Christian Ranchman
e
h
T
We're not trying to build an organization.
Volume 37, Number 7 - 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
Testimony
By Robert Barnard
I had a phone call the other day from a friend.
We speak several times a week. His life has been
in turmoil for the last two years.
Usually he calls about 7:15 – 7:30 am and tells
me about his morning. Often he tells me his dreams
for the next few months. Usually about 10 minutes
into the call he’ll then ask about my day.
A few weeks earlier I had put down my beloved
“Bob,” a Blue Heeler, and until that morning I had
not told him about the loss of my constant canine
companion of the past 17 years. I told my friend
about my day and I as usual said all was AOK.
I now don’t remember how but the conversation
got onto losing a loved one. His mom is elderly
and may not be long of this earth. It was then I
mentioned Bob had been euthanized and of the
empty and sorrowful feelings I carried. My friend
told me how he had had 2 women and 3 dogs in
his life and that each one was such a loss that he’ll
no longer have that kind of relationship as it’s just
too hard at the end.
I asked him if he remembered a song years ago
by Garth Brooks “The Dance” and he said he did. I
asked him if he remembered the line “I could have
missed the pain but I’d of had to miss the dance.”
He said he did and was unusually quiet for a
couple of moments.
Bob gave me seventeen great years and really
just one bad day followed by a few rough ones.
Years ago I’d go horseback riding and maybe
cover 10 to 15 miles and she’d go 20. She put in
an extra 5 chasing rabbits. Never caught one but
she’d always have a great day. We traveled 42
states together hauling horses or on vacations.
She’d always be in the front passenger seat, ready
to take my seat when I stopped for lunch or fuel.
My response to my friends lamenting was an
eye opener for me as I had not really considered
that thought. I have to say it suddenly came to me
and I know it was the Holy Spirit speaking. I know
I’m not usually capable of such deep thought.
Yup! I could have missed the pain of that one
day, but I’d have missed that 17 year dance.
We hung up and I got to work, yet was not really
settled in my work thoughts. To me I had just
stumbled upon a really important thought. For the
next few days I continued to ponder this idea and
how it relates to my relationship with Jesus Christ.
How many times have I missed the dance with
my Lord and Savior? All those Sunday church
services when I felt like dancing with God but by
later that afternoon, or Sunday evening, or even
into Monday morning, the world came back in and
the dance was over.
Oh I wish I knew then what I know now. I could
have danced with the Lord all my life.
I’m reminded of King David in II Samuel,
Chapter 6 as he entered Jerusalem carrying the
Ark of the Covenant. He danced and wore a priestly
garment. The people followed him and shouted
and sang with much joy.
His wife Michal, the daughter of Saul looked
down upon the scene and felt contempt for him,
and later admonished him for acting “so
shamelessly.” He was not acting like a King, but it
WE NEED YOUR
TESTIMONY
Email, Snail Mail
or Pony Express....
Any way you can
get it to us!
July / August 2013
did not matter to him. He was dancing with the Lord.
Have you been out on the dance floor lately?
Why not? Are you self conscious, do you feel
uncoordinated, or maybe you may feel out of
place? That’s me with God. Out of place, afraid of
failure, afraid of ridicule. I don’t want to be laughed
at.
David slew Goliath. No fear, all confident, and
so it was as he danced into the city that day. We
see him as a hero, a man that has God’s blessing.
As I read of David I keep thinking of his relationship
with God. Today as we read of his life, it comes to
us condensed. I can read all about him in just a
few chapters. But spread it out over a lifetime there
may be more here than we know. How many times
did he flee for his life as Saul sought to kill him?
Did his faith fade? Why did he not stand as he did
before Goliath? Surely a man who would fight so
confidently before would not shrink those numerous
times.
Imagine if God told you or me we were the
anointed King. I believe I would have a little more
courage. Or would I?
(Cont. on Pg. 15)
Fort Worth, TX
Permit No. 284
Cowboys For Christ
P.O. Box 7557
Fort Worth, TX 76111
PAID
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
Page 2 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
The Christian Ranchman,
I have been receiving your paper for several
years and I look forward to the mail bringing it. A
young friend of mine got into trouble and was sent
to prison and he sent you my address. He is out
now and doing well. Now my grandson has gone
to prison. He is very intelligent with a master’s
degree, but he made one bad decision and life as
he knew it was over. He knows the Lord and is
involved with the ministry there. He doesn’t know
about your paper, so I would love for him to receive
it. He is a fairly new Christian and probably could
really benefit from your Bible, because it is easy to
read. I would like to donate to your cause, what I
can afford.
Thank you and God bless you all for your work,
MJ, Texas
Hello Dave,
I am alive, calving is done, weathered three
snow storms and looks like the grass may get green
after all.
God is good, RJ, Colorado
Dave,
The check from Central Cowboy Church is for
two cases of Bibles and the one from me is to
support Cowboys For Christ.
Thank you for what you do,
DH, Kansas
Cowboys For Christ,
Hi, Howdy, How’s you all. We are in pretty good
shape here. Ponies are all doing pretty good.
Things are greening up nicely now, and getting
warmer. You all take care.
God bless,
JD, Oklahoma
To Cowboys For Christ,
Just to let you know I have picked up a CFC
New Testament over here in Scarborough, UK, welltraveled, but unread. The Lord continue to bless
you in your work there-I was thrilled to read about
it on your web site.
Every blessings in Him,
Hazel in UK
Christian Ranchman and Cowboys For Christ,
I am an 87 year old and retired cowgirl writing
in appreciation for all the Christian Ranchman you
have sent me. I can’t tell you how much I have
enjoyed your faithful sending them to me thru the
years. I was raised with horses and owned several
thru the years, and I rode 500 miles of the Pacific
Crest Trail in the ’70 on my quarter horse, “Manny.”
Retirement has priced me out of horses, but I have
owned some good cow horses. I would still ride if
SS was enough to afford keeping horses. Thanking
you and in appreciation I am sending a “little
something.”
Sincerely,
RA in Oregon
Thank you so much for sending us the Christian
Ranchman. We own/operate Tri-County Livestock
Exchange, which is a small stockyards in
Smithfield, Kentucky. After reading your publication
we take it to work and leave it in the concession
area. Just planting seeds is what we’re doing, and
letting the fertility of the soil be God’s concern!
Thanks for the seed.
L & CC in Kentucky
Dear Christian Ranchman,
I’ve had the opportunity to read your paper
several times, but I just couldn’t bring myself to
take the time to read it. Well, I finally decided to
pick up your May/June issue after being drawn to
the testimony of Phil Brown, “Is Than All There Is.”
I really enjoyed his testimony and would love to
begin receiving a copy of the Christian Ranchman.
I will be sending my testimony in soon. I’ve been a
follower of Christ, but just recently gave my life to
Him. I hope God uses me to reach someone in
need. God bless all of you who are a part if this
organization. Special blessings to the No Bull
About Jesus ministry group that reaches out to
various people. Ya’ll have truly been an influence
in my decision.
Thank you,
KC in Arkansas
PRAY FOR
OUR
TROOPS AND
OUR
NATION!
Have You Moved or are You Planning
to Move? Please notify COWBOYS
FOR CHRIST of your new mailing
address.
The Christian Ranchman
Volume 38
July / August 2013
No. 7 - 8
The Christian Ranchman is published Bi-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 (1938-2011)
Dave Harvey, Executive Director/Editor
Please remember that the statements and
expressions are those of the witnesses, and not
necessarily those of the staff or officers of Cowboys
For Christ.
E-Mail Address:
cwb4christ@cowboysforchrist.net
WEBSITE: www.cowboysforchrist.net
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST
STATEMENT OF POSITION
Supreme authority over this organization
and all its activities is vested in God's own Son,
the Lord Jesus Christ, and exercised by the
Holy Spirit. This must be recognized and
practiced as laid out for us in God's divinely
inspired Word, the Holy Bible.
Cowboys For Christ is not 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.
2013 Cowboys For Christ
Page 3 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
Cowboy Up, Ya’ll
WEBSITE
NEWS AND
UPDATES
By Randy Stiles
Greetings and God bless from Arkansas, I have
seen your newspaper thanks to Brother Kane from
Oklahoma. We were in Fort Smith when I received
it and I really enjoyed reading it. Yes sir, I would
very much appreciate it if I could start receiving it
while I gotta pass some time out in these fields on
this great big farm. I don’t have nothing to offer,
except my thanks, and I’ll remember ya’ll in my
prayers every morning, every evening and every
nite. Thanks to ya’ll I have had my Cowboys For
Christ Bible for a while now and it has been some
places with me. I love it and would miss it if I ever
lost it.
Kane Riggs from Pocola, Oklahoma presented
the lil’ blue Book to me and it’s been an extension
of my arm lately. Thanks, Kane, he was right you
know, there is “no bull about Jesus.” I love Him
and I love the Bible and I believe everything in it. I
may not be considered the best Christian cowboy
around, but I am definitely a work in progress. The
person that believes in Jesus Christ has life forever,
but God’s anger stays with the person that don’t
believe.
“When I was in prison you visited me” whether
it is a physical prison, a mental prison or financial
crisis, a family struggle, a heart attack, or the evil
clutches of an addiction, the Man is there ya’ll. He’s
watching and He’s listening to your very thoughts
and He knows what you’re gonna to do, say and
how you are going to act before Satan ever
approaches you and if you stumble and if you fall,
He’ll be the one that reaches out and catches you
at the bottom of the deepest ravine orthe deepest
river. Your deepest pains and struggles will be
wrapped up, roped and snatched right out of your
heart if you keep the faith. Cowboy Up, hit your
knees, He’s there, He’s real, He loves you and He’s
waiting on you.
