday we’ll trust Him and learn how to see Him, Someday He’ll call us and we will come running, Fall in His arms, and the tears will fall down and we’ll pray, I want to fall in love with you. Our belief is the death, resurrection and divinity of Jesus of Nazareth brings Him closer to us than a heartbeat, or a song on our lips. He is in every way strengthening us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We are challenged to trust Him and learn how to see Him. He is calling us to come running, to fall in His arms. We’ll receive Christ and say, “I do want to fall in love with You.” People can tell when you are in love. There is a spring to your step, a goofy grin on your face for no reason, a sparkle in your eyes, and a wanting to let the whole world know that you are in love…shouting it from the rooftops. So it must be with our love affair with Christ. We want to tell the whole world about it. Share with them. Be Christ to them. Make them want to fall in love too. This is what Christianity is all about - - a relationship, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all of your soul and all of your mind…and your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-39) I am excited by the time we are living in now. I feel the movement of God in our young people and in those around me. I sense that there is a revival movement back to becoming a people of God and His chosen ones. So as I sit here and think of words I can mention to show my devotion; I want to fall in love with you.
Page 15 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Will You Help Us.... Will you help us get the word out about CFC? If you have E-Mail, you can send an E-Mail to ten of your friends and acquaintances about what CFC is and what CFC does. Then you can ask those ten to send it to ten people they know. This will have a snowball effect and will get the gospel message out and "Fill the Kingdom." SAMPLE EMAIL: CFC is a 38 year old ministry to the livestock industry. We reach out to where the cowboys and cowgirls are and bring them into the Kingdom. For more info, a free subscription to The Christian Ranchman, or free tracts, contact Fort Worth Headquarters:
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST PO BOX 7557 FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76111 (817) 236-0023. EMAIL: cwb4christ@cowboysforchrist.net THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU.
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Page 16 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * August 2010
Boundaries Make Safe Pasture By Joan Clayton
By Ted K. Pressley Is Failure Final? A friend of mine who is a professional rodeo hand has spoken to me many times about being a failure as a young man. He got into alcohol, drugs, and illicit sex. He owned and operated his own rodeo arena and construction company. He got married and they had children. He had a bad construction accident which caused him to lose everything monetarily. Then he lost his wife to divorce. The lives of his children didn’t seem to be going right either. As far back as his drug, alcohol, and immoral living days, he would say, “I have failed.” When he had the accident and things began to fall apart around him, he said, “I have failed.” When his rodeo arena and construction company went belly-up, he said, “I have failed.” When his marriage ended in divorce, he said, “I have failed.” When his children’s lives were not going well, he said, “I have failed.” But, after each of the many times I heard him say, “I have failed,” I could take him back to a rodeo when a young man all wrapped up in alcohol was setting on a fence checking out the stock he had drawn for the next performance. I walked up and talked to him for quite some time. He sobered up and accepted Jesus Christ at that very hour. Since then he has said, “I have failed” many times. And he has! For none of us are perfect. But, I am here to tell you there is life after failure! This young man knows, and so should you, that failure is not final! There is ALWAYS forgiveness in Jesus Christ. The Rule Book, the Bible, says in Colossians 2:13 (New King James Version, NKJV), “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He (Jesus Christ) has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” Notice the writer (Paul) says, “And YOU being dead (not alive) in your (not someone else’s, but YOUR) trespasses.” Meaning we are dead because of our offenses and sins. It also speaks of the “uncircumcision of your flesh.” Jewish men were circumcised to outwardly show their spiritual commitment to God and His law. Too many of us today haven’t had our flesh outwardly committed to Christ Jesus. Because of this lack of commitment to Christ, we can’t or won’t receive forgiveness. Too many times we stay in failure. This verse speaks of Christ making us “alive with Him” and “having forgiven you all trespasses.” Notice the little word “ALL.” Yes, many of us have failed in our morals, marriages, and money, but let me assure you neighbor, there is life after failure through forgiveness in Jesus Christ. A good Christian brother from the Midwest told me how he had failed with the family’s third generation cattle ranch and farm. He had lost it all. He