Men’s Christian Fellowship update/news

Larry Gleason

At the Fellowship’s November 1 meeting, Jim Sykes, a Fellowship member, presented a touching personal testimony titled “Don’t Let Your Past Shape Your Future.” Jim began by playing his guitar and singing a fe.erses of two songs which correlate to his upbringing. Jim relates to The Cat’s in the Cradle as his father was often absent and A Boy Named Sue since Jim frequently was involved in fights early in his youth. He was raised in Ohio by parents who often argued due to the absence of his father who worked 40 hours a week and then played four nights a week with his band. His family never went to church but rather prayed with his mother. At age 10 when his younger sister died of a ruptured appendix, his mother was consumed by grief leading to depression and his father’s alcohol use increased. Their marriage fell apart leaving Jim to care for his siblings. At age 12 when his parents divorced and his father moved to Tennessee, Jim began doing whatever he pleased which included some “mischief,” fighting and hanging out at the local pool hall. Some of the friends he had later ended up in prison. When his family went on welfare, Jim started a paper route and he now recalls this was the beginning of a transition in his life. He also recalls on one of his father’s visits he told Jim he needed to go to college and he needed new friends. When his father returned to Ohio to open a body shop, Jim moved in with him and worked in the shop starting in his early teens. At age 15 Jim remembers declaring himself as an atheist based on his life’s experiences. He had some challenges in high school involving cars and alcohol but graduated in 1972. He then moved in with a friend and began working full time to save money for college. He also met a wonderful young woman (his future wife) whom he dated on/off for the next several years. Jim began college in 1974 and graduated Cum Laude while working full time. A year before their marriage, his eventual wife insisted Jim go to church and at age 23, Jim gave his life to the Lord. Jim and his wife were blessed with three children, all whom were brought up in the church. Jim enjoyed a successful career as a CPA and 33 years with Nationwide Insurance. His testimony is an example that “bad things in your past don’t have to shape your future and it’s never too late to start a new life.” Jim reminded the Fellowship to remember “God is always with us” and “God has a plan for us.”

Each November the Fellowship elects its officers for the coming year. Tom Chapman will continue as president, Ron Glynn will continue as vice-president, Jim Beyers will continue as secretary and Tom Mackenzie will be the new treasurer.

Jim Sykes also provided information on a new ministry for Fellowship members called the Welcome, Visitation and Prayer (WVP) ministry which Jim chairs. The WVP is to minister to MCF members and guests and will also pray for family or friends.

The Fellowship’s next meeting will involve an outreach project at St. Mary’s Food Bank in Surprise on January 3 from 8:00 a.m. until noon. More information will be forthcoming. All men residing in PebbleCreek are invited to join in the project.