Note to Chapter Presidents and
Vice Presidents
Updates are due whenever there is a
leadership change.
In Memory of:
GEORGE WILLIAMS
FROM :
MRS GEORGE WILLIAMS
In Memory of:
DELORES STEPHENS
FROM:
CLYDE STEPHENS
In Memory of:
SHARON LITTLETON
FROM:
GRADY LITTLETON
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
817-236-0023.
Updates can be e-mailed to:
cfcmail@cowboysforchrist.net or mailed to
PO Box 7557, Ft. Worth, Texas 76111.
Contact us via E-Mail:
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
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Did you know that when you carry the
Bible, Satan has a headache, when you
open it, he collapses, when he sees you
reading it, he loses his strength, AND
when you stand on the Word of God,
Satan can’t hurt you!
Central: Matt Wagner
816-238-7503
South West: Dr. Bob Rawson
512-847-0521
South East: Suzy Harvey
919-337-6230
Great Lakes: Mike Gentry
419-356-2628
West: Robert Barnard
575-373-3737
WE NEED YOUR
TESTIMONY
Email, Snail Mail or Pony
Express....
Any way you can get it to us!
Page 4 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
but after a while I began to feel separate from the others,
SEEKING
disconnected in a way that I couldn’t understand. I found
Testimony by Shelia Sellinger
myself pulling back, watching more than participating,
and wondering if it was still worth it. Again, I felt a strong
I was a seeker, still am, and always will be. The sense of loss as though an intrical part of my being were
problem is that I don’t usually know what I’m seeking, missing from the whole. I longed for something
and that has caused me a lot of trouble. The yearning undefinable and couldn’t put my finger on it. Slowly,
for something unknown began within me at a young age. day by day, I slipped further and further away from a
That yearning is what brought me to this point in my life; lifestyle that had ruled me for years. I was lost within
this awakening of a soul’s deep rebirth, so life-altering myself. I didn’t know who I was, or where I belonged.
that I can only explain it from the beginning.
One Friday afternoon I slipped into the back of the
I was raised by my mother and attended Mass with chapel during Catholic Mass and listened to the priest. I
her every Sunday until I married and moved away from felt out of place and unwanted, but I crept in each Friday
home. My upbringing was loving, and my mother was for several weeks even though I wasn’t Catholic. And, I
the best parent a girl could ask for. Among other things, didn’t feel like I was Wiccan anymore—I didn’t belong
she read me stories of adventures that made me dream anywhere. December 21, 2007 was the last time I joined
amazing dreams; tales of Jesus that mingled with those in a W iccan ritual. On December 25th I attended
of Billy the Kid, of David killing giants, like Jack on his Christmas Mass and gave myself to God. What that
way down the beanstalk, and Samson slaying Philistines meant, I didn’t understand except that I felt drawn toward
by the thousands, while Zorro rode his black stallion Him in ways that I couldn’t explain. I wanted to learn but
through Mexico avenging the poor. My mind struggled I didn’t know how to go about it. I tried to read the Bible,
to separate fantasy from reality, fiction from history, but but it didn’t make any sense to me.
to no avail.
Then, one day, in the spring of 2008, I was enjoying
I left Balaam to his talking donkey and Mr. Ed in his barn the warm sunshine at the track, flipping the stations on
when I discovered that cowboys could be more than just my radio, and stopped when I heard a preacher talking
saddle buddies, and ribald jokes about “good Catholic about the evils of the human heart. That intrigued me,
girls” swirled around me as my teen years turned to and I sat down to listen. I soon began to abandon all
promiscuity and rebellion. God was left in the dust, and other radio stations except for the one where I made
the wilder I became, the more I wanted. Nothing seemed “friends” with many people who have helped shape my
to satisfy the monster within me. There was never faith. I learned about Jesus, and many programs helped
enough, but I was still empty.
me understand what the Bible is all about, but I still had
Sometime into my second marriage, I looked questions that weren’t getting answered.
fleetingly back toward an unknown God. The little church
I started reading my Bible more, and with my radio
that I passed everyday drew my attention, and I attended teachers, began to learn about so many things—but I
a few times. The people were kind, but all I remember was afraid. God didn’t frighten me. I believed that He
was being repeatedly asked if I was saved. Saved from had forgiven me of my life of sin and debauchery, but
what? I didn’t know. I just knew that I wasn’t happy, I was afraid to face the Lord Jesus. I couldn’t even say
was still seeking, and I was confused. My small attempt His name, I was too ashamed. How could I ask Him to
at church was abandoned so I could resume my futile forgive all of the wicked things that I’d said about Him;
search elsewhere.
all the sneers, jeers, and snide remarks that had been
Though I buried my pain and emptiness beneath a cold linked to His name? I cried every night with shame,
blanket of careless one night stands and the numbing wishing that I could erase those wasted years, yearning
effects of whiskey, I continued seeking for that mysterious to know Him but terrified to seek Him out. My fears and
something. My endless exploration soon took me to the confusion remained until after I was sent to FMC Carswell
world of the occult, witchcraft and paganism. I road for a faith based program which promised to help me
bareback into the valley of darkness, between the jagged work everything out.
cliffs of degradation and scorn, and continued a
What I found when I arrived at Carswell was a solid
downward spiral into a gaping maw where “self” prison ministry that proved to be more than I’d expected.
swallowed up any chance of fulfillment. I proudly I was joyfully accepted into the fold, and began to get
wallowed in sin and idolatry for years, defaming the name answers. I was happy to have found real people to talk
of Jesus through blasphemous jokes and mockery, with about my newly budding faith. I’d gone from virtual
holding tight to the laws of demons. Evil and gloom to physical, and it was wonderful.
were my dearest bedfellows, a phantom horse dressed
In the years that I’ve been at Carswell, I’ve learned
in gold, with morality cast aside like a worn boot without more that I could have imagined possible. I know what
a sole. All of this and much more tethered me to a being saved means, and I know that I’ve been saved.
destiny far beyond my expectation.
I’m no longer afraid of my Lord Jesus. I know that He
I was arrested in 2005 on charges that would change died for those very sins I was afraid that He would never
my life forever, and was held in the county jail for 18 forgive. I’m still seeking, but I’m no longer empty. I
months awaiting trial. While I waited, I wrote spells for have the Lord in my heart because of people who took
freedom that I performed daily inside my cell and made the time, both on the radio and in person, to teach and
talismans to wear in court, but nothing worked to save guide me to a fuller understanding of Jesus Christ and
me from my fate. I was sentenced in federal court to God the Father.
140 months, just short of 12 years.
I was baptized on August 8, 2009, and don’t even
September 2006 saw me deliv ered to FCI want to think of where I’d be now without the volunteers
Tallahassee in Florida. Within the first week I became who gave their time and love to help me back to the
acquainted with the other wiccans incarcerated there, Lord.
How would you like to be involved in a
ministry that takes the GOSPEL of JESUS
CHRIST to Cowboys and Cowgirls
wherever they ride the trails of life? We
would certainly like for you to join us in a
very unique and rewarding ministry, and
we will help you get started through the
power and guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Please pray about starting a local chapter
of Cowboys For Christ, especially if you
are not afraid of a bunch of hard work, long
hours, and eating the trail dust of service
to the LORD. It will take boldness,
dedication, and commitment, but the sheer
joy of saddling up for JESUS CHRIST is
worth the effort, and the rewards are totally
out of this world. Contact us about a
Chapter Start Up Packet, and let’s work
together to make a difference in your area
to change lives for eternity just as Cowboys
For Christ has done for over forty-two
years.
Howdy Cowboys and Cowgirls
We need sponsors for our
Prisoner Newsletter and the free
Prisoner Bible/Bible Study
program. Please pray about it
and if you feel the HOLY SPIRIT
speaking to you about helping
Cowboys For Christ go inside the
walls with the Gospel of JESUS
CHRIST, we certainly welcome
your support. We are reaching
out to those who are drawn to the
cowboy image or who have been
a part of the cowboy way of life
before they were imprisoned.
Your support will certainly be
greatly appreciated for helping
us continue and expand this very
fruitful work. GOD bless you
and I Thank You.
Page 5 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
Riding Point With Dave Harvey....
Howdy Cowboys and Cowgirls,
It is with great joy in JESUS that I am writing this article because the LORD has opened up another ministry door for
Cowboys For Christ and I think that everyone will be as excited as I am about this major ministry program. I’ll start by
explaining how the HOLY SPIRIT directed two cowgirls and events to reach this ole cowboy (and Folks, I’d be the first to admit
that this ole cowboy is a little slow at comprehending at times-really about all of the time, but I really try).
I was working at the headquarters one morning doing things completely none cowboy, yeah, you are right, I was trying to
do some work on the computer. Actually I was just checking the email, but that’s still not riding horses. Anyway, I opened this
email from a sweet lady who informed me that her son had been sent to prison and that his Cowboys For Christ Bible had gotten ruined, and she
wondered if Cowboys For Christ would send him a new one. I answered her back and told her that we would certainly send him a new Cowboys For
Christ Bible, as well as, a Bible Study and add him to the Christian Ranchman and Cowboys For Christ Prisoner Newsletter mailing.
Well, Cowboys and Cowgirls, I got an answer almost immediately (no, I don’t know how email works, it just does). I got a response from her that said
she was so glad to find real Christians still out there doing the LORD’S work. She also said that I had brought tears to her eyes when she was reading
my answer. Now, folks I can assure you that I am like most old cowboys and we can’t stand to see a lady cry. So I got busy packing up a Bible and Bible
Study for her son and I climbed up on that old computer (no, I really didn’t get on the computer, that just a cowboy way of saying I went to work) and
started entering his name on the Christian Ranchman mailing list hoping all of the time that this would stop her from crying.
