Pastor

One of the great things about "52 People" project is this... you look at people more and the story of their lives. It's not that I never looked at people before... It's just that I look at them and wonder what their story is. Sometimes you get to know the story and other times you “judge” a book by its cover. Never the less, I found myself this last weekend in another story of a life from Norway. Pastor Bent is a Lutheran Pastor who I met in Portland at a church retreat. Although I am not Lutheran, our conversation was joined together in that we both are seeking to share Jesus and his story to our community and our culture better than we have been doing. I was set back as He told me, over lunch that European churches are in massive decline, that most pastors will not meet their parishioners until they are in need of a burial. He further explained that the largest church in Switzerland has on record 7000 members... of which only 8 attend a regular weekly services. EIGHT! Pastor Bent, is fighting what looks like a losing battle. However, he has a secret weapon... Hope. He traveled all the way to America to attend a “church innovations” seminar along with several other Norwegian Pastors because he has been called to Pastor. He has been called to share a message of reconciliation to an un-reconciled world; that the righteous came for the unrighteous. Pastor Bent stood with his comrades and sang for us, in his native tongue, a song which translated, “Even if the people are no more, and the mountains crumble, God is still God.” As I listened to these men and women singing, I was taken to a place of hope. It was a small glimpse of heaven. God is God. His name is everywhere, He is working everywhere, His story is everywhere. Men and women I did not know spoke of the same hope that I know and hold close. I may never see Bent this side of heaven. I know he loves God, he loves the church, he loves his grandchildren that are very close to the age of my own children. To Pastor Bent, My the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make His face shine down upon you and give you peace. Johno~

Frank Smith #1

I haven't known Frank for that long. I started taking photos for the rams almost 3 years ago and I only came to really know Frank last year. Caleb, my son is a big fan of "Frank #1"... One time I took my family to the ice cream store for a treat and guess who walked in? Frank Smith, #1. It was funny to watch my kids look at this "superstar" giggle and timidly walk up to say hi. His response was great. He made the kids feel like they were just as important. before we left for home, Frank #1 Smith, ran out to his truck and grabbed an old football, signed it and gave it to Caleb as a gift. This act put Caleb on cloud 10. The day I took this photo, once again, Frank #1 Smith, took another step closer to the Caleb Thomas Hall of Fame, by giving Caleb his old football helmet. It almost brings Caleb to the ground when he puts it on, but he loves every bit of it. It's great to know that guys like Frank exist. Men who are not afraid to be hero’s; men who don't forget to notice the “little” ones who are watching and take time to encourage them. The number Frank wears on his team jersey is not what makes him #1... It's his heart. peace. johno~

Pink

I never had any brothers growing up. However, I feel blessed to have so many now. Bill Pink and I have been true brothers for a long time. The time we spent as a family together in Portland, OR was wonderful. He is and will always be known as Uncle Bill by my kids. It's tough to have him living in Oklahoma and not being able to spend time with him and his family. I miss the friday night dinners out, the long trips to tower records, going to WWF wrestling matches, (we only went to one), playing the "gotcha" game and watching classic cowboy movies... HaRumph! HaRumph! I think we were separated at birth. We both share the same first name... I know, I know, some of you are a bit confused... that's ok. A store was named after us... Thomas Pink We both bought Honda's the same day. Like twins misplaced at birth alright... he even purchased a new DSLR. A Canon. Need I say more? Years go by and now he's blessed with a wonderful wife and beautiful little girl and a great step-son. He's a man of faith. It's good to have him on my side. peace. johno~

The Groom

In my time as a youth minister I've only had one student who was just like me when I was a teen. Nick. Crazy, obnoxious, overboard, loud, radical, out-of-control, gentle, loving and forgiven. Although he's all grown up, he's still much of the above. I’m not sure I would want it any different. Nick lives life to the fullest. Soon he will be a father too and soon he will understand a new season of life that only a father can know. I look forward to that season. Nick has shown me a lot in my own life. Many could live an entire lifetime and not have the wisdom, freedom and grace Nick knows. With the very recent passing of his father, Nick stands ready to carry on a legacy which will impact a world … I know, I have seen the strength of the Lord shine in him this last month like never before. Shine on friend. Peace. Johno~