On the long bus ride from Kansas City, MO to Ft. Leonard Wood, I had several hours to contemplate what would lie ahead for me in the United States Army. After receiving uniforms, equipment, an orientation, and a fancy haircut it was Sunday and so I thought it would be the right thing to go to chapel. I was surprised to find a chapel full of young men and a chaplain who preached a great sermon. I went back that night and became acquainted with Chaplain (Major) John H. Brown. His name was as common as mine.
Chaplain Brown was an officer of great influence. A chaplain really has no power, but he can have great influence. In the reception station at Ft. Wood, Chaplain Brown was greatly respected throughout the unit. The cadre loved him because he was often in the company areas not only meeting them, but also the recruits. Sgt. Martin was Catholic, but he loved Chaplain Brown and often made his Sunday announcement like this: "Protestant worship services begin in ten minutes. All men who want to go to church fall out to my right and I will pick my details from those left!" Of course, nearly everyone got in line to go to church.
Services at the chapel where Chaplain Brown preached were always filled to capacity not only because of announcements like those of Sgt. Martin, but because he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was one of the best pulpiteers I have heard. We would often go on field trips and have services in the field for the men.
Chaplain Brown served our country in Korea. Some of the stories he shared with me were both inspirational and sobbering. One day he and his assistant were in a jeep pulling a trailer up a hill and they kept hearing what he called a "Chinese Burp Gun." Some Americans came running down the hill and told them to turn around because the Chinese were coming by the thousands. Chaplain Brown told his assistant to turn the jeep around and unhook the trailer and get out of there. His assistant said he could turn the jeep around but for him to get out and start running. With bullets hitting all around him, Chaplain Brown crossed a river and climbed a ledge to safety. Later he asked about his assistant and found him. Brown was told that it was a good thing that he left because there were bullet holes through the windshield in front of where he had been riding.
At Ft Wood, Chaplain Brown was moved from the reception station to the 5th Training Regiment because of the jealousy of the Post Chaplain. In that unit, the crowds became so large that they had to move their services from the chapel to one of the movie theaters. After that, a new post chaplain wanted him to move to the fort's housing area and try to build up Sunday School. I left Baylor that summer and helped him organize a new Sunday School. My job was to get it all on paper. His job was to get people to fill the various positions. In June there was a regular attendance of 150. The first Sunday of September was the first Sunday for the new Sunday School and there were over 800 in attendance. People followed him, not because of any power he had, but because of his great influence.
I would like to be that kind of person - a real director of influence.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
REUNION TIME
Friday, September 7 was the day for our high school reunion. The day began early for me as I had to chair a meeting of MOHELA that began at 8:00 am. I was dressed in slacks, shirt, tie, and sport jacket. At 10:00 am, I dismissed myself from the meeting and started the 210 mile drive to Springfield.
There was not a time for me to change my dress because our group was to leave Springfield at 2 pm for the bus ride to Branson. Everyone else was dressed appropiately for Branson. I was still in my board meeting attire. At Branson, suddenly the rain stopped and the sun came out and I was still in my more formal dress. It was very hot as we toured the Landing and then ate at the Candlestick Inn, which overlooks Branson. After the Soji Tabuchi (spelling) Show, we returned to Springfield and finally at 11 pm I was able to switch to pajamas.
We were able to tour the original Greenwood building on the campus of Missouri State University which now houses the School of Education. The building shows wear and tear after all these years, but we enjoyed reliving special days of an earlier life. There was a swimming pool in the building and it now houses the ceramic division of the art department. Ceramic materials are now in the pool structure which is plainly in view. We then toured the new Greenwood and had lunch in one of the Commons areas of Missouri State University.
In the evening, we dined at Riverside Inn in Ozark, MO and had a time of remembrance as well as a skit, and trying to remember the businesses on the Springfield square when we were in high school. I gave out a lot of door prizes, including an autographed baseball by Lou Brock for Jerry Fallin's grandson.
