Canyonview ... A Milestone Indeed!

Beard & Corduroy Suit :)

 Some call it, ‘The Ditch’. With a gorgeous creek that runs through its core. Cabins, fields, a lake, horses, and children fill this place ~ simply called Canyon … View. And indeed it is!

It was late Spring or early Summer of 1981. Whether it was a potluck, a church event, or perhaps a barbecue … I do not remember. What I recall is that Karen and I had began considering life after the Air Force. Would we remain in the beautiful state of Alaska, and if not, where would we go, and why? Though my discharge was still a year away, we needed to begin planning for our fast approaching future. Would we continue along the military track, or make a change. And, if we changed … what would that look like.

~ Dr. Campbell ~

High on our list of considerations was attending a Bible College. Though Karen had never lived in the PNW … ‘Pacific Northwest’, she was very open to the idea of relocating there. In 1977 I had began my career as a firefighter with the Fremont National Forest, in Bly, Oregon. Frequently my days off were spent venturing particularly around the southern part of the state. With these travels, Oregon had indeed captured my heart, and I believed that it would do the likewise for Karen. So our search began throughout Oregon, Washington and even into British Columbia.

In steps Mark Sterns. Both Mark and our family had come to know each other as we transitioned from one church in Palmer, Alaska to another. Mark had begun receiving a monthly periodical called, ‘The Bible Expositor’. The 'Expositor' was essentially a monthly mini commentary from Bible Teaching Inc, or Canyonview Bible College, in Silverton, Oregon. Most of the articles were written by the President and Founder of the College, Ernie Campbell. Though both Karen and I had only become followers of Christ within the previous five years, the articles found in the ‘Expositor’ brought a definite enthusiasm and interest to dive further into the scriptures. To such extent that we began receiving the Expositor ourselves, and even ordered Dr. Campbell’s first commentary, on the book of Galatians. And since … We might become residents of Silverton, we began a subscription to their local newspaper … called, ‘The Silverton Appeal’.

 

Well … as they say, “The rest is history”. And a grand history that it was, and continues to be. Forty years ago today … Oh my goodness! Of all the significant milestones … crossroads … our two years at Canyonview Bible Seminary from 1982 through May 31, 1984, indeed stand within the top ten. The highlight was the special opportunity to become efficient in reading, translating and parsing the Greek New Testament. As mentioned in Proverbs 16:9, I count it a great honor and privilege that in the midst of our plans, God directed our steps to Canyonview in the early 1980’s.

Our days in ‘The Ditch’, will forever be fondly remembered as a key crossroads in our lives. Thanks to all who participated during those seminary days. And indeed for those who continue be active here in 2024. ... We pray God's rich blessing upon your lives. To Jeff, Barb, Jim, Cheryl, John, Denise, Mike, Sarah, Chuck, Debbie, Toby, Will, Doug, Phil, Renae, Sue, two Beth's, 'Flashlight' Gary, Steve, Mark, Nancy ... and ... I'm sure that I must be forgetting some. Thank you Lord for directing that season of our lives, when we converged onto that endearing 'Ditch'.  

 

'Drift Creek' ~ through Canyonview

 And, as Paul Harvey would say, "And now, the rest of the story"! ... When Mark left for Oregon early Fall of 1981, we asked, that after a few months, to send us an update of what he was learning and to tell about the surrounding area. More than two months went by, and we had not received such an update. After sending a letter to Mark, again the mailbox was empty. So, we attempted a different route. We sent him a 'Multiple Choice' letter. 'A' Are you in a Cult? ... 'B' Have you been taken by aliens? ... 'C' and so forth :) Mark did respond, just not according to our fun multiple choice. Ahhhh! Anyway, his answers were more than sufficient to make a final decision to attend Canyonview/Biblion Bible College. A decision that we NEVER regretted! And, by-the-way ... We were the first couple to take advantage of the two for one tuition offer. A savings of $1,500 per year. Yes! You read that correctly ... tuition was but a mere $1,500 per year per student. For $3,000 ... What an education!!!