As most of you folks know, I am a little lacking in extended memory, so let’s just say it was real soon after the email, in fact it was when I was adding
the name and address of this lady’s son to the Christian Ranchman mailing that the phone rang. Now, I haven’t gotten to the point that I can’t remember
to answer the telephone when it is ringing, so I grabbed the receiver and said, “Hello, Cowboys For Christ, this is Dave, how can I help you.”
A very sweet motherly voice answered, “hello” and she introduced herself and explained to me that she had a situation that had just came up in her
family and she was hoping that Cowboys For Christ could help her. I assured her that we would do our best to help her and asked her to tell me the
problem. She informed me that her son was a soldier in the world’s finest military and he happened to be in the US Army stationed at an Army fort in the
United States. I was told that he had not been in the Army very long and that he was really missing family, friends and home. She then told me that their
family had been receiving the Christian Ranchman for a number of years and that her son was a cowboy and that he would probably really enjoy getting
the Christian Ranchman and that it would be a great help to him while he was in the service.
I told her that we would certainly add him to the Christian Ranchman mailing list, but that the latest issue had just gone out so that I would send him
a copy of the new issue from the extras that we get printed, and that I would send it out to him today. (I have to let everyone know that we have increased
to 16,000 this printing with 13,802 being sent out through individual mailing and the bulk pack mailings have increased to almost 2,000. The bulk packs
are sent to chapter presidents or one of the officers, to businesses to give out to customers, to prison chaplains, and to individuals to distribute at different
events or just to cowboys and cowgirls that give out as they go through their cowboy lives.) Now back to the phone call. We then chatted about sons in
the military (my son is in the Air Force serving overseas now) and about horses and then we said goodbye. After hanging up the phone I got the Christian
Ranchman and put it in an envelope and got it ready to mail to the young soldier.
I had everything ready for mailing labels that needed to be mailed out and I started filling out the labels to the son in prison and then to the son in the
military (one and then the other). Now, I have already told you that I am a little slow in comprehending and it took me a few seconds to see the real picture
as I sat there looking at the two labels lying side by side on the desk. I finally realized why I had gotten an email and a phone call from two different
Mothers about their sons in two different situations at almost the same time on the same day. And then I started getting excited, I mean folks I got really
excited, and remember I told you that you would get excited, too. As I started thinking about the ministry opportunities to our bravest in uniform and the
super outreach potential I even got more excited.
Cowboys and Cowgirls, this is the official announcement of the Cowboys For Christ Military Ministry program. If you are in the military, or if you have
a family member or loved one in the military, or if you just happen to know a Cowboy or Cowgirl in the military and you would like us to add them to the
Christian Ranchman mailing list, please send us their names and addresses by email, snail mail, phone or pony express and we will sure add them to the
mailing list. Of course, we will send it to them free just like we send it free to everyone else. If you want to drop us a donation, we will certainly appreciate
it and put it to good use in the LORD’S work and I thank you for it. Also, please help us keep current on their addresses when they are reassigned to a
tour of duty at another location.
Please keep this new ministry program in your prayers that the LORD will use it mightily for HIS gainful service and join me in prayer now. Dear
HEAVENLY FATHER, I ask that you bless this Military Ministry of Cowboys For Christ to touch the soldiers that are fighting for this nation and the freedom
that we so enjoy and use it to build your KINGDOM.
In JESUS’NAME, Amen.
Page 6 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
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
ALABAMA
CALIFORNIA
Circuit Riders CFC – Ohatchee, AL
Malibu Chapter -
Troy Crosson, Pres., 256-419-3140
Jason Yates, V. P., 256-490-3549
Email: hatcreekboys@yahoo.com
Fellowship: Fridays at 6pm
Morten Wengler, Pres.
310-457-0586
Elizabeth Smith, V.P.
email eldoradoranch@hotmail.com
Contact for information
Cowboyn’ for the Son CFC- Athens,
Al
Odis Everett, Pres., 256-431-7338
VP Eugene Leimneweder,
256-444-0035
Website: www.cowboynfortheson.com
Email: baughncg@gmail.com
Fellowship: 1st Thursday each month
At 6pm at Meeting same time at 306 BBQ
Restaurant
S.E.A. Riders (Southeast Alabama)
Chapter, Troy, AL
Tommy Manns, Pres. 334-897-8316
Bobby Jones, V.P. 334-566-6303
Fellowship: call for location and time
Malibu, CA
Trinity Cowboy Ministries CFC
Chapter – Carencro, LA
Barbara Mackenzie, Pres., 352-568-1507.
Nancy Ramirez, V. P., 352-569-5318
Fellowship: Call Barbara for location and
time
Website: www.cowboysforchristfl.com
Antioch CFC – Dover, FL
David Gillett, Pres. 813-789-0589
George Gillett, V.P. 813-986-4751
Fellowship: 2nd Saturday of each month
Call for location and time
Willie Hostetler, Pres., 574-575-0451
Ryan Eash, V.P., 574-202-3946
Fellowship: Trail Ride 3rd Saturday of each
month
South/Central Indiana Chapter, Ed
Southern Arizona Chapter - Tucson, AZ
Chris Moses, Pres. 520-4659430
Jason Summerkamp, VP
520-403-8289
Ministry activities and
fellowship - call for info
COLORADO
Durango CFC – Durango, CO
John Beranek, Pres., 970-247-8288
Chris Swift, V. P., 970-533-9797
Email: swiftcreekranch@hotmail.com
Fellowship: Thursdays at 7pm, at Animas
Valley Grange Hall,
7271 County Rd 203, Durango, CO
Matt Wagner, Pres., 816-238-7503
Glenn Spencer, V. P. 816-685-3210
Email: midwestcfc@aol.com
Fellowship: 1st Tuesday at 7pm at Pony
Express Club
Chuck Smith Pres., 785-632-5841
Brian Girrens, V.P., 785-926-3085
Website:
www.claycentercowboysforchrist.org
Fellowship: See website.
SonCoast Chapter – Nobleton, FL
Northern Indiana CFC – Elkhart, IN
ARIZONA
Clay Center CFC – Clay Center, KS
LOUISIANA
INDIANA
Tim Avritt, Pres., 907-376-2370
Jerre Attwood, V.P., 907-775-0834
Fellowship: 2nd Monday at 6:30pm
Call Debbie Avritt at 907-376-2370
Pony Express CFC – St. Joseph,
MO
FLORIDA
ALASKA
Mat-Valley CFC - Wasilla AK
KANSAS
Edwards, Pres. 812-343-0776 Lisa
Edwards, VP 765-516-3828 Fellowship:
call for information
IOWA
North Iowa Chapter – Alta Vista, IA
David Williams, Pres., 641-330-9742,
Chuck Halsey, VP, 507-279-8602
Fellowship: call for location and time
We Will Ride Ministry Chapter,
Greene, IA
Mike Reicherts, Pres.,
641-330-6791
Scott Chisholm, VP, 319-230-1859
Fellowship: call for date and time
Mel DuPlechein, Pres., 337-678-2060
Dr. Mark Freeman, V. Pres., 337-8527855, www.TrinityCowboyMinistries.org
Call for information
MICHIGAN
Great Lakes CFC - Coopersville, MI
Jim Hansen, Pres., 616-997-1234
Harlan Smith, V. P., 616-837-6432
Fellowship: Call Jim Hansen for location
and time
Michigan CFC - Midland, MI
Pat Murphy, Pres., 989-832-9092
John Oelberg, V. P., 989-708-0090
Fellowship: Call Pat Murphy for location
& time
MISSISSIPPI
Flying B Soldiers Of The Cross
CFC - Hazzlehurst, MS
Scott Briggers, Pres., 601-672-4262
Jack Foster V. P., 601-894-3809
Fellowship: Call Scott Briggers for lo
cation and time
East Mississippi Equestrian
Riders—Meridian, MS
Jack R. Griffith, Pres. 601-479-9242,
Gerry Rutherford, VP 601-616-5577, Call
for information on activities
Green Hills CFC – Kirksville, MO
Jarrod Rapp, Pres., 660-689-3127
Betty Young, V. P., 660-349-1686
Fellowship: 3rd Thursday at 7pm.
Call Craig Bakke at 660-695-3803 for
more information
Salvation Riders CFC – Lamar, MO
Jim Harrison, Pres., 417-682-9219
David Eaves, V. P., 417-214-1239
st
rd
Fellowship: 1 & 3 Sunday at 6pm at
Memorial Hall
Cotton Creek Chapter - Richmond, MO
Mike Stephens, Pres. 816-256-1043
Bob Simmons, V.P. 816-776-2936
email
mike@cottoncreekchristianministry.org
websitewww.cottoncreekchristianministry.org
First Monday of each month at 7:00pm
at 40794 E. 144th St., Richmond, MO
NEW MEXICO
New Mexico CFC, Belen, NM
Bryan Chavez, Pres. 505-720-2142
Seth Prieskorn, V.P.