Sunday we met informally in an area of Fay Ollis's apartment. Wayne Niederhuth, our class president, gave a devotional and then I went to the piano and we sang some Christian choruses. Good time!!
For me, the most striking thing about those in attendance, was their Christian commitment. Our original class had 28 members. Six are now deceased and 17 attended the reunion. Mike is a trustee in his church; Paul is a trustee in his church;
Wayne is a pastor; Jerry is a leader in his church, FBC-Orlando, Fl: George is a pastor, David, Beverly, Barbara, Ann, Gigi, and Bill are active in their churches.
Today, I went to the Christian Businessmen's Prayer Breakfast. Cal Thomas was the speaker. God is really GOOD.
There was not a time for me to change my dress because our group was to leave Springfield at 2 pm for the bus ride to Branson. Everyone else was dressed appropiately for Branson. I was still in my board meeting attire. At Branson, suddenly the rain stopped and the sun came out and I was still in my more formal dress. It was very hot as we toured the Landing and then ate at the Candlestick Inn, which overlooks Branson. After the Soji Tabuchi (spelling) Show, we returned to Springfield and finally at 11 pm I was able to switch to pajamas.
We were able to tour the original Greenwood building on the campus of Missouri State University which now houses the School of Education. The building shows wear and tear after all these years, but we enjoyed reliving special days of an earlier life. There was a swimming pool in the building and it now houses the ceramic division of the art department. Ceramic materials are now in the pool structure which is plainly in view. We then toured the new Greenwood and had lunch in one of the Commons areas of Missouri State University.
In the evening, we dined at Riverside Inn in Ozark, MO and had a time of remembrance as well as a skit, and trying to remember the businesses on the Springfield square when we were in high school. I gave out a lot of door prizes, including an autographed baseball by Lou Brock for Jerry Fallin's grandson.
Sunday we met informally in an area of Fay Ollis's apartment. Wayne Niederhuth, our class president, gave a devotional and then I went to the piano and we sang some Christian choruses. Good time!!
For me, the most striking thing about those in attendance, was their Christian commitment. Our original class had 28 members. Six are now deceased and 17 attended the reunion. Mike is a trustee in his church; Paul is a trustee in his church;
Wayne is a pastor; Jerry is a leader in his church, FBC-Orlando, Fl: George is a pastor, David, Beverly, Barbara, Ann, Gigi, and Bill are active in their churches.
Today, I went to the Christian Businessmen's Prayer Breakfast. Cal Thomas was the speaker. God is really GOOD.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Greenwood High School - Springfield, MO
My mother enrolled me in Greenwood shortly after I was born. I began formal education in Greenwood's kindergarten along with 29 other children, a class of 15 boys and 15 girls. Greenwood was not a private school, but a school located on the campus of Missouri State University that served as a training school for prospective teachers. I was blessed to have excellent teachers along the way and spent 13 years in that school.
It is interesting to note that even with 30 young people in our class, each one graduated from high school and matriculated into college. Not everyone graduated from college, but most did. Still today, I enjoy relationships with several of those classmates.
This weekend, I will return to Springfield for a reunion with at least 17 members of my class. Of the original group, six have died which makes the turnout for the weekend remarkable. We plan to go by bus to Branson for dinner and the Shoji Tobuchi Show. The trip to and from Branson should be a good time catching up because we always take up where we left off. On Saturday, we will visit the building that housed Greenwood when we were students. It is now the education building of Missouri State. Memories will be voiced and so many good times remembered. Saturday evening, we will meet for dinner at Riverside Inn in Ozark, MO. My uncle Will Keltner took me there when I was about 3years old. During the evening, we will have some entertainment by a couple of classmates, a challenge of their recall about Springfield, and I am going to give each member of the class some kind of remembrance of the evening. I plan to give Jerry Fallin a baseball autographed by Lou Brock for his grandson. Sue helped produce a mini-yearbook of those who will attend the reunion. In that little book are answers to some questions and pictures of classmates, their families, a look at the old days and a view of previous reunions. Sue worked that into her altogether too busy schedule and if there is one person who has no appreciation of the book, they will have to deal with me.