 

And one last thought :) … Just one small glimmer of what that education from Canyonview Bible College/Seminary provided. An example through the power of words. And this … the most excellent word for this particular blog. That word is … παρακαλέω ~ A two part Greek word, παρα … beside, along side of ~ and, καλέω … to call. To call beside. In Romans 12:1, it is used as an appeal. Calling one, or many together to do what is right. As well, for example in I Thessalonian 5:18, or Colossians 4:8 … to encourage, or to comfort. Paul wanted the followers of Christ to be encouraged … to be comforted … to call them beside … place his arm around them … that regardless of the circumstances that currently surrounded them, or you, that they, and you can be encouraged. And so … I have been so very encouraged over these past forty years … through the appeal of scripture … and the urging of others … to continue the course, and be comforted until this very day. And then tomorrow … and then the next. And once again I say, “What an education”!

And in closing ... Might the 'Alaska' state flag proudly fly over the 'Ditch' once again :) Insiders joke

  

              ~ Canyonview Camp ~

 ~ Ernie Campbell ~ Arvid Johanson ~ Dale Price

 

Her Endearing Memory

Mom with Zachary Alan - 1985

 I guess that this must be ‘Milestone’ month. Fifteen years ago this year my maternal grandmother died. I
wrote in May of 2021 a blog in tribute to her that is entitled, “Her Smile”. Later this week I will post another blog that dates back exactly forty years. And today ~ well, today marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of my mothers death. I’ve written many blogs on her behalf, so what to compose within this particular one?

I’m reminded of her dear love to my beautiful wife. Mom loved Karen, as she did all of her son’s and daughter-in-laws. And Karen always sensed her deep love. Our one regret is that we only had mom for the first ten years of our marriage. Oh how much we would have appreciated, how Karen would have appreciated additional caring conversations, and special times together.

Portland Rose Garden ... 1985

Fixing Brandi's Hair for our wedding

It was mom … making it a priority to attend our wedding, even though we were in Alaska at the time. Treating Karen (along with Brandi & Josh) with such tender love and attention. Being there for everything that Karen needed her for, yet never pushy or overbearing. As well, Mom was the one who said that she would like to fly up to Oregon for the birth of our youngest. Once again, attending so preciously to the needs that were Karen’s. Mom never made it about herself. And it was mom, who so gently encouraged Karen during our Ohio visit in their home. While Karen dealt with a serious and stressful moment over a scary situation with our children, mom provided just the ear to be listened too, comforting words, and the arm to embrace.

And it would be mom and dad both at our home, then on ‘Orchard’, for the great strawberry blunder. Or, would that be 'blender'? The Willamette Valley was a most perfect location for some of the most delicious berries within the United States, and Strawberries was no exception. So with berries placed into the blender … mom, dad, Karen, and the three kids … all waited for dad’s most heavenly strawberry shake. The taste buds were ready to be delighted on this most spectacular warm, blue sky summer afternoon.

Obvious ~ Right :)

Checking the status of the ‘shake-master’, Karen walked into the kitchen to discover that her guy was stirring his masterpiece with a wooden spoon while the blender was in full operation. With a quizzical look, she said, “You should probably turn the blender off when you’re stirring”. To which I calmly replied, “It’s ok, I’ve got a good grip”! Walking toward the backyard, the wooden screen door had barely closed, when … yeah, you saw this one coming, as did Karen. Oh … but was this an accident? The entire crew walked into our recently cleaned kitchen. With smiles of … ‘I told you so’. Only to find Rick, straw in hand … sipping the 'seemingly accidental' strawberry shake off of the clean kitchen counter top. Nearly forty years later … boy, was that one tasty shake. Too bad the rest of you didn’t get to try it :)

Thanks mom for these and many other ‘Endearing Memories’! They are fondly & eternally found within the recesses of our minds.

 

 

From a 'Cell', to a 'Cell'

 Under the same roof, yet … for years … we found ourselves no closer. Our eyes … would turn away. Our arms … never to touch. The hate … it was mutual. The streets, they were my home … The drugs … the buying – taking – dealing … this was my life. The tattoo’s … the piercings … these were my purpose … my reason to live. Change … never possible – except for one who is the master of impossibilities. A man … a child … not even his mother did love. 