Call for location and time
Las Cruces Chapter - Las Cruces,
NM
Max Perkins, Pres. 575-3640-7780
David Komarek, VP 575-523-2062
Robert Barnard, Reporter 575-373-3737
email robert@4barcompany.com
Contact for information
MISSOURI
Capital Region CFC – New
Bloomfield, MO
John Hunter, Pres., 573-310-1293
Gary Ellis, VP, 573-491-9988
Fellowship: 3rd Friday of each month
Call for location and time
(Chapters continued on page 7)
COWBOYS FOR
CHRIST
CHAPTER DIRECTORY
(Cont. from Pg. 7)
NORTH CAROLINA
Heart of Carolina CFC – Clayton,
NC
Cliff Lee, Pres., 919-553-6726
Jerry Sprague, V. P., 919-365-9247
Email:
cleeconstruction@embarqmail.com
nd
Fellowship: 2 Thursday of each month
at Carolina BBQ at 6:30 pm
Website:
www.heartofcarolinacfc.com
Jacksonville CFC - Home of Camp
LeJeune – Jacksonville, NC
Carl Godfrey, Pres., 910-324-7137
Athina Williams, V. P., 910-779-9529
Email: jcblaze@embarqmail.com
Fellowship: Call for date, time & location
Mid-East CFC – Ayden, NC
Jack Keel, Pres., 252-525-8519
Lennis Freeman, V. P., 910-358-9723
Fellowship: Call Jack Keel for more information
NC Foothills CFC – Statesville, NC
Craig Deal, Pres., 704-873-3421
Andrew Sams, V. P., 704-880-3661
Email: craigdeal@bellsouth.net
Fellowship: Call Craig Deal for more info.
Tri-County CFC – Marion, NC
Bill Queen, Pres., 828-738-8485
James Nations, V. P., 828-738-4343
Email: mckinneywalkers@yahoo.com
Fellowship: 1st Monday of each month
at 7pm at Providence Farm
Twin Counties CFC – Rocky Mount,
NC
Alfred Tyson, Pres., 252-459-6091, Sue
Armstrong, V. P. 252-443-4434
Email: dustyroadstbl@embarqmail.com
Fellowship: 4th Thursday of each
month at Englewood Assembly of God
Church, 2181 S. Halifax Road, Rocky
Mount, North Carolina.
Cape Fear Chapter - Bladenboro,
NC
John Millican,Pres. 910-840-1402
Gary Cashwell, V.P. 910-874-0613
Email: AnthonyRich72@yahoo.com
Fellowship: 3rd Saturday of each month
Trail Ride 10am; Dinner 7pm
Call for location
Page 7 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
Sand Hills Chapter - Fayetteville, NC
Gary Wells, Pres. 910-286-6906
Stewart Wells, V.P. 910-797-3386
Email: gary.h.wells@gmail.com
Fellowship: 2nd Thursday of each month at
7pm at Western Sizzling, Fayetteville
NORTH DAKOTA
Dakota CFC - Mandan, ND
Karen Hook, Pres., 701-391-4271
Loren Wetch, V. P., 701-663-5424
Fellowship: 3rd Sunday of each month
OKLAHOMA
Central OK CFC – Norman, OK
Steve Womack, Pres., 405-872-7329
John Payne, V. P., 405-396-2738
st
Fellowship: 1 Tuesday of each month at
7pm at the Remington Place
No Bull About Jesus Chapter—
Pocola, OK
Jamie Jones, Pres. 479-926-3242
Wade Biggs, VP 479-522-0605
Prison, Jail and Recovery ministry
Call for information on activities
Southwest Oklahoma Chapter Comanche, OK
Ken Neher, Pres. 580-470-8055
Carolyn Neher, VP 580-470-8055
email ken@one2oneministries.org
Contact for information
PENNSYLVANIA
West Keystone CFC – New Castle, PA
Dale Brenneman, Pres., 724-924-2830, Bob
Steffler, V. P., 724-758-6255
st
rd
Fellowship: 1 & 3 Sundays/ Call for
times
Southwest Pennsylvania Chapter Kittanning, PA
Paulette Zimmerman, Pres.
724-252-0178
Jim Zimmerman, VP 724-2520178
Ministry activities and fellowship - call for info
SOUTH CAROLINA
Coastal Cowboys For Christ, Conway,
SC
Buddy Smith, Pres. 843-397-9133, Calvin
Barfield, V.P. 843-365-5636
rd
Fellowship: 3 Thursday of each month at
Shoney’s in Conway, SC
TEXAS
Southeast Texas CFC, Kountze, TX
A.H. Elmer, Pres. 409-246-8985, Sneed
Elmer, V.P. 409-246-8985
rd
Fellowship: Meeting - 3 Saturday each
month at 7:00 pm at the CFC Barn on Hwy
326 N, Kountze, TX
Cowboys For Christ Headquarters
–
Newark, TX
Dave Harvey, Executive Director
Fellowship: Bible Study Thursdays at 7pm
Call 817-236-0023 for more information
For His Glory CFC – Royce City,
TX
John Clayton, Pres. 214-215-6139
Karen Elza, V.P. 214-683-5049
Fellowship: call for more information
Hill Country/South Texas Chapter
- Wimberley, TX
Dr. Bob Rawson, Pres. 512-847-0521
Barbara Rawson, Sec/Tres 512-8470521
email brawson1@austin.rr.com
Contact for information
Rock’n Cross Ranch Minis- try –
Collinsville, TX
VIRGINIA
Boots and Bibles Chapter
Madison, VA
Heather Campbell, Pres. 540-2196928
Joanne Owings, VP 540-923-4679
Call for information on activities
WEST VIRGINIA
Ridin For The Brand CFC- Victor, WV
Elbert Horrocks, Pres., 304-658-5730
George Hawkins, V. P., 304-658-4206
Fellowship: call for Location
Christ’s Cavalry
Daniels, WV
Chapter,
James Hartsog, Pres. 304-763-4207,
Beth Mays, V.P., 304-763-7247
Fellowship: call for location and time
WISCONSIN
Lighthouse Chapter CFC –
Arkdale, WI
Mary Harris, V. P., 608-547-5477
Fellowship: Last Saturday of each
month
Call for location and time
Robert Taylor, Pres., 360-410-8883
Lief Martinson, VP, 505-429-1836
email address: rockncross@yahoo.com
Fellowship: call for location and time
*** ATTENTION ***
MILITARY FAMILIES
Are you presently in the US Military
or do you have a friend or loved one that
is now serving that would enjoy receiving
The Christian Ranchman? Please send
us their name and address and we will put
them on The Christian Ranchman mailing list. Bless our soldiers with a little bit
of cowboy while they are serving away
from home...
Page 8 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
Cowboys For Christ
General Store
The Following Items Are For Sale
Specialty Items
Qty.
______
The Following Items
Are Free:
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
Logo Belt Pins
NEW T-Shirt
Ball Caps
Belt Buckle
Belt Buckle
______
______
CFC Flags
COMPLETE (Palm Size) Bible
______
Tracts
Qty.
_______ 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
Item
NEW Short
Sleeve Shirt
NEW Long
Sleeve Shirt
Cowboy Angel
CFC Jacket
American made Poplin
Cotton Jackets!
$39.00
Color
Size
White, Royal Blue S-M-L-XL
and Grey
White, Royal Blue S-M-L-XL
and Red
24K Gold Plated
Blue/w Logo
Cotton Poplin
S-M-L-XL-2X-3X
Screw on backs
Blue
M-L-XL-XXL
White, Khaki or Black
Antique Bronze
Silver w/24k Gold Plate
Inlaid-Royal Blue, White &
Green in Shield & Letters
Price
$ 25.00
$ 37.50
$ 4.50
$39.00
$ 5.50
$12.50
$14.50
$35.50
$50.50
$50.00
$ 6.50
Include S & H cost posted to the left.....
Other Materials
Qty.
_______ Bible Studies
_______ Ministry Brochures
_______ Bumper Stickers: Cowboys
For Christ
_______ Offering Envelopes
_______ CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN
newspapers
_______ Membership Card
Name: __________________________________________________
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
United State Shipping & Handling
Cost
From
To
Rate
$0.01
$40.00
$6.50
$40.01
$100.00
$8.50
$100.01
$250.00
$10.50
$251.00
and up
$12.50
Lifetime Membership
Card - $10
Life-time Membership Card signed by
Brother Ted Pressley, imprinted with
your name and laminated as long as
they last for $10 dollars, you must
print your name just like you want it
on the card.
SPECIAL OF THE
MONTH
Buy a Jacket and get
a Bible FREE!!!!!
You can now order online....just go
to our website and click on the
General Store......
50/50 cotton/polyester short sleeve
Available in White, Royal Blue
and Grey
Sizes: S, M, L, XL (small extra
charge for larger sizes)
Cowboy & Cross design will be
stitched in complementary colors
65/35 polyester/cotton long sleeve
Available in White, Royal Blue
and Red
Sizes: S, M, L, XL (small extra
charge for larger sizes)
Cowboy & Cross design will be
stitched in complementary colors
Short Sleeve shirts
are $25.00
Long Sleeve shirts
are $37.50
Custom ordered!
Page 9 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
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
*SPECIAL*
CASE OF 25
$100.00
FREE SHIPPING
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST
BELT BUCKLES
SILVER WITH GOLD PLATE,
ROYAL BLUE INLAY
ANTIQUE BRONZE
$35.50
$50.50
THESE ARE WONDERFUL FOR MEN OR WOMEN.
ANYONE WOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE ONE!!!
Become a Partner with Cowboys for Christ....Be
Part of the Blessing & Share in the Blessing
THEY’RE
HERE!
CFC FLAGS
THAT WAVE IN
THE WIND
SPECIAL
PRICE $50.00
PLUS S&H
NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW ~ NEW
The Christian Ranchman is distributed to approximately 14,500 homes
each month FREE of charge. Cowboys for Christ also provides tracts to pass
out at events FREE of charge to anyone who asks. Brother Dave and other
leaders in Cowboys for Christ chapters preach, teach and speak at many local
events FREE of charge.