Sunday morning, we will meet for brunch and a message from our class president, Wayne Niederhuth. Wayne is a pastor and has also served as a Navy Chaplain. We will sing a few choruses of praise before ending the reunion. It is so special that almost all members of the class are active in a church. My first remembrance of the hymn "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" was not singing it in church, but in the processional to begin the elementary Christmas program at Greenwood.
Sharing these remembrances on the blog is for my benefit I guess. I hope it rings a bell of thanksgiving for all that God has given you. God truly is SO good.
It is interesting to note that even with 30 young people in our class, each one graduated from high school and matriculated into college. Not everyone graduated from college, but most did. Still today, I enjoy relationships with several of those classmates.
This weekend, I will return to Springfield for a reunion with at least 17 members of my class. Of the original group, six have died which makes the turnout for the weekend remarkable. We plan to go by bus to Branson for dinner and the Shoji Tobuchi Show. The trip to and from Branson should be a good time catching up because we always take up where we left off. On Saturday, we will visit the building that housed Greenwood when we were students. It is now the education building of Missouri State. Memories will be voiced and so many good times remembered. Saturday evening, we will meet for dinner at Riverside Inn in Ozark, MO. My uncle Will Keltner took me there when I was about 3years old. During the evening, we will have some entertainment by a couple of classmates, a challenge of their recall about Springfield, and I am going to give each member of the class some kind of remembrance of the evening. I plan to give Jerry Fallin a baseball autographed by Lou Brock for his grandson. Sue helped produce a mini-yearbook of those who will attend the reunion. In that little book are answers to some questions and pictures of classmates, their families, a look at the old days and a view of previous reunions. Sue worked that into her altogether too busy schedule and if there is one person who has no appreciation of the book, they will have to deal with me.
Sunday morning, we will meet for brunch and a message from our class president, Wayne Niederhuth. Wayne is a pastor and has also served as a Navy Chaplain. We will sing a few choruses of praise before ending the reunion. It is so special that almost all members of the class are active in a church. My first remembrance of the hymn "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" was not singing it in church, but in the processional to begin the elementary Christmas program at Greenwood.
Sharing these remembrances on the blog is for my benefit I guess. I hope it rings a bell of thanksgiving for all that God has given you. God truly is SO good.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
FUN DAY WITH A GREAT LADY AND MAN
Yesterday (Aug 28) was such a fun day spent with Lou and Jackie Brock at their home and at MOHELA. For those who are not baseball fans, Lou played for the St. Louis Cardinals and had over 3000 hits and 938 stolen bases in his illustrious career. He still holds more World Series records than any other player in the history of major league baseball. Both Lou and Jackie are outstanding Christians and it is always special when Jackie prays. The Holy Spirit takes us to the throne of grace and touches the very heart of God. The Brocks have been instrumental in establishing worship services each year during the Hall of Fame induction day at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
In 2002, Lou was presented with the Horatio Alger Award for Distinguished Americans along with Judge Clarence Thomas of the United States Supreme Court, former Secretary of State Heny Kissinger, etc. Obviously, not every one receives this award and is inducted into this society.
Lou is extremely intelligent. It is always fun to have a Biblical discussion with him. He has great insight into spiritual matters. He said: "I had a lot of successes in baseball, but to me success is when you make the most of your natural abilities and combine that with a spiritual awareness in such a way that you are living according to the Word of God - then you have true success." Brock recalls that before each game he said a prayer during the national anthem. "I still say that prayer when I wake up," he says. "I thank the Lord for the breath of life and then I say, "Let your will be done today - not mine." That prayer gives me the courage and strength to do what needs to be done each day of my life."