Though I was guilty of a shameful life. I was not guilty for the charges that they placed against me. Charges that indeed would send me to prison for a very long time. A prison cell … this was to be my next home. Except for God … His mysterious ways …

His challenge … with one purpose … to bring that very change. Why I agreed … No reason, other than – the fact that he cared. Someone cared. "Three times", he said – "And if after those three times … you do not become a Christian … I will walk away from Christ."

So, on the following two Sundays I found myself in church. Nothing … absolutely nothing! If this God was real … he was real only to these crazy, insane people in this church. A third day … a third time was out of the question. There was no reason. There was no purpose … no change that was possible. My life … Stop trying to change me! Let ... me ... live ... my life! Yes, my life! Leave me be!

Why he persisted … only God knows. But he called … “Jarol, you said that you would attend three times, not two.” With disgust, and with my blood boiling and my teeth gritting … I agreed, one more time. One last time! Yes, one last time. And then, please stop!

As I expected … the third time came as no surprise. They sang … they danced … they preached. Wanting to leave before anyone could come over to greet me, I slowly began to walk out. It was my intention. I smirked. “These silly, foolish people” … I thought. “They call themselves Christians. I’m better off on the streets!” ~~ I find no other reason that I turned around … other than the Father … Calling me. “Jarol”. I no sooner turned, that I found myself walking to the front. Bowing … who is this? “Jarol, you are broken. You no longer need to be a slave to your brokenness.”

I don’t believe that I’ve ever been as broken as Jarol … but, I as well, yes, I have indeed been broken. I ask, “Who has not”? For Jarol, his brokenness brought change. A life of change, that included a different kind of ‘cell’. A bible study ‘cell’ group. Learning about forgiveness. Learning about a God, One who sent His son … Jesus … to die at Calvary. To die for the sins of the broken. And then … don’t you love ~ ‘And then’s’? And then, Jesus rose again the third day. Hallelujah! We too are raised with Him to a new life. A grateful life of service. A life that has received abundant grace. A life to love the One who has so loved us.

There is baseball … there is ‘Xolos’ baseball in the states of Sonora and Jalisco, Mexico. Baseball, to the Miskito children in Nicaragua … and now El Salvador. There is RSA … Reid Saunders Association … There is ‘Jarol’. Whose life on the streets brings a unique ability, and opportunity. One, that I do not have. Is this, was this Your plan? What we set out to do has been accomplished. Or ... is there more? I ask. I pray. Is there more? Baseball … Jarol, from the streets of El Salvador. And … thousands of cartel children abandoned by their fathers. “Lord, I ask. Are You leading? Is there suppose to be more? And if more, what does more look like?”

For now … I am grateful for a second visit … a second ministry offering to the people of Ahuachapán. I am grateful to have the opportunity to take baseball to this beautiful area. I am so grateful to have met so many wonderful people. To be blessed beyond my greatest imagination. For now I have added another name to this guy, whose uncle Ronnie called him ‘Kid’. Yes, I am now "Richard Alan Jopp Imaizumi Vega Gutierrez Asabi Ruiz Alvarado Williams". :) Thank you Jarol, Ester and Sofie, for allowing me to become part of your family. 

~~ Where and how the Lord directs from here … Through time and prayer … His journey, and His plan will be laid out before us. As spoken by the apostle James, “If the Lord wills”. Indeed, “If the Lord wills”, the orchestrator of this life will make known, and will put into motion the steps that He will direct. As Jarol turned around on that third time, and was lead to the altar. As the Father called him to salvation and to a life of service. So we come before Your altar Lord. We commit these thoughts onto You. 

 Might these songs by Zach Williams (no relation) touch your heart for what the Father can accomplish to the broken. "I'm no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God"

 

Let Us be 'Fishers' ~ Not Phishers of Men

 Why not??? As they come ‘phishing’ for us, might we return the favor … Let us be fishers of men.

Just in the past two days I’ve posted two vehicles for sale on two different sites, including ‘Facebook Marketplace’. Oh my goodness! The first (and so far only) three responses of interest have come from those on “Phishing” expeditions. What a sad world of people who would rather steal than work. So, I’ve decided that if they are going to go “Phishing”, so will I. Ha!