Would you consider partnering with us with a monthly donation to help
with this vital ministry to the lost and hurting? All donations are tax-deductible
and are used to spread the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Currently we need your help in the following:
New or well-kept vehicle for ministry travel
GOLD or SILVER Guardian
Angels (with cowboy hats) just
$4.50 each.
Logo Shield Hat/Belt
Pin with white
background
$5.50
Available in M, L, XL and XXL
$12.50 all sizes plus shipping.
White hat with blue bill and Black hat with embroidered
CFC logo patch embroidered
CFC Logo Patch
$14.50
$14.50
Page 10 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
Chapter Updates.....
WEST KEYSTONE CHAPTER, PENNSYLVANIA
DALE BRENNEMAN, PRESIDENT
It’s hard to believe that almost half of 2013 is
behind us. So far this year we had a wonderful
retreat weekend at Miracle Mountain Ranch,
finished our study of “Romans” at our Winter Bible
Studies, taught a great group of young men at the
Bullride/Bible Camp weekend at the Center Cross
W Arena, our ministry teams are conducting
services at livestock events, and we’ve had two
trailrides with Cowboy Church. The good news is:
There’s still more to come! Worship service only
dates are in italics. All other events including
Trailrides with Cowboy Church are in normal print.
JUNE
23 – PAHA Venango Co.
29 – Pink Ribbon Round-up Ride
30 – WPQHA Harlansburg
JULY
7 – WPQHA Harlansburg
19 – Zelienople Horse Parade
21 – PQHA Center Hall -- PAHA Lawrence Co.
27 – National Day of the American Cowboy @ Center
Cross W
28 – PAHA Crooked Creek -PAHA Butler Co.
AUGUST
4 – PAHA Lawrence Co. - Trailride @ Moraine/ Bear
Run - Trailride @ Brenneman’s – Trailride @ Moraine/
Bear Run
18 – Trailride @ McFall’s/ Pulaski
25- WPQHA Harlansburg – Grange Fair Center Hall,
PA
SEPTEMBER
1 – PQHA – Center Hall - PAHA Butler Co.
8 – Trail Ride @ Elliot Acres 1pm
22 – Rocky Fork Youth Rodeo
29 – Trail Ride @ Brenneman’s
OCTOBER
18 – 20 Trail Ride Flying W
DECEMBER
14 – Christmas Caroling
31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration - ( Tickets must be
purchased-more information coming )
JANUARY 2014
MMR Retreat
We hope you can join us for many of these
events. Please pray that all that we take part in
brings glory to God and will be influential in bringing
more people to come to know Jesus as their
personal savior. If you would like more information
on any of these events please contact us.
July 27 – National Day of the American Cowboy –
Hosted by Center Cross W Arena, Fredonia, PA
will feature a “team ranch rodeo” and a “Sermon
from the Mount” presentation by Matt Cox of Miracle
Mountain Ranch. Activities start with breakfast and
continue all day.
October 18-20 – Weekend Trailride @ Flying W
Ranch – We always have a great time riding (no
matter what the weather). God has met with us
during this weekend ride. We invite you to come
be a part of it. Everyone is responsible for making
their own housing and stabling arrangements with
the Flying W. (814-463-7663)
December 31 – Cowboys for Christ New Year’s
Eve Celebration – 8:30pm to12:30am at the Scott
Twp Fire Hall in Harlansburg, PA. Kolt and Kristina
Barber from Nashville, TN will be our featured
entertainment. They have a country gospel music
ministry you are sure to enjoy. If you get a chance,
check their music out on the internet. Our good
friend John Topper is scheduled to open for them.
There will be plenty of food, fun and we will be
ushering the New Year in with prayer and praise.
Because of expenses we will be selling tickets for
this event. More details will be coming soon.
On the Trail with West Keystone Cowboys for
Christ…
A question has been stuck in my mind for some
time now. The question is: “If not us, then who?”
The fact that we, as Christians, have been
redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Gal 3:13),
that we are children of the living God, and that we
are co-heirs with Jesus ( Rom 8: 16&17) en route to
an eternity with Him, brings that question to mind
again and again.
- Do we live our lives striving for purity in all we do?
(1Tim 4:12) If not us, then who?
- Wives, do you show your husband honor and
respect as the head of your household as Christ is
the head of the church? (Eph 5:22-24) If not us,
then who?
- Husbands, do you love your wife sacrificially,
giving yourself up for her, as Christ did for the
church? (Eph 5:25-27) If not us, then who?
- Do we pray and offer praise to the Lord daily?
(1Thes 5:17, Heb 13:15) If not us, then who?
- Do we reach out to the lost in this dark and dying
world? (Matt 28:18-20) If not us, then who?
We are God’s people, the sheep of His pasture.
(Ps 100:3) We are God’s choice for carrying out
His will on the face of the earth today. Look to Him
as the source of everything we need to accomplish
His purpose.
Just one more question: If not now, then when?
(2Cor. 6:1-2)
“His divine power has given us everything we
need for life and godliness through our knowledge
of him who called us by his own glory and
goodness. Through these he has given us his very
great and precious promises, so that through them
you may participate in the divine nature and escape
the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add
to your faith, goodness; and to goodness,
knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to
self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance,
godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess
these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep
you from being ineffective and unproductive in your
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3-8
DAKOTA CHAPTER, NORTH DAKOTA
KAREN HOOK, PRESIDENT
Greetings,
Our chapter in North Dakota is working to
organize a Rodeo Bible Camp for youth next
summer, June 2014. We are wondering if there
are any guidelines provided by CFC for these
services, or information of available persons to help
serve as counselors. Also, does CFC provide any
Bibles or such or other materials that could be
distributed to the youth. Any additional information
that is helpful would be awesome also. Thanks so
much.
ANTIOCH CHAPTER, FLORIDA
DAVID GILLETT, PRESIDENT
In the Christian Ranchman please note for us
for interested visitors to please call or email us first
because over the next six months we will be
meeting in various locations throughout
Hillsborough County. We are in the process of
moving, but will email back when we get set back
up and in a permit location again. My staff is
determined to keep the chapter going through this
move. Thank you for a great year. We will send
pictures this weekend from our one year
Chapter Updates.....
Dave,
It has been an eventful spring this year. The
Sandhills Chapter of Cowboys for Christ has been
relatively busy. As you have seen in previous
emails, we participated with a “Fun in the SON”
day with Pittman Grove Baptist back in April. In
May, we joined in on ride in Uwharrie that was pretty
much rained out but made for good fellowship with
some strong Christian friends. In June, we linked
up with Mr. Frankie Wilson and joined in with the
Hoke County Wagon Train in Raeford NC; what
an event that was!
Last Friday, the wagon train departed its starting
point at about 10:00am and journeyed on a 5 mile
ride that took them through the town of Raeford.
The night prior, we had a bad storm come through
the area and our CFC riders for that event were
out repairing fences and making sure freezers
didn’t thaw. But, we did have our photographer
there that took some very nice pictures.
Saturday was a day filled with fun and excitement
at the Wagon Train. While chapter members did
not actually participate in these events, we did have
a presence there, just to let the folks know that we
love them just as Jesus does, and we were there
to provide spiritual assistance if needed.
On Sunday Morning Our Chapter Chaplain,
Michael Wright, conducted Cowboy Church for
about 15 folks. While this may seem like a small
crowd to some, it was significant to us because in
50 years of conducting wagon trains, this was the
first church service that has been conducted. We
want to thank Mr. Frankie Wilson, the event
coordinator, for letting us have an hour or so to
share the word of the Lord with those that were
willing to hear it. We also want to thank him for
offering an invitation to participate in next year’s
Wagon Train. I am sure the Sandhills Chapter will
be there for that one as well.
Our plans next year are to not only be there
during the major events, but to have a constant
and persistent presence throughout the weekend.
Our plan is to “live” with the participants throughout
the weekend, offering any assistance we can,
sharing the word of the Lord when the opportunity
arises, and conducting Cowboy Church on Sunday
morning.
You can find pictures of the Wagon Train event
on Facebook at ‘Hoke County Wagon Train’
Oh… by the way… as far as support goes…
feel f ree to send tracks, stickers, Bibles,
Ranchman… anything will work nicely. We are out
of about everything.
Thanks again for your Support
In Christ
Gary Wells, President Sandhills Chapter
Page 11 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
Howdy Dave,
Haven’t corresponded with you in several weeks
and just wanted to see how you are doing. Things
are going pretty well down South and have a trail
ride next weekend, Rodeo 4 Jesus next Tuesday
and a July 4th Rodeo scheduled. I sent several
lists of new members recently to the office and
made up a letter from myself to them and mailed
right away so that I could follow-up with contact. I
am attaching them to South Texas - Hill Country
Chapter in order to make them feel part of a local
area chapter. I will then see what develops into a
more localized chapter in time. Is there a way that
the office could let me know when their Christian
Ranchman subscription has been sent to them?
This would be most helpful.
It would seem to me that you must be mighty
busy these days with the Christian Ranchman and
the new CFC Chaplain’s Program. Let me know if
I can help in some way.
May the Lord Jesus Christ Bless us in all our
comings and goings!
Bob - Dr. Bob Rawson, Chaplain/Region Director
COWBOYS FOR CHRIST - South Texas
NORTHERN INDIANA COWBOYS FOR CHRIST
We don’t realize how much the weather dictates
each day’s events until you have had an extra, long
winter. Here in northern Indiana we appear to
hibernate most of the winter. After cancelling
February’s ride due to the wind and cold, March
and April didn’t bring much warmer weather.
