Missing Francisco

Have you ever had a gift and not opened it? I can understand a gift that someone gives you and you open it, but never use it... I'm talking about a packaged wrapped, with a surprise inside? No one knows until you open it. I debated of having this image or having no image. Of course this picture isn't of a person nor would a blank image be acceptable. But, it's my project and my life lesson and I had a gift, an opportunity... missed. Several years back, my friend Steve Novak was working with our church by going out into the community, finding needs and asking people, "how are things with you and the Lord?" Bold thing to do, but that's Steve. Upon arriving at a home where a younger man was working under the hood of his vehicle, Steve, for the first time would meet Francisco. As the conversation led from one thing to the next, Steve asked Francisco, "If the Lord was to return right now, do you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you would go be with Him in heaven?" Upon hearing this, Francisco said, "If that happened now, I would be doomed." Francisco, came to our church and had dinner with a bunch of us. He looked a bit rough in his sleeveless shirt and his large muscles and a tattoo band around his biceps, but he was there. As we shared later that evening, Francisco has questions... He looked at the Bible, asked challenging questions and after several days, committed his life to Christ in the waters of Baptism. I remember, I was there. Francisco, would stop by the building to find peace and quite and a place to pray. He had a girlfriend and they had a child that he loved with all his heart. Though he knew he should get married, his girlfriend wasn't to keen on the idea. She thought things were just fine as there were... she had not embraced the faith that he had days before. No matter what, he was set to change his life and raise up his kid in the Lord. He would come in his sleeveless shirts but his little kids dressed in the best clothes available. Opportunities came soon that would give him the change to be manager for a local food chain. But, like King David and King Solomon, He had a weakness. Women. He came to me and shared what he had done. I gave him straight forward advice, told him to repent and follow his commitments. It was February of 2007. Sharing a bit more, I told him I loved him and that he had a wonderful story and there I asked him if I might take his picture for a project I was working on. He was thrilled. We kept missing shoot times and then things took a turn for the worse. He had been falsely accused of something that could bring jail time. The evidence was weak at best, but what came out was that he was not a legal resident. His parents had moved here from Mexico when he was a boy and he never gained citizenship. When the law began making threats to send him to jail for several years and then deport him back to Mexico. Scared, and who wouldn't be, one day he just fled. If he was to be deported anyhow, no need to spend time in jail first. I never got to take his picture. Last I heard he was making $2 US a day. I don't know if I will ever see him this side of heaven. I don't know. He was a wonderful story of God living in him... even in all this mess. He told me once... "All I want is to be an 'Ultimate Fighting Champion.'" In Christ, he is an Ultimate Fighting Champ. Wherever you are Francisco, you have family here always. I will always be your brother. I wish I could take this all away. However, remember that when you are weak, He can make you strong. Do me a favor, take that picture and listen to someone's story. peace. johno~

Steve N

Steve Novak, my personal friend and local drug dealer... don't worry, it's legal. I first met Steve shortly after moving to Wenatchee. I'll never forget our first golf game. I love golf, but I'm not that good. I think I'm good, but my great friend Steve always reminds me that I am not. It doesn't matter though. The fact is: it's better to play bad golf than to do yard work. I digress... Steve and I have been through a lot together. Most of it is personal and not really the story I feel needs to be shared here. What does need to be shared is the example of the power and faithfulness of God working in peoples lives. Like Steve. From the impossible odds of adopting a wonderful little girl and then being able to adopt her brother, is a story of Steve letting go and letting God. Against all odds in later years of almost losing them, Steve's faithfulness to "STAND" in the midst of muck and mud, at the end trusting God, kept all his children close and also gave him an opportunity to be a real father to even more children without a father. His heart is pure, wise and seeks God in the most unlikely of places. His sarcasm is a gift, which sometimes does more damage than good... Especially when we are together. (We ask for your prayers not your criticism) But his humor can lift you out of many difficult times. He has the ability to help you focus on what really matters and an authentic gift for teaching. We have been through a lot together... I'm sure we will go through a lot more. One thing for sure, I'm proud of his stubborn clinging to the Cross of Christ. Steve, has a wonderful story about finding God. As Steve would say, "I never was a bad person. I always treated others well. I never killed anyone. I wasn't an alcoholic... etc, etc. I never saw the need for God. I was a good person." Why would I believe in God?" Then he watched the movie "Contact" in which there is a conversation between two of the main characters, Palmer Joss, a Pastor/friend and Ellie, a scientist who has a hard time believing that anyone could "prove" the existence of God. In the scene, Ellie challenges Palmer to prove the existence of God. Palmer Joss: Did you love your father? Ellie Arroway: What? Palmer Joss: Your dad. Did you love him? Ellie Arroway: Yes, very much. Palmer Joss: Prove it. Amazingly those few lines challenged Steve in his faith of God. How do you "prove" love? There is where it began. His faith journey is not ended... yet. I am honored to have been able to stand by him and be called his friend. I'm still no good at golf, but Steve takes me right where I am... and taught me. peace. johno~