First, a word to the wise … or, as may be the case, the unwise, or naively gullible. In this electronic ‘www’ world … where the internet, that has many wonderful qualities, it can also be a place for the most reprehensible of mankind. They would rather “phish” for your information, rob you blind, and be absolutely fine while completing their shameful behavior.

How did I recognized the ‘phishing’ of “Will”, “Michael”, and “Noel”? “Michael” was the best. His/her spelling was correct, and then during our correspondence, provided me with what appeared to be a legit email. They start slowly, asking about the vehicle or product. They want to arrange a time and location. I would suggest a store. But then ~ ‘Boom … shakalaka!’ “Can you send me a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) report”? That, by itself is not a problem. The problem lies in the website that they wish to use. I let “Michael” know that I already have a report from the website that I’m using. To which “Michael” replies, “Sorry but I haven't heard about this site before so I'm not sure about it. I trust the data of the site which I've used before so I would appreciate it if you can pull one from here.” It is clicking onto this site, and providing information, when the “Phishing” expedition receives its “Hook, line and sinker”. Gotcha!

From here on out, I will begin any interest with my product with, “I have a verified VIN Report, so please do not request for one”. Also, do not provide phone numbers or any other personal information.

So … what have I done, and will continue to do? I am, and will become a true 'Fisher of Men'. Like me, a sinner, they as well have a need for the cross of Christ Jesus, our Savior. For whom, in the next two weeks, we will celebrate ‘Easter’. The man from Galilee, who became the Rabbi and Master for twelve, and would die at the hands of the authorities. He shed His blood on a cross made of wood. They placed Him in a tomb. But ~ Thanks be to God ~ the tomb could not defeat Him. No! On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, for whom we celebrate.

And you too ~ Romans says, “All have sinned, and fall short of God’s glory”. And continues, “But God demonstrated His love for us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly”. I don’t know about you, but myself, along with these “Phishers” of men, are placed into that category. “But, the free gift of God, is eternal life through Jesus”. And what are you, and what can you do about this? Know that your sin, that my sin, that the “phishers” sin, has separated us from a holy God. But God, even when we were dead in our sins, because of His mercy, He saved us. And Romans again continues in chapter 10, verses 9 & 10 with, “If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is lord, and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we can be saved.” Why, “Because with the heart, one believes”, that Jesus has provided the righteousness … He has rescued us from our sins. And, “With the mouth, one confesses and is saved” from those sins.

In the gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through me”.

I ask, “What will you do with this information”? For me, thanks be to God, I believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And with such, I choose to be a “Fisher of Men”. And will continue to state such to these lost “Phishers” of men. Might God have mercy on their souls, as He has on mine. 

 

 

 

 

Simply … Hermana Chuy

The time of day ~ no es importante! That is, “It's not important”! Prayer, singing & reading scripture is always her first thought … her first reflex. Like that of one who quickly turns their head to the right when someone is calling their name. Chuy, in the same manner, moves from a general conversation, to a spiritual connection with God our Father, with as simple and graceful ease, that is of no greater effort than taking a breath of air.

Some eighteen years my senior, she is a model of what I can only hope will unfold during the ensuing years of  my life. From the moment that we met in 2019, now six years later, she is perhaps the most humble, gentle, and diligent soul that I've ever had the opportunity to enjoy the same space. Her demeanor is beautifully in full view through the constant expression of her children and grandchildren. Sometimes I'm in complete awe at the endearing & adorable respect that is simply due to her presence.

Just this afternoon we again enjoyed one of several conversations regarding her history, love of scripture, and love of family. Being honest, my Spanish is such that I likely understand only 25% of her words, but most of the story. Her expressions, occasional laughter, and keen details of her amazing life, holds a steady smile upon my face.