Finally, on May 18th, God provided plenty of
sunshine and warmth. We had riders come from
as far as Plymouth. There were 32 riders after
everyone was saddled up and ready to head out.
As everyone gathered for a meal after the ride,
it was so relaxing and enjoying meeting new people
and catching up with old friends. Food always
seems to taste so good when eating outside in the
beauty of God’s creation.
Pastor Jeff brought us a message. He told of a
story about John Colter, a member of the Lewis
and Clark expedition. He was one of the first
mountain men of the 1800’s. Pastor spoke about
Colter’s “greatest run.” While Colter was traveling
with John Potts, another former member of the
Lewis and Clark expedition, they were leading a
party of Crow Indians to Fort Raymond. Potts and
Colter encountered several hundred Blackfoot
Indians while traveling by canoe. The Blackfoot
demanded Colter and Potts come ashore. Colter
went ashore and was disarmed and stripped naked.
Pots refused to comply and was shot and killed.
After a council meeting amongst the Indians, Colter
was told to run. They gave him a head start and it
soon became apparent that he was running for his
life pursued by a large pack of young braves. Colter
was a fast runner, but the terrain was rocky and
brush filled. After about six miles only one assailant
even came close to him. Colter turned around and
put his hands in the air. This startled the brave as
he raised his spear he stumbled. His spear fell short
and Colter snatched up the spear and pinned the
brave to the ground. Bloody and exhausted Colter
continued his flight. He ended up at Little Big Horn.
His total run was 156 miles.
Pastor Jeff reminded us that some of our tough
experiences in life help define us and make us
stronger and lead us to the path in which God wants
us to go. 1Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that
in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the
prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. His
message in our journey with Christ, was to “Finish
Strong!”
We are having a Cowboys for Christ campout
June 7th, 8th and 9th at Potato Creek State Park.
We will have all our meals together beginning
Friday night. It will be a great time to relax and
share stories and encourage each other in our walk
with Christ. We welcome you to come even if you
are only able to attend for a couple of hours. There
will be a ride on Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 a.m.
with a meal and a message to follow.
Faith and Love In Christ,
Kim Hostetler, Secretary
A Letter from Terry Rhodes
Greetings,
I pray this letter finds you all in the best of health
and spirits. I just got the Bible and Bible study you
sent. This has really opened my eyes I have been
a Christian for years now. But I have so much
trouble understanding the King James Bible. The
Bible you sent to me is so much easier for me to
understand.
I was born into the cowboy lifestyle, and “I was
riding before I could walk” is what my Mother always
said. When I first started “rodeoing” I started out
training mules. That was back before folks started
hunting in ATV’s. My Dad trained mules to ride
coon hunting.
I have rode bulls and some of the wildest horses
I have ever seen. But nothing compares to a hardheaded mule. They would throw me then turn
around and bite me. I went to school all the time
all bruised up, I know that the teachers wondered
what went on at my house. I bet they never knew
a wild mule did it.
I can remember when I saw my first rodeo I
wanted to ride bulls, and I would ride our milk cow.
My Dad got his belt to me many times for catching
me riding his milk cow. Also, am I on the mailing
list to get the Christian Ranchman, if not please
put me in it, I really like it.
God Bless you all. God loves us so much.
Page 12 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
Chapter Updates.....
Greetings from Tucson, Arizona!
About a year ago I began to feel God calling
me back into the cowboy ministry. I have been
away from this type of ministry for over twenty
years. Through a series of events God placed
me here in Tucson. As I prayed about how I should
proceed, doors began to open. By chance (God’s
providence) my wife and I decided to go watch
some bull riding at a practice arena in Marana.
While we were there watching, I felt directed to
approach the stock contractor and introduce
myself and my ministry. God is never outdone! The
contractor is a Christian! As we talked, another
cowboy joined us in our conversation. He too was
a Christian! As I began to share what God had put
on my heart, it became clear that this introduction
was meant to be. Jason Summerkamp, the cowboy
I shared my vision with agreed to meet with me
the following morning for coffee. The idea to start
a local chapter of Cowboys for Christ was clear.
Within five days of our meeting four Christian
cowboys were sitting around the dinner table
discussing what God had put on their hearts. A
month later after much prayer and discernment,
we formed the first chapter of the Cowboys for
Christ in southern Arizona.
God has brought a great combination of
experience and ministry goals together! We are
all looking forward to getting the message of Christ
out within the rodeo and livestock world in our area.
As the first year president of this new chapter I am
excited to see the chapter board and members
minister as God leads them! Our motto is, “We
are not a group that hangs out, we reach out.”
Please keep us in your prayers and visit one of us
if you are ever in our area! 1 Corinthians 12:4-6.
In Christ,
Chris Moses- Chapter President
Jason Summerkamp – Vice President
Randy Washington – Secretary
Tom Clevish – Treasurer
Rick Wilson - Chaplain
Dear Dave,
I talked with you Memorial Day morning and
enjoyed our visit. It was a blessing. Hope you can
use these poems somewhere. Hope to visit with
you again soon.
SOMETHING TO GIVE
By Oran Hill
As I sit here thinking if something I could do
Or something I could give such a friend as you
Nothing I can think of is good enough for you
But I know Someone that can do a lot for you
For when you are feeling lonely and everything
looks blue
When your friends forsake you and the whole
world looks down on you
Go to Him in prayer and He will answer you
Call upon Him now and He will see you through
For every little thing you need you will find in Him
In His light He will lead you and it won’t be dim
In this old world of turmoil and sin
You can rest assured when you place your trust in
Him
And when your life is over and at last has come to
an end
He will lift you up to Heaven just to be with Him
WHAT HAS YOUR LIFE BEEN
By Oran Hill
Have you ever stopped to think just what your life
has been
Are you what you want to be or what you should
have been
Are you proud of how you live, or hope it won’t be
seen
Does your neighbor see the good in you, or is the
bad all that’s ever seen
You may have your money and everything you
need
But out of all your worldly treasures is your
conscience clean
Do you know the Savior and of His love and grace
Or have you been too busy to seek His loving
face
If He called upon you now would you rejoice to
see His face
Or would you try to find a place to hide all your
disgrace
LOOKING FOR JESUS
By Austin Cooper
I was looking for Jesus, There praying in the pew
I was looking for Jesus, I was born brand new
I was looking for Jesus, You know His story is true
Jesus touched me and in my heart I knew
That soldier really speared Him, stuck a hole here in
His side
He was bloody from the beating before He was
crucified
When I think how Jesus suffered that day that He
died
I can’t help it, I hang my head and I cry
I was looking for Jesus, And I found me a friend
I was looking for Jesus, I guess I always have been
I was looking for Jesus, I looked everywhere and then
I found Jesus and He washed away my sin
Mary came looking for Jesus, full of grief and dread
There at His tomb she found angels instead
They brought news and this is what he said
The angel told Mary, Jesus rose from the dead
I was looking for Jesus, Everywhere that I go
I was looking for Jesus, When will He show
I was looking for Jesus, I want Him to know
That I’m looking for Him, because I love Him so
I prayed to God, Father give me a sign
To prove for sure that Jesus is mine
He said it’s faith, not seeing, some of the time
Just love Me my children and everything will be just
fine
I was looking for Jesus, In everything that I do
I was looking for Jesus, He’ll be coming soon
I was looking for Jesus, You know He loves you
Let’s all look together because He loves me, too
I looked way up yonder and what did I see
My Savior on the clouds coming for me
I believed on His Name that was the key
I’ll be in heaven if you are looking for me
I was looking for Jesus, I was not afraid
I was looking for Jesus, Best move I ever made
I was looking for Jesus, So my soul would be saved
None of us are worthy of the price that He paid
Up here in Heaven the streets are made of gold
I live in a mansion just as Jesus foretold
We all live forever and never grow old
Everywhere I look I see wings and halos
I was looking for Jesus, He didn’t leave me behind
I was looking for Jesus, Praying for a sign
I was looking for Jesus, He was there all the time
While I was looking for Him, He was already mine
God Bless America
Page 13 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
My Testimony
By James Bowman
Howdy Cowboys and Cowgirls, I pray that this
finds y’all doing good. First of all I would like to
praise God for the opportunity to share my
testimony. It is my utmost hope that the Good Lord
will use it to accomplish His will and bring glory to
His name.
I was raised on a small ranch just outside of
Crockett, Texas. The Lord blessed me with a loving,
Christian family. I grew up in the church, usually
attending 2 or 3 services a week. My family taught
me about Jesus and how to live a Christian life. I
accepted Jesus as my Savior and was baptized
just before my eighth birthday. I couldn’t have
asked for a better life growing up. About the time
I entered high school things began to change. I
began to see that it wasn’t popular or “cool” to be a
Christian. So I gradually stopped associating with
my Christian friends and started hanging around
the wrong crowd. Even worse was that I began
separating myself from God.
As time went on things got worse, I started
drinking, became rebellious and disobedient…to
God, my family and authority. All of this led me to
coming to prison shortly after my eighteenth
birthday. But that still wasn’t enough for God to
get my attention. My heart was so callus that I was
going to do this time the way I wanted to, which
led me to frequently getting into trouble and more
than my share of violence.
During the next 19 years I did time in several
different units of prisons, living the way I wanted.
In 2009 I was transferred back to a unit that I had
been on about 10 years earlier. Not long after
arriving there I ran into Richie. I had known Richie
when I was there before and he is a very good
friend of mine, and just like me he was an ol’ outlaw.
