JoJo 8.2; Dan and Fire talk

Tuesday, June 12, 1973

JoJo got up at his usual 12 o'clock time for the summer. His family was eating lunch, and he quickly decided to join them. The Hot Dogs, slaw, and fries were like manna from heaven to JoJo.
Dan spoke up, "JoJo, how did everything go at Tommy's house last night?"
"Praise God!!! Fire...I mean Mr. Wildfire got saved!"
Silence All Smiths knew Fire well, including Remi. None of them moved...except for JoJo.
"Mom, this is delicious! Especially that third Hot Dog!"
Dan broke the silence (besides JoJo), "Repeat that about Fire, JoJo..."
"It was awesome, Y'all! After supper, we went into the Living Room. I prayed, Tommy talked and God did the rest."
Dan needed the conclusion repeated, "And..."
"FIRE GOT SAVED!"
Alice said, "That is wonderful!"
Remi parroted her mother, "Yea, that is wonderful!"

Meanwhile, Dan was having an inner-battle. He KNEW he should praise God for the salvation of Fire. God said all things are possible with Him, but...Fire?? He honestly felt begrudged to feel appreciation. After all, Fire had made fun of Dan's beliefs since---as long as he could remember.
Now, in 1 night he is saved!!?? Dan was thinking like a man, not like God. First, God wants all people saved---no matter what they have done! Next, Dan did not realize ALL the prayers that had been lifted to Heaven for Fire's Salvation. There were probably thousands, but none more important than the handful Fire's own son, Tommy had lifted.

"Dad, aren't you happy that Fire, I mean Mr. Wildfire is saved?"
"Yea, Papa. Don't you want everybody to go to heaven?" Remi joined in.
Dan paused, "Of course this is wonderful, but somehow I am not as happy as I should be."
Alice's wisdom spilled out. "Honey, Fire has dogged you about being a Christian for decades. It may take time to sink in...the gravity of the situation. I suggest you pray."
Dan knew Alice was right. "Thank you, Hon. I must pray. Guys, excuse me."

Dan got in his car. He went for a Prayer Ride. There he could shout to God!
First, he told God it wasn't fair. He quickly knew in his spirit that no-one was born again because they deserved it. Next, Dan told God that he couldn't forgive Fire. Immediately, he remembered Jesus' words after He taught His disciples the Lord's Prayer. If you don't forgive others, your Father in Heaven won't forgive you. Finally, he began to cry. Weep was a more accurate word.
Dan asked God to forgive him for his lack of appreciation for his own salvation, and his hardness of heart toward Fire. Finally, he said, "Thank you God for forgiving my Brother Fire."
With that, Dan went back to the Smiths' residence.

Later that night, the phone rang at the Smiths' house. JoJo picked it up in 1.7 seconds...just in case it was a girl. However, it was Mr. Wildfire.
"Yessir. He's here. Hold on just a minute."
Dan asked who was calling. When JoJo told him it was Fire, he paused to say a short prayer.
"Hey, Fire."
"Hello, Dan!"
Dan thought immediately Fire's voice is different!
"JoJo told me the fantastic news!"
"Dan, I know it probably is difficult for you to believe, but I am saved!"
"I admit that it took it a while to sink in, but I rejoice with all of heaven."
"Dan, I need 2 favors."
"I'll certainly try, Fire."
"First, I am sorry for the way I have treated you all of these years. Can you please forgive me?'
Dan started crying.."Sure, Fire! We are brothers now. I forgive you as God has forgiven me!"
Fire almost shouted, "Thank you, Dan. I have to admit...it was tough to humble myself to ask your forgiveness, but the guilt was much heavier. I feel light..."
"Amen, what was the other thing, Fire?"
"Now that I am a Christian, I really need help figuring everything out. Would you help me?"
Dan knew that took everything in Fire to ask for help. "Anytime! As a matter of fact, you can call me day or night, but I would like for us to set up a regular meeting. We can study the Bible together during our meeting time."
Mrs. Wildfire got on the phone. "Dan, thank you so much! My Sweety is crying so hard out of appreciation that he couldn't talk! We'll plan to call back tomorrow."
Now Alice was on the phone, "Denise, my man is crying like a baby...Praise God! We will talk tomorrow ."
Click
Click