jason hill pdx

My good friend, Jason Hill. I'm not sure how I can honestly keep this post short. Jason is my closest friend. Which is kind of funny since we live about five hours away from each other. Jason grew up with brothers, (I with sisters). He reads, (I look at pictures). He sings, (I make a joyful NOISE). He uses a PC, (I use a Mac). He's a rock star, (I am not). He has a chocolate lab, (I have a chocolate lab). ah finally something in common. We do share many things. He's a jerk, sometimes... as am I. He loves his family, as do I. He's passionate about African missions, me too. He has no credit card debt... I'll never have another credit card. Dare I continue the list? He seeks God... On our trip to Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we had some great talks about God and being a servant as we dug sewer holes. I found humility in a bottle of ice cold water with Jason and KP. Beyond the trenches Jason is the best worship leader I know... at least he tries to be. I've enjoyed his leadership at the Metro church of Christ and at Faith Quest, US. He puts God first into his worship planning and then all of himself. He is the reason I will run someday. And that's Jason. He says we can do things we sometimes don't think we can do. Or rather, he gets me to do things I wouldn't even think of. Glass half empty vs. glass half full. I'm a blues man, so you can imagine with ease what my glass is most of the time. He wouldn't say it himself, so I will. He is also an accomplished photographer. It was his rebel xt that sent me down the road of Canon DSLR's. Via email, IM chats and cell phone calls on the drive home, our conversation is most everyday. Perhaps it's good to be five hours away... most, in their right mind, would never place dynamite next to a spark... something could explode. So when we have the time together, we have to potential of being little dangerous but our intentions are good... We continue to build on a great foundation which makes us more brothers than friends. peace. johno~

Blanche

Sunday morning. Short scuffing sounds of a forward motioning walkers. If you're not careful, you could be trampled and very slowly killed by anyone of our senior saints in their attempt to find their Sunday morning pew. "Death by walker" not good. However, Blanche, with her limited sight, finds time to "see" people around her. She has such a calming voice when she speaks, you know you are in the presence of a true saint. She would never say that about herself... that's why I'm here. Blanche is a beautiful daughter of God. I struggle for words to share, because... how do you write BEAUTY? A few weeks ago, during worship service, I turned to look around at those gathered and saw Blanche. It was like a light opened from heaven and I saw this little woman with her eyes closed, her hands together yet lifted up... both giving and receiving praise. As she sang, I wanted so badly to move next to her, to "see" what she was seeing. Although a brief moment, it was one of the best worships I've ever been a part of. I am a fool for not spending more weekdays with her. To hear her share of her childhood, is a pleasant trip to a time more simple and less distracting than today. They are stories of places I would like to find for my children and their children. Yet, in all her wisdom and grace, I also love her spice. She will tell you only truth. Like it or not. Bold and honest. As the weeks go by I see her body grow more frail... However, as the weeks go by, I see her Spirit grow stronger. The words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled in her... Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Amen~ johno

Ike

Ike Graul... Musical Genius. That's the only way I know how to say it. Ike has been a long time friend of mine from college. I'm trying to recount the stories to share, however, I think if I were to actually type them out, they could be used against us both in a court of law. For the last several, several years Ike has been working at the pump church in Portland, Oregon. I suggest you take a look at it if you're not familiar with urban ministries. His time working there has been a fruitful for the northwest. PUMP has offered a lot to the church in the suburbs. Ike is a... Prophet. (not really, but really) I love our talks. He tells you what God is saying and he really doesn't care if you don't like what he just said. He just tells it like it is. He is one to never just let you "get by" with junk. He teaches by example and he learns by example. I'm lucky to have him on my back and by my side. This image of Ike is a small glimpse of a great man. His sandals, with socks, are his common foot ware. He is passionate about vanagons... check out his blog page .:trinisonic:.if you haven't already. If you were going to plot to take over the world, you would want Ike on your team. 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~

