2001 Jack Newton

Why do I pick this date to talk about Jack?  It is this date that so many people have heard about and so many people are tired of hearing about.  It is a date that exemplifies Jack's and my friendship and relationship.  It is a date that shows that Jack can have me as his pastor but, more importantly, look out for me as a brother.  It is a date that shows his love and his character in regard to, not only me, but to those who I lead and walk with.  It is a date that shows how little it has to do with Jack.

On this date, I was the unwitting General Contractor for a 12,000 foot addition to our existing building.  We build with volunteers and save money but the GC quit and I had to do this building.  The next volunteer team was coming and the crane had to go home and the trusses were not set.  I was directing things at a very quick pace and we were down to the last few trusses and the facade.  I was pushing the already tired team of Northwest People hard with encouragement and not any breaks.  Jack looked down from his place nailing the tail end of trusses and snipped to me something to the effect that I needed to slow down, not kill the workers and lighten up.  Now he did not snip it mean but like a joke with a point.  I was tired and I slowly and with control walked to the next task so as not to be an emotional leader.

Crisis occured as a youth ran up to tell me that Isaac was hurt and had a bone sticking out.  One friend called another friend at the Emergency Room, Karin was numb, the bone was sticking out, I strapped a screaming and  crying 5 year old in a car seat (the back seat) and took off like a madman.  I bent a few laws in my panic and kept the rearview mirror adjusted on Ike constantly, speaking soothing words and encouragements.  We arrived, were quickly cared for because of our contact and the little guy ended up with a pitiful looking brace to keep his collar bone in place.

As I pulled back into the church, the facade wall was up and all the trusses were tied off.  Only a few men remained in the rafters and I could have cared less about building.  I was walking up with my little guy when Jack came and gave me a great big hug.  "I wasn't trying to be mean.  Sometimes I put my foot in my mouth.  I just don't want to see you go over the edge..."  Jack began to explain.  "Jack, you don't have to explain.  I lost focus.  It doesn't matter if we finish if we aren't all together.  Thanks for caring enough to say something."  I replied.  You see the drive and Isaac put it all in perspective and Jack was right.  "Is Isaac all right.." Jack went on to more important topics.  I followed.

Jack has stopped me more than a few times to "adjust me" or to encourage and compliment me.  Many people have told me they have my best interest in mind but Jack really does.  He unselfishly will be to me what godly men should be to one another.  He is without a doubt one of the best friends I will every have the privilege to have.  He has made me a better man, leader, friend and husband with his prayers, his love for God and his straightforward love.  I just can't explain it.  Many people nag me, correct me or try to guide me but Jack does it as a partner and as a brother.  There just aren't words to explain it.  It wasn't earned - it wasn't explained - it just was Jack being truly unselfish and really looking out for my best interest - not my best interest that would benefit him.