Return to 1973 and the Wildfires

Flashback: The night of Monday, June 11, 1973

Denise Wildfire, Tommy's mom, was the best cook of any of the guys' friends. This night, they had hamburger helper, sweet potatoes, field peas, and chocolate cake. There was no noise while everyone ate...except forks hitting plates. As supper concluded, Tommy asked his dad if he would talk with JoJo and him.
With me?? Tommy, this is your great plan!! JoJo thought
Mr. Wildfire said, "Sure, son."
Hmmm JoJo thought. Why was Fire so agreeable?
JoJo had underestimated the power of prayer. For years, Mrs. Wildfire had been praying for her husband's salvation. She had invited him to church hundreds of times until one day,
he said, "NEVER ask me to go to church AGAIN!!!!!!"
"OK," was her response. Mrs. Wildfire knew God would continue to knock at Fire's heart, plus she had her entire Sunday school class praying for him.
Then, there were Tommy's prayers.... We never know when God is going to act on a matter.
It seemed the prayers of Tommy might be the final piece of Fire's Salvation Puzzle.

The guys headed into the Living Room. Fire had a special recliner---that none of Tommy's friends dared to sit in. That is--after--Nick Butkus was literally ousted from the chair by Tommy's dad one cold February day when the boys were 10 years old. Nick had never even come back in Tommy's house! JoJo and Tommy sat on the couch.

For about 28 seconds, there was silence. Finally, Fire spoke up: "Tommy, let's hear it."
Tommy asked, "Daddy, are you saved?"
"I don't think so, but I have been praying a lot lately."
"Cool. Why the prayers, Pop?" Tommy had multiple names for his father. Sometimes it was
Pop, sometimes Daddy, sometimes Mr. Fire...
"Son, I feel I am missing something. I feel kinda guilty...some people call it conviction."
Denise was listening at the door of the kitchen. While she was thrilled to hear those words, she was even more determined to pray that this would be the Day (Night) Of Salvation!
"Daddy, I felt that same thing until I asked Jesus into my heart."
After a long silence, Fire quietly said,"How does that work?"
JoJo's mouth was wide-open. He was in shock, but all of the sudden he realized that he needed to pray. "Excuse me fellas. Would you mind if I prayed?"
Both Wildfires (really 3, including Denise) agreed.
"Holy Father, thank you for your love for us. Thank you, that in your mercy, sent Jesus to die in our place for each and every sin of ours. Please be with us as Tommy and his daddy talk."
Amen was uttered by all. Some loudly and some softly.
Tommy continued, "Pop, we must confess to God that we are sinners." He read from Romans 3 that all have fallen short of the glory of God, but God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. He read Revelations 3:20 and some other passages.
When he was finished, Fire said, "I am ready."
Tommy asked, "Would you pray with me, Daddy? I will pray, and you can follow my lead."
"Yes."
"Lord God Our Father.." Fire repeated
"We have all sinned and come short of your glory." Fire repeated.
"I am sorry for my sins! Forgive me because of Jesus' sacrifice." Fire repeated
"Jesus, I accept you into my heart as my Savior." Fire repeated
"Be my Lord and rule over my life from this time forward!" Fire repeated
"Help me live the Christian life." Fire repeated
"Thank you for saving me this day!" Fire repeated
Everyone said AMEN! this included Denise who was crying---on her knees right beside Fire!
The 2 embraced for about 10 seconds. Then Tommy's daddy, with tears streaming down his face, said: "Come join us, Boys!"
A group hug ensued, and all of Heaven rejoiced!
FIRE WAS A CHRISTIAN!!

JoJo 7.2; High School Day 1, Part 2

"Finally, it's lunch time!" JoJo practically shouted as he exited Spanish class. After all, it had been 2 entire hours since he had eaten his Snickers during Morning Recess.