My friend Donna

There's a few people in my life I've come across that leave me saying, "when I grow up, I want to be like them." Take a look at this picture of my friend Donna. Well? A pictures worth a thousand words and if you can't see them here, don't you wish you could? When I first met Donna, it was during church. She sits towards the back, (a place notorious for trouble makers) and as church began we had just started our conversation. Being in the back too and trying to make friends with this spicy little old lady, I said, "I have good ears for piercing... Do you think i should get my ears pierced or get a tattoo?" (side note... my wife would allow neither) I like to push buttons sometimes and my attempt with such a harsh suggestion in my attempt to raise an eyebrow backfired. Donna responded, "Well, I got a tattoo. I love bluebirds and I wanted a little bluebird on my on my forearm so I could look at one everyday... See?" There it was, a little bluebird painted on the inside of her forearm. All I could think is, "I want to party with you." Her smile never faded and I realized i was in the presence of a very joyful woman. Her life, however, has had many difficult times. Catching up for lost time? I'm not sure, but her past roads have been tough. You would never know looking at her today. You would also never know by looking at her today that her body is fighting a losing battle with cancer. She still glows with a beauty that refuses to give in to the terrible destruction within her. She lives in Christ. Death has no sting and death has no victory. What a wonderful thing. For today, I am thankful for the conversation we share and I look forward to an eternity of sharing. When I grow up, I want to have a piece of Donna's spirit... I think I already do. peace. johno~

Eddie

Eddie Gamble. Several years back our church decided to walk throughout the community here in Wenatchee and knock on doors to meet the lives in our neighborhood. We were Christians just trying to get our christianity out of the building and into lives. As doors opened we asked our neighbors if they knew of anyone who might have come across difficult times and needed some food. If not we asked if they knew of anyone who was sick or in the hospital we could pray for and perhaps visit. Just getting "out" of the building and into our communities can be difficult, however, this time we did and we met Eddie. Eddie is not native to Wenatchee... Passing through Wenatchee, his life changed. Emphysema. Notice the horizontal lines on his cheek? Marks of a freshly removed oxygen nasal tube... (he never lets me take his picture with it on) Unable to get around as much due to this life changing disability, Eddie made Wenatchee home. Home for several years before a group of "christians" got their "christianity" out of the building and into the neighborhoods. Several years, Eddie made his home in a town to which he thought no "church of Christ" (forgive me) denomination existed. So as Sundays came and went, Eddie stayed in a small, State assisted and minimal to say the least, Columbian apartments. Knock, knock! "hello... We're just christians trying to get our christianity out of the building..." I know it's exciting to find this one who was... well... Lost? I keep asking myself, "who was really lost and now found?" Lesson learned, I hope. Behind dark doorways and at the bottom of empty glasses are people. People who once knew the joy of community with a people who claim Jesus as Lord. There are also people who have never heard the story that brings life. (that's another post) Eddie is a life on the "Road to Gaza." Eddie has been very faithful to gather where the people meet to learn about God and he has contributed greatly to many. My personal joy is his interaction with my children. A hard life which gives back gentleness. I am honored to know Eddie. He is my friend and my brother in Christ. btw, if you smoke, Eddie would kindly suggest you stop or you'll be lugging around a 10 pound bottle of oxygen the rest of your life... which really isn't much of a life. peace. johno~

Boone

BOONE! What a guy. Boone was one of the first guys to date one of my girl students in my youth group several years ago. It was one of those weekend retreats and love was born. It didn't last, which was a good thing... I don't like long distance relationships. But it was in that weekend I came to know of Boone Langston. Boone has always stood out from his peers. In high school he was very quick to lead, share and serve. He has a great ability to communicate with large groups and is a very, very creative and funny guy. I like that. He performed a skit once that I will never forget. I only wish it was on YOUTUBE. This year Boone will be heading to Uganda with his wife for a month of missions work. I wish I could say I had something to do with his great choices in life but I can't. It is Boone following the Lord and giving his life for others. (Love God, Love others). Oh, I almost forgot... Boone said I looked like Bono from a far off distance as I stood in the shadows. Yet another reason to like Boone. Peace. johno~