told me how he had borrowed money on his house and went into business. The business failed which caused him to feel like he had failed one more time. He was a devout Christian and very active in his community and church. Because of his previous failures in the ranch and farm business, he began to fail in his walk with Jesus Christ. He found himself utterly destitute, financially and spiritually. Because he kept looking at his failures, he began to force his family away from him. This only brought on more thoughts of failure. He even began to think about taking his own life, like many of us have. But he fell on his knees one day and began to cry out to the Lord Jesus. Friend, he found forgiveness and a new life. The question in so many minds today is, “Is there life after failure?” The answer to this question is “YES!” through the forgiveness and life found in Jesus Christ. The Rule Book, The Bible, tells us in Acts 13:38 (NKJV), “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins.” Notice the word “brethren?” This means those who have accepted Christ Jesus as their Savior and have become brothers. Because of this brotherhood with Christ, all you need to do is ask for forgiveness and He gives it. Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV) states, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” You may say, “Yeah, but you keep talking about men’s works failing and most of your scripture tells of forgiveness of sins. Well, check this one out—1 Corinthians 3:15 (NKJV), “If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved yet so as through fire.” Father God will save you even though your works may fall. Folks, there is life after failure – in Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus forgave Peter, one of his own who had denied and forsaken Him, He will forgive you. Now look at Peter’s life after forgiveness. He brought three thousand souls to the Lord the first time he spoke (Acts 2:14-41) and five thousand the second time he spoke to the multitudes (Acts 3:12-4:14). Neighbor, that’s forgiveness after failure! Jesus Christ makes all the difference. And, you too can have this same forgiveness no matter what your failure is. Christ can and will set you free. I’ll leave you with this statement—failure given to Christ brings forgiveness, which brings freedom and life. If you would like more information about the subject of this article or about Cowboys for Christ, or desire a free subscription to The Christian Ranchman contact:
Cowboys for Christ PO Box 7557 Fort Worth, Texas 76111 (817) 236-0023 Email: cwb4christ@cowboysforchrist.net Website: www.cowboysforchrist.net
The first thing “Breezy” wanted to do was to check out the boundaries in his new pasture. My husband’s horse seemed to want to know the limits and boundaries. I like to think he also wanted to know that he was safely enclosed in his “space,” and he was secure in my husband’s love and care. People, too, need boundaries. God’s rules for happy living are not for our restriction. On the contrary, God’s way gives freedom, protection and a sense of well-being. Those who step beyond God’s boundaries in life step out f rom under His protection and suff er the consequences. If Breezy were to go beyond his boundaries, he would be out from under my husbands care and very vulnerable to the hurts of the world. This would bring great sorrow to Emmitt. Is it not the same way with our loving Caregiver? Breezy is a very loving animal. He wants to do what is excepted if Him. He serves his “master” with gladness, and he brings such pleasure to our lives. In the same way, God protects us with His boundaries. His plan for the family consists of a husband, a wife and children. This family structure is the backbone of any nation. Any deviation from God’s family plan is going beyond God’s boundaries and stepping out of His protection. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 records the many blessings of following God’s plan: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all these blessings shall come on thee, and over take thee, if thou shalt hearken onto the voice of the LORD thy God.” Verses following these scriptures tell how the Lord will bless lives in every possible way. Every phase of life will be doubly blessed by the following His commandments. This is God’s boundary f or us! Boundaries relate to all aspects of life. When property is bought, boundaries are staked and legal descriptions are recorded in documents. Borders and boundaries divide nations. Disrespect for these boundaries can even cause wars! Yes, boundaries are important. We all need them, even animals! The observances of these boundaries lead to success or failure. This is especially applicable to God’s principles for healthy living. The dictionary defines “boundary” as the stage or sphere beyond which nothing can develop. What a wonderful application to God’s boundaries for us. Knowing this gives peace of mind for the obedient believer. It is, indeed, “Good News.” Boundaries make safe pasture! How are the boundaries of your life? God made a supreme sacrifice to ensure those boundaries f or you. They were bought with an immeasurable price and unfathomable love. The contract was written in red!