As we walked through the work stations of MOHELA, people reached out to touch him, shake hands with him, get an autograph and/or picture. Employees of MOHELA thought of friends and parents who would have loved to have the opportunity just to be with him. They also loved Jackie's ring from the 2006 World Series.
In the book, "Only in America," Lou has written the following on the inside of the book:
"To: John and Sue
We love you!
Lou Brock and Rev. Jackie Brock
Now that is SPECIAL!
In 2002, Lou was presented with the Horatio Alger Award for Distinguished Americans along with Judge Clarence Thomas of the United States Supreme Court, former Secretary of State Heny Kissinger, etc. Obviously, not every one receives this award and is inducted into this society.
Lou is extremely intelligent. It is always fun to have a Biblical discussion with him. He has great insight into spiritual matters. He said: "I had a lot of successes in baseball, but to me success is when you make the most of your natural abilities and combine that with a spiritual awareness in such a way that you are living according to the Word of God - then you have true success." Brock recalls that before each game he said a prayer during the national anthem. "I still say that prayer when I wake up," he says. "I thank the Lord for the breath of life and then I say, "Let your will be done today - not mine." That prayer gives me the courage and strength to do what needs to be done each day of my life."
As we walked through the work stations of MOHELA, people reached out to touch him, shake hands with him, get an autograph and/or picture. Employees of MOHELA thought of friends and parents who would have loved to have the opportunity just to be with him. They also loved Jackie's ring from the 2006 World Series.
In the book, "Only in America," Lou has written the following on the inside of the book:
"To: John and Sue
We love you!
Lou Brock and Rev. Jackie Brock
Now that is SPECIAL!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
PLANNING TIME
It has been a little more than a week since I have blogged. During that time, I have been planning a reunion for my high school class. I started attending Greenwood in kindergarten and finished high school at that same institution. Greenwood is an interesting institution in that it remains the only school of its kind in Missouri. Located on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Greenwood has been a training school for prospective teachers since its inception 100 years ago. We always had a number of student teachers. If prospective teachers could survive our class, we knew they would make good teachers. When I was there, we had 15 boys and 15 girls in each class. Athletically, we always had really good teams and defeated schools that were much larger. The Greenwood of 2007 is much different. Tuition is much, much, much higher and by law they cannot dictate the number of boys or girls in a class. Sadly, that meant the end of the football program that had been so successful. Those in my class, however, still have so many memories of good times shared and lessons learned. I believe the arrangements we have made for the reunion will be well-received by all of us.
For some time, I have been giving thought to how the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) can help the students in the St. Louis School District to not only want to go to college, but help them financially to do so. Helping in high school is too late, so my focus is on kindergarten. The first kindergarten in the United States was in the St. Louis School District. Once a very proud and effective district, their performance of late on standardized testing has been deplorable. These negative results have caused the state of Missouri to take over the responsibilities of running the district from the elected Board of Education. On August 20, the MOHELA Board will have an opportunity to approve a program that will begin to move the St. Louis School District in a positive direction. MOHELA has hired my friend Ed Wtkins to help get corporations in St. Loouis to line up with MOHELA to finally achieve the goal of once again having a great school district in St. Louis. I will write more about this later if the MOHELA approves our plan.
I am too old to be having this much fun. Regardless, it is happening
For some time, I have been giving thought to how the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) can help the students in the St. Louis School District to not only want to go to college, but help them financially to do so. Helping in high school is too late, so my focus is on kindergarten. The first kindergarten in the United States was in the St. Louis School District. Once a very proud and effective district, their performance of late on standardized testing has been deplorable. These negative results have caused the state of Missouri to take over the responsibilities of running the district from the elected Board of Education. On August 20, the MOHELA Board will have an opportunity to approve a program that will begin to move the St. Louis School District in a positive direction. MOHELA has hired my friend Ed Wtkins to help get corporations in St. Loouis to line up with MOHELA to finally achieve the goal of once again having a great school district in St. Louis. I will write more about this later if the MOHELA approves our plan.
