Ragamuffin

It's not often you get to talk to a "rock star" and take their picture. I didn't get to do that either. However, I did get to talk to Todd Agnew while he was he in Wenatchee. I'm not sure I made best friends when I told him that I didn't care for his song "grace like rain" when it first came out. He just shrugged and listened as I then told him that God puts certain people in certain places at certain times so they might reach out for Him and grab hold of Him, because He is not far from each of us. I told Todd that it took some time for me to digest his song. It's now one of my most treasured songs. Todd Agnew is not a "rock star" he's a guy who sings and helps the church. Many critics say Todd is the next Rich Mullins. He's song style is kind of like Rich's. He walks around barefoot as Rich also did... (Rich Mullins was killed in a tragic car accident in 1997) Yet, Todd is not like Rich because he walks barefoot a lot and writes his own music... He's like Rich because Rich was a child of God. Todd does what Rich did so well... He keeps his music in the ministry of Jesus Christ. He is an extension of the church and I'm glad he is on my side. I'm not sure if I will ever meet Todd this side of heaven again, but if I do, it will be nice to spend time with my brother who writes some pretty good music. peace. johno

Deskin

Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy. What can I say about Jeremy. He's Honest. That's what I love about Jeremy. No Bull. Straight forward and honest. He coached my son last year along with his son. He is the father of two boys and he really loves them. He's a husband who loves his wife and cares for the wellness of his whole family. I've not seen many people works so hard to provide for their family like Jeremy. It's good to know it still survives in this world. We use to get together and visit. Since our sons are on different teams this year, our visits have been few and to far in between. I love when we get to sit down and talk about God. I'm not sure if Jeremy knows this or not, but he really helps give new perspectives to some of us who have been looking at old stories like old stories. I would love to start at the beginning of the Bible and read the whole thing with Jeremy. It would not fail to be an adventure... I'm sure of it. One other thing I enjoy about Jeremy is this... He is loyal. He is a good friend. If you need him, he WILL be there. I know our paths are not as crossed as they once were, but he has made a difference in my life. peace. johno~

Brad Thomas

I'm trying to write about my friend Brad Thomas and I keep erasing the words I'm writing. It's not that I don't think they are true... they are. It's just that, well, most of what I could say, I don't think he would want just anyone to know. He's a giver. I haven't known anyone who has met Brad and had any need unmet. I mean real needs. There is a story about the first century church that says everyone had everything in common, they shared their possessions and no one had any need among them. If you know Brad, you know he shares his possessions and if your with him, well, you will never starve to death. I sometimes wonder how much can one man give? If I were to share how much he has blessed my family, he might be embarrassed. Well, he doesn't get embarrassed much, but I will say, he has blessed my home. I don't know all the places he has given but I know he has and does. If you need to mow your lawn but your lawn mower is broken and you can't afford to fix it... ask Brad. Car broke? He'll let you borrow his truck. (thanks for that Brad) Need help making a budget? He knows how to do that too. He loves to hug the kids, although they sometimes run. He teaches teens and other young adults ways to seek and love God. He serves as a shepherd for our church. I will say this, he's from Texas. I know, I know. Don't let that stop you from getting to know him. He has a lot to offer. However, you have to get with him before 8:00 PM because he likes to go to bed early and get up early. Drives his wife nuts. i think that's why he does it. He's straight forward in his conversation and very rarely does he beat-around-the-bush. Take him as he is... there is no other way. I am thankful for his example. peace. johno~

Mr. Maxwell

Family is a word that has so much meaning to me. I am surrounded by so many brothers, (from another mother) and sisters, (from another mister) I feel as if there is no place for me to go where I am without family. Although Steve Maxwell and I don't share the same last name, he is and always will be Uncle Steve to my children. He's my brother... I'm better looking but his voice is out of this world. When it comes to music Steve can really lay down some sweet vocals that makes you want to stand up and shout AMEN! An obvious gift from God, which Steve has not hidden. His voice is a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. After singing with the several vocal groups, such as freedom and Acappella he stepped up to a higher calling by serving at PUMP church in Portland, Oregon as their children's minister. He is a man of faith, a man of God. Five years ago Steve and I had the pleasure to go to Uganda, Africa. Once more we will make that trip together, Lord willing, in December. I know it will be filled with many new adventures and I cannot wait to sing and dance to his vocal percussion. It was amazing how Steve taught the kids in Uganda to sing. My ears have yet to hear such sweet sounds like those in Africa. This year, I'm bringing a recording device. Steve has even encouraged me to write songs. I'm up to four, with more in the works. If I can do it, anyone can... as long as Steve is there to help. So many songs to be written, so many to sing. Keep singing my brother Steve... keep singing. peace. johno~

Steve Estes

Long ago when Dawnette and I were first married, we met a wonderful family with 3 small children... The Estes family. We attended the same church and a small community group, which I had the opportunity to lead on occasion. It was during those small groups I discovered, "When I have children... I want to be a father like Steve." An amazing story of a father, caring for his kids. As Steve told the story on Sunday afternoon, (actually it might of been his wife, Steve doesn't boast much about himself), he was hiking with his three children when one of them fell and was injured. The tears came like a flood, and the screams began to echo from the other two children. Both children uninjured, but overwhelmed with terror at the sight of a sibling no longer laughing and having fun on their hiking expedition. Many fathers, might have found themselves frustrated with the other two kids crying for no reason as they carry their one hurt child back to safety. However, Steve didn't carry just the injured child... He carried ALL THREE out of "danger" and to the safety of their home. I think it was 5 miles... (maybe not but at least that's what makes a good hero story) anyhow, even if it wasn't, I know he could... look at the picture, he's built. Yet, the greatest thing about Steve is not his physical strength, it's his Godly strength and gentle nature. He's the type of man who could welcome the smallest child and hold back the fiercest enemy. He is a wonderful husband, a wonderful father. It's good to have him on my team. peace. johno~