When Richie saw me his face lit up and he said, “I
was just thinking about you.” (Looking back I know
that was the Holy Spirit already at work.) He asked
me to meet him in the chapel to catch up on old
times. (You see in prison, chapels ain’t just places
of worship, but also meeting places.)
So when Sunday rolled around I met up with
him in the Chapel and we started talking about
things that had been going on in our lives. When
the service began and they called on Richie to pray,
I was shocked. And folks let me tell ya, he can
Pray! After the service he went on to tell me how
he had surrendered his life to Christ, and he
encouraged me to change the way I was living.
Richie is like a brother to me and the only way I
would get a chance to visit with him was in the
chapel. So I started attending the services regularly
and over the next few years I changed the way I
was living, but I still hadn’t surrendered everything
to Christ.
In 2012, my unit held the first ever prison
“Emmaus Walk” which is basically a lock-in. They
locked about 50 men in the chapel for 3 days, and
they ate in the chapel and slept on the floor. Richie
was blessed to be a part of that first one and he
told me such good things about it that I signed up
for the second one. Well, I was selected to go and
it was a weekend I will never forget. The entire
weekend was spent in praise, worship, prayer,
listening to various preachers, and quiet time in
the Word of God.
Never in my life have I been a part of something
so powerful. You could feel the Holy Spirit moving
and that is something I had never experienced
before. It was late at night on March 30, 2012 that
I finally came to know Jesus in a personal and
intimate way. I finally surrendered everything to
Him, and folks let me tell you that He has radically
changed my life. It has only been a little over a
year since that night but He has truly blessed me,
not in a material way, but by revealing just how
much He loves me.
2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack
concerning His promises, as some count
slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing
that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.” I spent 22 years in this prison living
a sinful life so I whole heartedly thank God for being
longsuffering toward me. Jesus was merciful and
poured His grace out on me, and He wants to do
the same for all who have gone astray. Folks, we
ain’t promised tomorrow, so if you ain’t right with
Jesus right now I want to urge you to repent and
surrender everything to Christ. And if you have
never known Jesus, there’s no time like now to get
to know Him. Don’t waste so much of your life like
I did, invite Him into your heart today.
I pray that the Lord will use this testimony to
touch someone’s heart. Friends, Jesus is waiting
to receive any and all that will answer His call. May
the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with each of you, see y’all on the trail. Your brother
in Christ, James Bowman
*RECYCLE*
THE CHRISTIAN
RANCHMAN
IS NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR
WEBSITE!
SHARE YOUR COPY
WITH SOMEONE
ELSE AND READ IT
ONLINE AT
www.cowboysforchrist.net
Cuttin’ On The Lazy K
By Skeeter Ray Martin
He’s out of the ranch house early the Cowboss
was, cause there ain’t no bein’ lazy ’round the Lazy
K.
The Cowboss, why he’s a God fearin’ man. He
knows his name is written in the Lamb’s book of
life with the ink of his Savior’s Blood. There’s more
to this cutter than just sortin’ a bovine, I know,
‘cause I’ve seen it.
When the horses hear him stirin’ about, they know
there’s no more grazin’ and there’s work to be done.
They are haltered, saddled and stretched. Them
mares are wantin’ to get bossy under the saddle,
but Cowboss ain’t havin’it none. He’s gonna
work’em hard to make’em soft at the bit.
Cowboss is workin’ his cow horses. He’s workin’
his cows and he’s workin his cowhands, that’s a
dog who’s hard of hearin’ and a greenhorn wattie
that ain’t much better.
They’s all workin’ up a sweat, ‘cause the Cowboss
is about he and his mares havin’ one mind in the
head.
That’s cuttin’ that cow on the Lazy K.
(This here little jig is for the trailboss, namely David,
who’s workin’ for another Trailboss, namely Jesus)
WE NEED YOUR
TESTIMONY
Email, Snail Mail or
Pony Express....
Any way you can get it to
us!
Page 14 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
IS THAT ALL THERE IS
- PART 2
Testimony by Phil Brown
This is the second part of Phil’s testimony,
please see the May/June Christian Ranchman
for part one
At three week I was back to normal and they
released me. However, the doctor warned me not
to drink again, as my system would no longer
tolerate it and it could kill me. Well, I knew I couldn’t
face life without drinking and so I went back to one
of my doctors and told him I could not stop drinking
unless he gave me some drugs to help me cope
with life. So he gave me a strong tranquilizer saying
it would take the place of alcohol, however only a
few days went by until I started drinking again. I
decided I could not live without it, plus I went ahead
and took the tranquilizers and also was smoking
three packs of cigarettes a day. I got worse than
ever and I would drink in the morning, before work
and at lunch time and alone at home at night. I felt
so alone and desperate and depressed that I had
thoughts of suicide again.
One night I flipped the television dial and
stopped on a Billy Graham Crusade and I become
so overwhelmed with conviction that I prayed the
Sinner’s Prayer there in my living room alone and
I cried my heart out to God. Little did I know that
this was the biggest decision I would ever make in
my entire life. Now cigarettes were making me
sick and I cried to God to set me free from them
and He did. Through Him I was able to quit smoking
after 25 years and I never smoked again. However,
I kept on drinking, because I still needed my crutch.
Every Sunday morning I went to a restaurant a
few miles from home to eat breakfast and there
was a church named Northside Baptist that I
passed by going and coming and I had been doing
it for years. But now when I passed by that church
I suddenly had a strong desire to go in and it
became almost overwhelming, but I could not
understand why. So I decided to go the next
Sunday as it seemed the Lord was telling me this
is what I want you to do for Me and besides, I knew
if I didn’t do something my lifestyle would kill me.
When they gave the invitation I knew I should
go forward, but I was scared and resisted. A few
Sundays later, in June 1974, when they gave the
invitation the urge to go forward was so strong I
could hardly resist, but I said to God, “I cannot go
up there because I’m still a sinner” and He said,
“Come, just as you are.” I said, “But Lord, I’m
scared and I need to straighten out my life.” He
said, “COME NOW, just as you are.” I shot out
and up the aisle as though being propelled and I
made a public decision and asked to follow Him in
baptism. I was overwhelmed as all the people
came up to greet me and wondered what was next.
That night the Lord said, “Don’t worry, I will never
leave you.” At that time the Lord set me free from
using foul language.
My problem now was that I was saved and soon
to be baptized, but I was still a hopeless alcoholic
of 25 years and I could not face life without my
crutch. I cried out to God and prayed as never
before and said, “Lord, only You can help and now
that I’ve come to You I know I must change, but I
cannot do it alone.” And I said, “Lord I still crave
alcohol and I’m desperate. What must I do?” The
Lord said, “Have faith and stop drinking, now! You
are free. Just trust Me and keep your eyes on Me
and I’ll be with you.”
After work the next day as I neared the liquor
store that I had stopped at every day for the last
ten years, I thought about what the Lord said and
I just went right on by and then as the days went
by I lost my desire and I had no tremors or
withdrawal problems and no more nightmares. I
had an inner peace that I never had before and I
said, “Praise God, I am free at last.” Then I realized
I was still addicted to all of those drugs I had been
taking and it seemed another mountain was before
me, and I prayed to God once again to set me
free. In faith I stopped taking drugs and after a
few weeks I felt like I had woke up out of a dream
and all the past was like a distant haze. Life
seemed worth living for the first time, and I had no
withdrawal symptoms through it all. I also realized
that the Lord had restored me to the same quiet
and shy personality that I had as a child.
Now just when I though all was well, events
came about that brought up my bad discharge from
the Air Force, and it hung over me like a dark cloud.
Not knowing what to do, I took it to the Lord in
prayer. Now the Lord impressed upon me to write
a letter to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and
explain to him that I had repented. To me this
seemed stupid, and I thought why a man of such
high rank would be concerned with my past record.
But the Lord said to write the letter, and so I did.
To my surprise a few weeks later a large envelope
arrived with not only an Honorable Discharge for
me, but also a nice letter from the Chief of Staff.
And I praised God.
Now I made the mistake of thinking I had it made
and settled into my Christian walk, so to speak. I
went to church on Sunday morning and when I got
home I put my Bible up until next Sunday. I just
gave what money I could spare and thought to
myself it was OK, because I cannot afford to tithe
anyway. I had not learned that you reap what you
sow. Now this went on for some time and things
were not really going right and I said, “Lord, is that
all there is?”
Much of the time I would lie in bed at night and
think about the past and all the wild times I used to
have and I more or less entertained these thoughts
and I didn’t see any harm in it. However, one night
around midnight, as I was doing that a Scripture
verses flashed in my mind, it was like a bolt of
lightning hit me and it scared me. Romans 13:1114 I had no idea what that Scripture was, because
after all I did not spend that much time in the Bible
anyway. I jumped out of bed, turned on the light
and looked it up. As I read that scripture, the Lord
led me to other Scriptures also and spoke to me
and revealed to me that I was on the wrong road.
I will share that Scripture with you from The Living
Bible, as that is what I was using at that time.
Romans 13:11-14 Another reason for right living is
this: you know how late it is; time is running out.
Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now
than when we first believed. 12-13 The night is far
gone, the day of his return will soon be here. So
quit the evil deeds of darkness and put on the armor
of right living, as we who live in the daylight should!
Be decent and true in everything you do so that all
can approve your behavior. Don’t spend your time
in wild parties and getting drunk or in adultery and
lust or fighting or jealousy. 14 But ask the Lord
Jesus Christ to help you live as you should, and
don’t make plans to enjoy evil.