I am too old to be having this much fun. Regardless, it is happening
Friday, July 27, 2007
A LOT OF STUFF
Holly and Guy Zabka, our younger daughter and son-in-law, are delightful and talented young people. What oftentimes ends in disaster became a classic marriage after the soon-to-be mother-in-law introduced them. Guy comes from an excellent Christian and talented family, his father having written the original theme song for the long running television NBC program called "The Tonight Show." Guy's brother, Billy, was the mean kid in the movie "The Karate Kid." Holly was chosen to be a member of the varisty St. Charles High Dance line when she was a freshman and a cheerleader in her junior and senior years. Enrolling in Missouri State University, Holly was a member of the university's dance squad known as the Sugar Bears. Following graduation from MSU, Holly became a cheerleader for the St. Louis Rams. She grew up singing with One Accord and ended up loving Christian music.
Holly and Guy just had a beautiful baby girl. When Granddad says beautiful, we know it has to be true. If you have one brain, you cannot help but see the hand of God in the birthing process. How precious that is and to think that Jesus came into the world through the process is almost unbelievable. Almost unbelievable!
The Zabka's two sons, Jacob 6, and Houston 3, were at first a bit standoffish with their little sister, but now have warmed to the addition to their family. Those boys make me laugh and be grateful for their lives. I told Jacob I was going to arrange for him to go to a baseball camp next summer sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. He told me he already knew how to play baseball.
Sue and I have a little car for the grandkids to drive on the basketball court in our backyard. Houston says it is his car and grandpa says it is his. We tease each other as each says "my car."
I came home on Saturday to face some challenges which I will share at another time. Sue and I are indeed grateful for Jesus, family, and friends.
It's getting close to WAJ!!! Watch for announcements on the web site.
Holly and Guy just had a beautiful baby girl. When Granddad says beautiful, we know it has to be true. If you have one brain, you cannot help but see the hand of God in the birthing process. How precious that is and to think that Jesus came into the world through the process is almost unbelievable. Almost unbelievable!
The Zabka's two sons, Jacob 6, and Houston 3, were at first a bit standoffish with their little sister, but now have warmed to the addition to their family. Those boys make me laugh and be grateful for their lives. I told Jacob I was going to arrange for him to go to a baseball camp next summer sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. He told me he already knew how to play baseball.
Sue and I have a little car for the grandkids to drive on the basketball court in our backyard. Houston says it is his car and grandpa says it is his. We tease each other as each says "my car."
I came home on Saturday to face some challenges which I will share at another time. Sue and I are indeed grateful for Jesus, family, and friends.
It's getting close to WAJ!!! Watch for announcements on the web site.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
PEOPLE OF INFLUENCE - PART TWO
Last week, I began a series of blogs on people of influence. In continuing this process, I have thought of several folks who have exhibited influence on my life. Today, I want to focus on my wife, Sue, who has grown into a person of influence.
As a public school teacher, a person has little power over her students, but can greatly influence them. Sue was a high school journalism teacher and at one time also taught English and drama. What a schedule - yearbook, newspaper, dramatic productions. Sue did her job and did it well. After taking some time off to work for One Accord, Sue went back to teaching. Finally, she had only journalism and English to teach. Producing the high school newspaper was also part of that job. Properly influencing students in journalism is an area of great need in our country and Sue did just that in underscoring the responsibility of making sure stories are accurate, truthful, and well-written. Editorially speaking, many radio, TV stations and newspapers should embrace Sue's teachings. During these years, many of her students went on to college and have shared with her how much the years in her classes have meant to them. On the wall in our office is a plaque from her students at Hazelwood West that reads:
Mrs. Sue Smith
The Great Advisor at Hazelwood West
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
With Love from the 1998-99 Gazette Staff
Josten's Yearbook Company representative, Jim Combs, said Sue was one of the two best journalism teachers in the greater St. Louis region.
