Charlie Tremendous Jones is a man of faith who puts his faith into action every day. He redefines humility. There is no more enthusiastic and outspoken voice for the impact of Christ in His life. Charlie brings so much energy and vitality to his message that it's hard not to listen. But this "tremendous" man humbly knows his place; he is but a child of God overwhelmed by God's grace in forgiving and loving him. He's a friend and a brother in Christ who is struggling with cancer. No, that is the wrong word; he is victorious in living with cancer. A recent message to his friends in Speakers Roundtable, a long-standing group of some of America's top professional speakers, speaks to his faith and his focus on what is truly important. I share it here with you as a testimony to the power of faith.
My dear SR friends,
I am thankful for your monthly reports that keep you fresh in my mind. I feel tremendous as always even though my eye sight, hearing and strength are going, my energy, excitement and thankfulness increases with my projects and problems. I have to remind all my friends that we are all terminal and none of us can be sure of another day. So I am not concerned when you are graduating and I don’t want to talk about when I go because there is a possibility I may out live all of you.
I want to thank Danny Cox for calling me to tell me to watch Bob Shuler on Easter Sunday. I appreciated his call but knew I would be in Church and would have to miss it. But for the first time in 57 years, I was so weak Easter Sunday Gloria went to church without me and left me to watch Bob Shuler. As I watched the program I realized why Danny wanted me to watch. Evil Kneviel gave his story of the long road he traveled to discover the love and forgiveness of Christ. It is one of the simplest and most forceful testimonies I’ve ever heard. He got carried away and used up Bob’s sermon time. God gave young Bob wisdom to forget his sermon and invite anyone who wished to receive Christ as savior to come forward. Almost 500 streamed forward and several ministers heard their profession and baptized them.
Thank you, Danny, for giving me one of the most wonderful Easter morning I’ve had in my 57 years in Christ. Danny wasn’t around many years ago when Bob had me speak to a few hundred out in the parking lot.
Another blessing was yesterday when I heard of Jerry Falwell’s graduation. Many knew him only as the press portrayed him, as a cold, hard, right wing conservative. He was my friend for over forty years. I spoke for him before he had a TV program or college. He was as humble, loving and joyful as any Christians I’ve ever known. He graduated while working at his desk. What a tremendous way to go. As I read his last sermon to his students, I thought this is something for all of us to think about and remember, we will never know when we are giving our last speech so make it your best.
I can’t wait to hug you in Park City. Life is truly tremendous.
Tremendously,
Charles T Jones
http://www.executivebooks.com
What a powerful letter as Charlie reminds us of some important truths:
--There is no warranty on your toe. Plan as though you will live for years, but act today as though it may be your last. Every day counts.
--When it gets down to what's important--faith and friends are very high on the list! Charlie knows that he has some friends for eternity and graduation to eternity is something to look forward to, not dread.
--A minister finishing his planned sermon is not as important as 500 people coming to know the Lord. Never let the things that matter most be at the mercy of the things that matter least!
--You can't believe everything you read in the papers or see on TV. Too many selectively scan for what they want to see in "the enemy" without looking at what God and friends see. We know part of the story; God knows it all!
A wonderful song by the Christian singer/songwriter Mark Schultz talks about the "Cloud of Witnesses" who nurture our faith in life and await and support our graduation. I have a feeling that Jerry Falwell will be coming to Charlie's graduation no matter when it occurs.
Charlie thank you for being an outspoken witness to the power of your faith in Jesus Christ. May it be a witness and a blessing to us all. May we go and do likewise!
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