JoJo quickly found there were more unwritten rules about high school. This one applied to lunch, and it was called: Senior Privilege. It basically meant Seniors could break line and get their lunch more quickly. JoJo almost smarted off to Ralph Hiser, a smaller senior, but he thought better of it.
The good news was the food: Spaghetti on the first day, plus those lunchroom rolls...Umm Good!
More rules...you could save seats for other students. You would get SHOUTED out in middle school for saving seats. JoJo found out this rule the hard-way. He attempted to sit at a table that was occupied by only 1 Sophomore Girl.
"Move it, Freshy," this girl spouted.
JoJo didn't say a word. He walked around the lunchroom for about 3&1/2 minutes before finding other freshmen at a table in the corner of the lunchroom.
"Guys, please tell me I can sit with you!"
"Sure, JoJo! We got busted, too."
"Man, I may get in a fight with one of these upper classmen."
"Are you sure you want to do that, Jo?" asked Patsy Nunez
"Uhhh, no. But, I feel better by saying it! Ha!"
The other freshmen at the table all chimed in, "That's true."
Rhonda Rebel said, "This is just not groovy the way we are being treated, man!"
Oh brother, not GROOVY again, JoJo thought.
Rhonda was a 60s child stuck in the 70s, and JoJo thought she was awful. However, today he was glad to have her on his side. JoJo never expected high school to be like this. For years, he thought..Just wait till high school. It never crossed his mind that he would be the Punk of the Month!

As lunch ended, JoJo tried to find his 4th period English class. However, the tardy bell found him first. Then, Mr. Straight, the Assistant Principal found JoJo wandering the hall.

"What are you doing wandering the halls, Mister?"
JoJo had heard about Straight always calling boys "Mister" and letting the girls get away with murder.
"UHH, I can't find my class."
"What class is that, Mister?"
"Mrs. Tense's English class."
"This is your one break, Mister." Mr. Straight practically put a finger right in front of JoJo's nose to make the "one" point.
JoJo was already worn down from this day. "Thank you, sir."
"Go down to the end of the hallway and take a right. Mrs. Tense is the first room on the right, Mister."
JoJo was grateful. "I am grateful for your help, sir."
"What are you, mister? One of those geeky punks?"
"Yes sir...I mean no sir."
"Get to class, Mister."

JoJo practically ran with an impressive-size stack of books. He almost lost his English notebook, but he made a great save. When JoJo finally found Mrs. Tense's classroom, the door was locked.
So, JoJo BANGED ON THE DOOR.

"What is this and who are you??" Mrs. TENSE yelled! And, she was no beauty. As a matter of fact she was scary.
JoJo was wide-eyed, and stuttered..."I'm JoJo Smith, Mrs. Tense. I'm sorry, but I couldn't find your class."
"Freshman, huh?"
"Yes mam."
"Be here on time, Smith!"
"Yes mam."
As JoJo entered the room, a smell permeated this place. It was like a wet tennis shoe or a rotten poot. He almost barfed his spaghetti.
"Pick any seat freshman."
Real funny, you old tense hag... there is only ONE seat, JoJo boldly thought to himself.
"Like I was saying prior to our interruption...You will be on time! You will bring a pencil and an ink pen--every day! You will have homework---every night! If you don't do it, you will fail!
ANY QUESTIONS!!!?"
It was literally like a morgue. JoJo has stopped breathing. Which wasn't all bad considering the stench of the classroom.
Mrs. Tense continued, "Open your notebooks. You will write one neat paragraph telling about your activities of the past summer. You will include parents' names, siblings' names, and pet names."
JoJo thought...what is a sibling? Then he remembered it was Remi.
There were only freshmen in the class, but every time Mrs. Tense answered a question, she would add..."What do you think, Freshman!?" She hates freshmen, and I can't wait for P.E.

JoJo's PE class was awesome! Not only was Tommy there, but several of his friends, and some upperclassmen hot girls! Now, he remembered the reason he wanted to come to high school. After several games of B-Ball, it was off to his last period of the day...Science.

He found out soon enough that it was called Biology. JoJo HATED science, but maybe this would be ok. The teacher, Mr. Earth said the students would be cutting up stuff. He called it some kind of sect..risect or dissect. Either way, it sounded cool. He actually like Old Man Earth (who is 31-years old)! The end of JoJo's first high school day had finally come. It was unforgettable and his head was sore....

JoJo 7.1 High School!

Flash Forward

Monday, September 1, 1975 

JoJo and Tommy were a bundle of nerves as they walked up the steps to the front door of Smallville High School. They had talked about this day for 2 years, but now it seemed like a dream. 

Tommy squeaked out, “There are a ton of good-looking girls, Pal!”

JoJo screeched back, “Yea, you better not flirt with any women who have a big boyfriend.”