Born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico, northeast of Mexico City, she has since called the pueblita … small town of Islita and now San Luis, RC her home. Married, with five children, her husband Salvador, ventured to California, and then Arizona for work. In time he would request a divorce, but her unrelenting devotion to her Savior demanded her to remain faithful, even if he decided to do otherwise. The irony of her faithfulness to God's promises is displayed by the monthly social security that she has received these past fifteen years, after his death. This tiny, God-fearing Mexican lady, makes a short drive across the border to obtain her rightful small stipend.

Only God knows how many more times that I will arrive for my annual baseball camp in this, my Mexican home of San Luis. And how many more years does Chuy have … indeed, only God knows both. What I do know … that I will never cease to be amazed by, and deeply enjoy spending time with, and watching the interactions of this very simple, and humble life. 

My heart has been indelibly and gratefully enlarged by her presence. Indeed … it has!

Indeed … God knows what He is doing. If only we will slow down … we will see how He IS working through others. And the inspiration from their simple & humble lives, might be what is required to pull us through just one more day. “Dios sabe lo que hace” ~ God knows what He is doing ~

'Now, We're Them'

~ Retirees at the 911 10th Anniversary ~

Her name was April … indeed pretty like the month of Spring. I didn’t know her well, but we were classmates in Junior High. I still remember the day when I heard someone ask, “Did you hear about April”? I said, “No”, “What”? She died Saturday night. A knot filled my throat. Moisture to my eyes. And I said, “But, she was not even thirteen”. “What happened”? I asked. My friend across the table looked up and said, “They say that she died of an overdose”. “An overdose?” I said! I had barely heard the word before. Today, for young teenagers, even preteens, it is a word that is a frequent part of their vocabulary. And yes, it had become a frequent word for my world in the 1960’s. Yet, still a word that wasn’t daily for this young teen.

Why do I mention miss April, some fifty-five years later? Other than an older family member or two, hers was the first death that was even remotely close to my surroundings … Close to my emotions. And now … as I sit here, closer to seventy than sixty, death … of someone close … it is now a regular occurrence. Then … death was typically that which I heard my mother, my father or a grandparent talk about. And, as they grew older, those occurrences became more, and more common. And now … I am … that is, "We are Them"!

I wrote about one such friend two years ago this month. In a blog entitled, ‘Gizmo ~~ A Very Good Friend’. I told of more than three dozen work projects that greatly connected our lives. Many of those projects were right here in the very home in which I sit to write this blog. It only takes but a glance at my front porch, my bathroom heater … at my Yamaha tailbag, or the siding of my garage … even at Station ‘80’ ,,, and ‘Gizmo’ automatically brings a smile.

There have been many others in the past few years. The memory of their lives … frequently pass with a smile, perhaps a tear as something reminds me of our moment together. Such as …

We shared the same station for twenty years of our career. He would become my first Paramedic partner. A great one at that! And though soon after he decided that he would no longer continue as a ‘Medic’ … I’m fairly sure it had nothing to do with me. Ha! Still, we spent many years training & working together. And … I don’t say this lightly … Mitch was the most diligent comrade that I ever had the privilege to work alongside. Now … that is in no way to 'diss' the remainder of you. Most of whom, we likewise shared a great many shifts in a Fire Engine, Rescue, Truck ... Boat ... and the Fire House. But Mitch ... he was of the most unique breed. I'm sure that most would agree.

For the years after his retirement, we often enjoyed a text, a coffee … or lunch together. Catching up was always easy. Like we had seen each other only days before … when usually it would be months.

And though many are the memories of my friend ‘Mitch’ … the biggest of smiles … it comes as I’m reminded of playing volleyball. The ball would be perfectly set … now, perfectly at the Fire House is not quite the same as Karch, Kerri or Misty May, but … perhaps close. Yeah, not even! ... So … I give it a good ole ‘perfect’ fire house set. The ball floats beautifully into the air. Mitch jumps … or is that … Mitch ‘perfectly’ jumps? :) The ball slowly settles back to earth. Mitch … with every appearance of a massive spike … Almost as if in slow motion … The ball lands upon his hands … and then … sike! ... He dinks the ball ever so gently to the side of the most unsuspecting player opposite of the net. And in harmony we shout … “MEEATCH”!