She went off to Nashville as a relatively unknown "Want to Be" Christian writer with the desire to be the best she could be. She has influenced so many aspiring writers personally and through WAJ. Like her mentor, Dave Clark, she is just as happy when one of her friends finds success in the writing field as when she does. She loves sharing her experience and expertise, the result of which is a number of people who write about Jesus better than they ever have. WAJ is a story of influence in itself.
Sue is greatly loved by her parents. Can you believe how very proud they are of her accomplishments? It was their influence as Christian parents that made her the special person she is today.
As a mother, she is dearly loved by Jamie, Rick, and Holly. They love to say that Sue Smith is their mother. She is just as proud to say that they are her daughters and son. Sue's consistent godly life has influenced each of them to be more like her in the endeavors in which they find themselves. Each of our children always, always tells her how much they love her. Influence? You better believe it. Our son-in-law, Kendall Lucas, is minister of praise and worship at the Denton Bible Church in Denton, TX. He loves to tell folks about the music his mother-in-law writes.
Sue is a great wife. We are not together as often as many married couples, but that is alright because it has allowed her to follow her dream. She has, by example, lived the Christian life in front of me. Influence? You better believe it.
Growing up, my early heroes were Stan Musial in baseball and the Blackwood Brothers and Statesmen in Christian music. Today, Lou Brock is a hero, not only because of all he accomplished as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, but because of his commitment as a Christian. All these folks were and are people of influence. Into that category has come Sue Smith. Influence? You better believe it.
As a public school teacher, a person has little power over her students, but can greatly influence them. Sue was a high school journalism teacher and at one time also taught English and drama. What a schedule - yearbook, newspaper, dramatic productions. Sue did her job and did it well. After taking some time off to work for One Accord, Sue went back to teaching. Finally, she had only journalism and English to teach. Producing the high school newspaper was also part of that job. Properly influencing students in journalism is an area of great need in our country and Sue did just that in underscoring the responsibility of making sure stories are accurate, truthful, and well-written. Editorially speaking, many radio, TV stations and newspapers should embrace Sue's teachings. During these years, many of her students went on to college and have shared with her how much the years in her classes have meant to them. On the wall in our office is a plaque from her students at Hazelwood West that reads:
Mrs. Sue Smith
The Great Advisor at Hazelwood West
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
With Love from the 1998-99 Gazette Staff
Josten's Yearbook Company representative, Jim Combs, said Sue was one of the two best journalism teachers in the greater St. Louis region.
She went off to Nashville as a relatively unknown "Want to Be" Christian writer with the desire to be the best she could be. She has influenced so many aspiring writers personally and through WAJ. Like her mentor, Dave Clark, she is just as happy when one of her friends finds success in the writing field as when she does. She loves sharing her experience and expertise, the result of which is a number of people who write about Jesus better than they ever have. WAJ is a story of influence in itself.
Sue is greatly loved by her parents. Can you believe how very proud they are of her accomplishments? It was their influence as Christian parents that made her the special person she is today.
As a mother, she is dearly loved by Jamie, Rick, and Holly. They love to say that Sue Smith is their mother. She is just as proud to say that they are her daughters and son. Sue's consistent godly life has influenced each of them to be more like her in the endeavors in which they find themselves. Each of our children always, always tells her how much they love her. Influence? You better believe it. Our son-in-law, Kendall Lucas, is minister of praise and worship at the Denton Bible Church in Denton, TX. He loves to tell folks about the music his mother-in-law writes.
Sue is a great wife. We are not together as often as many married couples, but that is alright because it has allowed her to follow her dream. She has, by example, lived the Christian life in front of me. Influence? You better believe it.
Growing up, my early heroes were Stan Musial in baseball and the Blackwood Brothers and Statesmen in Christian music. Today, Lou Brock is a hero, not only because of all he accomplished as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, but because of his commitment as a Christian. All these folks were and are people of influence. Into that category has come Sue Smith. Influence? You better believe it.
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