Best kept secret

I do love photography. It is a wonderful outlet for me. It stops the rushing world around me and makes me stand still. Details. To be able to share lives in this forum is a great blessing for me. Old lives and new ones, old friends and new ones. Landon Michaelson presented a lighting class at our photography association class a few months ago and it was wonderful. I knew there was something different about him. Not only does he tower over the masses in his physical height his smile and joy overflowed. Overflowed... that's something that doesn't come with many. It is a sign of the Spirit. I gathered knowledge from the class, got a business card and went on my way with a promise to connect sometime. Time. Time. Shopping time at Costco, I ran into Landon and his family, again, the smile and I felt the "overflow." I met his wife and two children and recommitied to "hook up" again. In a follow up email, Landon wrote, "Good to see you again. Contact me anytime about anything. Always good to meet up with another photographer, family man, and man of faith!" I KNEW IT! ANOTHER MAN OF FAITH! When the Spirit of God lives in lives, it's different. My time in knowing Landon has not been long, however, it is a relationship which will live into eternity. I love that. I look forward to the many adventures we will have... the rest of our eternity. peace. johno~

Lion Of God

There are many people in my life. I am very blessed and that I have so many around me and around the world. Even better, as life moves and changes season, I have also had the opportunity to meet "new" friends, brand new people, new arrivals to the planet earth. Rabindranath Tagore said, "Every baby comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with man." I LOVE that statement and I would like to think children are the truest sign of hope in what sometimes seems to be a hopeless world. Little Ariel is the daughter of my good friends Robert and Pearl. At only 4 months old, I wonder if she knows she has to be my friend. I wonder if she knows how loved she is. I wonder if she will call me "crazy uncle Johno." It doesn't matter, I'll take it. Little Ariel, I can't wait to watch you grow. I can't wait to hear your little voice break out in song. I can't wait to see how you will change this world. You are a Lion of God. peace. johno~

Wheels

5:30 AM. Coffee time with Don is one of the best parts of my week. He is one of my accountability team mates and a good friend. He has a wonderful ability to be shaped by the cross. When he prays for rain during a dry season, he carries an umbrella. He leads his family as an honest man, a godly man and it shows. They are a blessing to those around them. They follow his lead and are servants. Having survived cancer, Don looks at life with a different set of lenses and the world will be a better place because he stops and notices even the little things. He knows his place and he knows his time. He is in a race to live life to the fullest and he wants to take as many people along as he can. The only thing that really bugs me about him is this... He knows where to find great bird shots. Share the love. ;-) If I could attach a psalm to this man it would be this one found in Psalm 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. peace. johno~

my friend Dano

How long have I known Dan? I don't know. It's been within my eight years of living in Wenatchee, but it seems longer. Not in a bad way, but a good way of course. I guess the first time I met Dan was on a visit to a youth staff at her work place. Dan was her boss. Her words were, "you both are so much alike, it's just that Dan is the 'bizarro johno'." Huh? (If I only knew the true meaning of that statement at the time). It was then a friendship began. God had placed each of us at a certain place and a certain time. I've learned a lot about myself through Dan and even more about God. I remember golfing one time with Dan, I was left with about a 3 foot putt for par... easy enough. Then Dan, who by the way had not said much until hole number 7, said, "I know Christ died, but tell me how Christ died for ME?" Did I mention I was just about to putt that 3 footer? I looked up at him and said... JERK! I'M ABOUT TO MAKE MY FIRST PAR WITH THIS 3 FOOT PUTT AND YOU WAIT UNTIL NOW TO ASK ME A QUESTION LIKE THAT? UNFAIR AND UNSPORTSMAN-LIKE!... I missed the putt so I tried to answer the question. It has been a great journey walking with Dan and seeing him ask, listen and respond to books I would suggest and walking through the story of Jesus, God who came to earth. I will never forget him saying, "I'm ready to be baptized." We set up a time went down to the Columbia river and responded to the question asked on the months before on the golf course. Christ died for you so that you might LIVE. (That's the short version) Dan and his wife were both baptized that day and their embrace is not only captured on film, but in my life. Dan, is a true friend and he is a true servent. He is so... Gentile. It messes with me sometimes but that's ok. He is a family man, a strong husband, a great father. He wears a set of lenses that allows him to see things in a way that many cannot. I love that. It is a gift. He's creating a legacy, he is growing his family tree in a way that has never been done before. It is solid, it is built on Christ. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. -Psalm 1 Every tree needs a trunk... Dan is that trunk. peace. johno~

my wife

I couldn't think of any person who deserves the first post more than Dawnette. Mother, Friend, Wife, Lover. What a blessing. I'll never forget the first time I saw her. A blessing then and even more today.