~ Mitchell's Retirement Pic ~

So … if I’m going to “Be Them” … I’m going to do so with smile. A smile of a memory. If only they could ALL be … “MEEATCH”! In honor of Mitchell Johnson. Rest in peace … friend … brother :)

Rest in Peace!

 

"You Are Not Him"

You’re set to begin that long awaited trip. Your bags are packed, snacks and drink are within arms reach. The itinerary is determined. One last stop before you begin this journey. Now, fueled up, you set the odometer and fuel indicator in order to gauge your distance and fuel consumption. And … you don’t give it one thought. Where did these simple, but intelligent devices originate?

Oh, but when you fueled that tank … you had no consideration, nor question, “What was the process in which brought this hydrocarbon to the pump”? And, he was there again.

Or, consider … the very laptop on which I type this unread blog. Those tiny semiconductors … at their infancy they contained a few thousand transistors. Then … in 1989 ‘Intel’ took that number to more than a million. And today … They hold more than 50 billion. Yes, you read correctly … Fifty Billion transistors! And once again, he was there.

'Orbital Welder' - Developed by RRW ++

I have written often, thought even more, about the man from whom I received my name, but never have I written about his accomplishments. Yes, the three stories above give insight to the amazing achievements of the man ‘Richard Ray’, my father. There are likely several that could attest to that which he, and the group of thinkers, whom were likewise those who brought many of our current-day conveniences, but I know personally only one, and he has since died.

My uncle Hiroshi ‘Mickey’ Imaizumi was that man. An internet search with the simple words, "Tokyo Olympics and expert welder", will bring you to one of the last articles about, not just Mickey’s achievements, but that of my father as well. They were entrepreneurs, from an exclusive group of men who indeed revolutionized what is now our modern devices. The good news … a couple years prior to his death, I was able to visit Uncle ‘Mickey’ one last time.

Kunitaka Imaizumi, uncle ‘Mickey’s’ youngest, spent nine months of his International studies at the University of Oregon, during the 2019 school year. In July of that year, Uncle Mickey and his lovely wife, Kyoung Mee, made a brief visit to Oregon, spending time indeed with Kunitaka, but as well with Karen and myself. Those final conversations provided many laughs, plus several old and new memories of himself and my father. That time told of the brilliance that would be theirs together. And as well, the story of how much money they, and in particular, my father made from the above inventions. And then … the sources of where that money found its home. FYI, that home never went into the direction of his own children. Note … not that this was ever the expectation, but … just saying.

And here … Is where the dilemma arises between the entrepreneur and the father. Part of that dilemma, is on one hand, not to disgrace my father’s name. Yet, on the other hand, to likewise not sweep under the proverbial rug, the true aspect of ‘father’.

What would have been my father’s eighty-fifth birthday, passed only a couple weeks ago, and my thoughts once again asked, “How might it have been different”? Sure in my adult life, there could have been a few things that I could have changed. Would it have made a difference? Not likely! But, perhaps. It is those childhood memories that unfortunately regularly remind me of the fact that, “You Are Not Him”!

Inspired from a scene in the movie, ‘Boys in the Boat’, that we watched on the premier day of Christmas. I imagine on one hand that the movie took theatrical license with the line. Yet, understanding the story, if these words were not directly spoken, they were in fact the reality.

So yes, I was not him! That is, I was not ... and I am not my father. On one hand I was nothing in comparison to his brilliant mind and entrepreneur focus. But, as he at times attempted to be a father, and in his defense, there were moments, very brief, but moments nonetheless, what would different look like? If I could have my childhood back … I would ask for an intentional father. I would ask for a father who was involved. I would willingly have a father who had none of his accomplishments. I would have had a father who said, “I love you son”! And, “I am proud of you Rick”!

I thank my Heavenly Father, who continues to mold this man to intentionally attempt to be the best earthly father that I can be. Am I there? Indeed not! But I hope … until my dying day, that this will be my goal. And in this … I strive to be ... "Not Him".

 

Though a long video ... if you went to minute 4, you would discover the applications of which those entrepreneur's, such as Mickey & my father developed starting in the 1960's. His name, you'll likely never find it within the 'orbital welding' literature. Nonetheless, his fingerprints remain :)