And then the Lord said, “No, that’s not all there
is!” He said, “If you want more and IF YOU WANT
ME to bless you and if you want to have a victorious
life then you must let Me be Lord.” He said, “I am
your Savior, but not your Lord.” This is what you
must do; you must let Me be first in your life in
every way.” He said, “You must deny yourself and
take up your cross every day and live for Me. You
must surrender to Me totally and completely without
compromise.” He said, “I hate mediocrity and lukewarmness; you must be hot or cold.” And I said,
“Surely Lord, and I want to be hot.”
So the Lord revealed to me that I must change
my attitude and get rid of anger and bitterness and
forgive everyone as He forgave me and if anyone
is angry with me, I must go to them and forgive
them and not just put it aside. He said that I must
let Him be Lord over the TV I watch and the movies
I see and the company I keep. He said that I was
to have a pure heart and a pure mind and to stop
entertaining all those evil thoughts of the past. I
said, “Even that Lord!” And He said, “Yes, because
whatever you think that is what you are and I cannot
work out of a garbage can.”
The Lord said, “You must tithe first and have
faith in me to supply your needs, even when you’re
down to your last, I must be first.” The Lord told
me to spend time in the Word every day, preferably
first thing in the morning, seeking His will. And He
said, “There’s more to church than just occupying
a pew on Sunday morning each week.” He said,
“When I give you a blessing, don’t keep it, rather
use it to bless someone else.”
The Lord said, “I AM all there is, and if you put
Me first and do all these things, then when the world
(Cont. on Pg. 15)
Page 15 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
IS THAT ALL THERE IS
- PART 2
(Cont. from Pg. 14)
looks at you, they will see me, and this will glorify
Me, and only then, can you truly say I am your
Lord.”
So one by one I surrendered these things to the
Lord and I started putting Him first and tithing and
soon the Lord heaped upon me blessing after
blessings. Certainly this is not to say that I don’t
have any problems, I can assure you I have plenty
of them. But instead of seeking the solutions to
the problems myself, I give them to the Lord in
prayer and I find that He will answer in His time,
according to His will. The answer is not always
the one I want, but He knows what is best and I
just have faith and trust in Him.
Now I’m not perfect and I know I never will be,
but the Lord is still working on me. And He said,
“Walk in My will every day and I will bless you, if
you don’t then you will reap just what you sow.”
“AND THAT’S ALL THERE IS”
Now in closing I’d just like to say that at least
25 years of my life was wasted in the hopeless
despair of alcohol and drug abuse and pleasure
seeking, but when I cried out to the Lord, He
reached down and lifted me out of that pit. This
world is a big cesspool of immorality and greed
and lust of the flesh and God’s judgment is going
to come upon us. And the wages of sin is death,
and I thank God that He was long suffering and
allowed me to live long enough to meet Jesus
and be born again and repent. Now, I don’t know
how much time I have left here on earth, but I do
know when it’s up, I’ll go home to be with the Lord
forever. Thank you for letting me share my
testimony.
Testimony
By Robert Barnard
(Cont. from Pg. 1)
David consolidates his power over all of Israel.
This man is full of courage, has tremendous
management skills, and is a leader among leaders.
And then comes along this little cutie-pie –
Bathsheba. Oh my! Did he forget God? And then he
plots the murder of her husband. Wow! What was
he thinking?
So here I am. A broken man and convicted by
the Holy Spirit of my sins.
And all I wanted to do was dance. I was feeling
guilty of all my wrongdoings. How could I dance with
God when I was such a failure?
Then I truly learned about the Cross and the
sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on that Cross.
All of us have fallen short and none of us deserve
that dance. I’m now forgiven and guess what?
I now have that dance. And what a dance it is!
And now I’m just beginning to get over that fear,
that self- consciousness, and I don’t care what you
think. Go ahead call me names; I’m used to that to
be sure. You can now call me a dancer.
I’m dancing with My Lord and Savior. Come and
join us.
As we are underway into 2013,
the sluggish economy is still a
cloud over many of our heads.
We are all trying to make money
stretch further in 2013 and The
Christian Ranchman is no
different. We will be going to bimonthly papers this year so that
we may continue to send this
paper out. We ask that you please
remember your brother and sister
in Christ in your prayers, as well
as the staff here at Cowboys for
Christ that this is the year we
make more time to spend with
God. All gifts given to this
ministry are tax deductible, we
sure need them!
Death, as Christians understand it, is a
change in the form of life; it is not a
cessation of life. Those who have been
given eternal life in Christ Jesus will spend
a few fleeting moments here on this earth.
The rest of eternity is spent in the presence
of God.
Service in the name of Christ can also
live on, even though the servant has gone
to his heavenly reward.
A living memorial in the name of a loved
one, in the form of contributions, bequests
or gifts to the work of Cowboys For Christ,
will be acknowledged with a reproduction
of the Keith Avery drawing, "A Time For
Looking Back". Keith's poem accompanying the drawing. "Checkin' the Back Trail",
will also be included with the reproduction
of the drawing, in a framable presentation
which acknowledges the receipt of the gift.
Memorial Gifts
Cowboys For Christ
P.O. Box 7557,
Fort Worth, TX 76111
This donation is in memory
of:
Name: _____________________________
Address:____________________________
City: ______________State: __ Zip: _____
DONOR: ___________________________
Address: ___________________________
City:______________State: __ Zip: ______
Page 16 * THE CHRISTIAN RANCHMAN * July / August 2013
No Bull About Jesus at Cummins
Prison
Cowboys and Cowgirls, we sure had a great
time of ministry at Grady Arkansas with the No Bull
About Jesus Chapter and Sparky, the Texas
Longhorn steer. Kane Riggs and his very
committed prison ministry team joined me to take
JESUS CHRIST to the guys who are there at the
Cummins Unit. This was my third ministry trip to
Cummins and I must say that I greatly enjoyed
visiting with the guys that I have met there before
and also meeting the new ones.
All eyes were on Sparky as Kane rode him
through the gate into the yard and that sure gave
us a major opportunity to share JESUS CHRIST
to everyone there. And share JESUS CHRIST is
something that Kane and the dedicated group of
cowboys of the chapter really likes to do and they
are good at it, too. Because after I had opened
with prayer; Mike and his guitar and Kane and his
harmonica went to singing and playing which sure
kept the attention of everyone there. I joked that
Mike gave Willie Nelson singing lessons, but I
wasn’t kidding about his talent. He can sure sing
and with Kane as back up playing the harmonica
and singing, they were awesome.
Each cowboy of the team gives their own
powerful testimony of how the LORD has changed
their lives and delivered them from drugs and
alcohol. They know that the LORD has also sent
them to proclaim the LOVE of JESUS to those who
have been caught in that snare of satan. These
guys are really dedicated and travel many miles
and conduct many Cowboy Church services in jail
and prisons throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma.
It was a privilege to share in their work and to enjoy
their fellowship for the weekend. They are great
examples of what it really means to serve the
LORD and to reach out to the lost and hurting.
Please pray for them as they continue to serve
and be on the watch for some exciting news as
they expand their efforts to reach out to those that
are unwanted or feel unloved.
I want to thank Chaplain Banks for the invitation
to Cowboys For Christ to go there and minister
and for getting everything worked out and also
especially for his friendship. I am so thankful for
his love of the LORD and desire to serve that
makes ministry there so welcome. Also big thanks
to Chaplain Gary Ralls of the First Baptist Church
of Gould for so graciously hosting the chapter for
the weekend. We had great accommodations in
the church and Sparky and his traveling buddy,
Gumo (a brahman bull) were blessed to camp out
under the large trees on the church grounds.
The LORD’S work and ministry was greatly
accomplished there both days with souls saved,
lives changed and wonderful times of prayer and
seeking HIS WILL. GOD is good.
L - R - Abram, Dennis, Jamie, Kane, Sparky and Mike
A super big “thank you” to Pastor Ford Adkins
(a top rodeo hand a few years back) and his fine
group of Cowboys and Cowgirls of the Cross
Timbers Cowboys Church for making us so very
welcome and especially for allowing Jimmy Wayne
to share his horse training secrets, as well as, the
Word of God at the morning service. I must relay
to everyone that I had the special pleasure of
meeting James Bowman’s father, who attends
Cross Timbers Cowboy Church. I did not know
that this was the church that he attended and when
he came up and introduced himself it sure made
the day even more special. I sure want to thank
Jimmy Wayne for a great horsemanship clinic and
to the folks of the church for the wonderful
fellowship.
Chaplain Ralls on Sparky, Kane, Mike, Dennis, Jamie
and Abram
No Bull Horsemanship
By Jimmy Wayne Zercher
Russ Pressley and I were greatly blessed to
travel down to Lufkin, TX to the Cross Timbers
Cowboy Church to hear Jimmy Wayne proclaim the
Word of God at the Sunday morning service. Jimmy
Wayne did a great job of relating horsemanship
principles to the God’s Holy Word and explaining
how to apply those principles in our lives. What a
neat teaching to keep your horse’s body straight
and to keep them moving forward, which certainly
can be applied to our Christian walk.
We were then blessed to a BBQ sandwich, chips
and ice tea by the youth of the church. After
partaking of this “cowboy grub” we headed out to
the arena for some instruction and pointers by
Jimmy Wayne on using the principles of keeping
the body straight and moving forward in
horsemanship fashion as we school and train our
horses. There were a number of cowboys and
cowgirls that brought their horses to receive
individual guidance on their own horses, as well
as, a bunch of spectators that were taking notes to
take back to their stables and their horses.
Jimmy Wayne Zercher, Pastor Ford Adkins and Dave
Harvey
Jimmy Wayne (setting on the horse giving
instructions)