Tom Never Forgot

I have been blessed beyond measure to know some of the greatest Chrsitians in my lifetime. I have served alongside people with a genuine love for God and the souls of men. Never have I had a greater soulwinning partner and friend than Tom Betenbaugh. We spent hundrerds of hours over decades of my lifetime going door-to-door telling people of the old story. He was a gem among the many saints that encouraged me to be better. He meticulously remembered dozens of the souls that we led to Christ and rehearsed over the years the details of their lives and how they were saved. Last week, he passed into heaven and saw the ONE of whom we told others. Forever my friend and soulwinning partner. 

 

Tom and Shirley Betenbaugh

Marriage of Steel

Written for my sweet wife, Kimberly, on the week of our Wedding Anniversary. Our marriage is not one of steel because of our strength. We have learned in our years that in our greatest strength we are weak. However, in our weakness, His grace is sufficient and gives us the "steel" and endurance to climb over the obstacles of any situation. Our lives are simply ones of humble reliance on He who is our Strength. May we all find our refuge in the mighty name of Jesus.

 

"Let Them Love You"

 

Painting of Orphanage by Daniel Coston

My Uncle Joe at Christmas at ABHC (plaid
shirt on left holding red/white box)

My Aunt Irene going to church
 with other children at ABHC (blue sweater
and white dress holding Bible on right)

My Uncle Art planting crops
 at ABHC (plaid shirt and dark pant on knees)

My father Kenneth in senior boys dorm
at ABHC (white shirt and arms crossed on left)

 

Oba and Mrs Dosunmu in 2008

Pastor Dosunmu and I
ordaining Sam Okezie

"Our Sun-Kissed Pillow"

Written while thinking of Kimberly Pledger as I flew above the clouds coming back home from a missions trip to Russia, Estonia, Finland, and Uganda in December, 2021. The backdrop picture on which my poem was based has no filters, and was taken with my cellphone from 30,000 feet. It is natural and real-life just as our marriage relationship has been for these many years. 

 

"The Handmade Frame"

Written for every servant of God who has labored with little applause from men and seemingly you are not remembered by those whom you served. "Your labour is not in vain in the Lord" I Corinthians 15:58

Missionary Brian Kelly to Guyana

Oh, Meadow of Mine

I wrote this poem because I cherish the name of my wife, Kimberly, and its meaning. The latter part "LY" has the idea of "a meadow". The first part, "KIMBER" means "a royal fortress" I love it because I imagine a traveler in medieval times on a journey to some castle in a distant region. I think about how that he would come to a clearing and see his destination, and would rush across the plain towards the beautiful castle, only to be captured by the beauty of the grassland where he was passing. 

Often in life, we miss out on the nearby treasures while seeking far distant imaginations of what we would find for ourselves. Ten years ago, God slowed me down just long enough to find the sweetest and most kindhearted woman that I could find to be my wife. I married Kimberly Maddox and she has become my place of rest from the busy world around us. She is MY MEADOW

Kim and I with our first grandsons, Oliver and Jameson