They both laughed, but they knew those word were true. Their friend, Jimmy Johnson got beat up last year when he was a freshman. Jimmy was merely asking a pretty girl where a classroom was located. The next thing he knew he was laying on the floor. The girl’s boyfriend had cold-cocked him for just speaking to her!

“Well, we got inside the front door, Tommy Boy Boy.”

“You speak with truth, JoJo of Dan.”

These 2 had a language of their own.

Fortunately for the guys, they had the same first 2 periods together: Math and Social Studies.

Their Math Teacher, Ms. Addy, was HOT!! Plus, there were three cute Sophomores, Judy, Michelle, and Jessica. Unfortunately, they had homework on the first day for math…and Social Studies, Science and English!

When they arrived in Social Studies class, they found out it had a specific name: World History. Their teacher was Mr. Almanac. The fellers had knick-named him Nac before class ended. There were some Sophomores in this class, but they were all guys. Cindy was the only familiar face, and JoJo really didn’t know if he wanted to see her. Man, they had to read the entire first chapter, AND outline it for homework! This was NOT Middle School. All those years, JoJo said he could not wait to get to high school. Now he wasn’t so sure that he had left a good thing.

One good thing about High School was the 10:10 recess that lasted 15 minutes. They could even buy CANDY! YES!! However, JoJo quickly leaned the Senior Ring Rule. All freshmen were eligible (or should I say available) to play. Seniors had a right to turn their Senior Rings over so that the raised part of the ring would be used as “Wake-Up Call”, when they popped the Freshmen on the head. All the Freshmen had to do in this game was be present for school. Funny thing about the game…only the Seniors liked it! JoJo and Tommy got to play the game that first morning recess. Steve Mitchum (6’2”) & Lyn Logger (6’3”) walked by the boys after that bought a Snickers and a Moon Pie. Steve and Lyn circled back and gave the fellers a “Wake-Up Call”. 

Tommy yelped, “Hey, what’s the big idea?”

Steve yelled, “Shut up, Fresh Meat! Or next time, I will give you a “2-alarm clock Wake Up!”

The boys just rubbed their heads and kept walking. Later they asked another freshman, Floyd what a “2-alarm clock Wake Up” was. He told them it was two successive pops on the head with the Senior Class Ring.

“I bout choked on my Moon Pie,” Tommy said.

“I thought I saw the moon,” JoJo chimed in. 

There was the bell to end recess. JoJo and Tommy didn’t have another class together until 5th period P.E. As JoJo walked down the hall, he had his eyes moving around trying to see any Seniors. 

“Whew, made it to class without another Wake-Up Call.”

Spanish class was strange to JoJo. He had never had a Foreign Language class. His teacher was Ms. CeCe. WOW, Another beauty! JoJo thought to himself. This class had students from all grades but Seniors. And, there was Cindy again. This time, they sat next to each other. This helped them to have a little familiarity in this New World.

“How was your first class, JoJo?”

“I have Math, and it looks easy. How bout you?”

“I have Home Ec. I’ll have to say that it’s much more interesting than Almanac’s class!”

“Yea, that guy is BORING!” He couldn’t believe he and Cindy were talking like friends. Then again, this had already been one of the strangest days ever!!

“Let’s get started, Class.” Ms CeCe had a rep as a no-nonsense teacher. Then he got scared. 

“All conversation will be in Spanish. You can use your book or notes, but not another classmate.”

“Oh Brother!” 

JoJo was looking forward to lunch!!

JoJo 6.4; JoJo calls his dad a Hypocrite

That particular Monday, Dan got home early. It was about 4:00. At 4:02, JoJo had his glove, his dad's glove, and a baseball walking toward the front door.
"Come on, Dad. Let's see what that fastball looks like today...or should I say slowball!"
"Give me 5 minutes, Son, and I'll come buzz the heater at your face!"
"HaShwa!"
Dan was totally worn out from staying up with JoJo the night before, but he made himself a promise when JoJo was born to ALWAYS play catch with him. After he changed clothes, splashed water on his face, and drank a coke, Dan ran out the front door. JoJo already had Dan's glove at his usual spot. He was pounding the ball in his glove, while sporting his new Smallville Indian cap.
"Let's see what you got, Sandy (as in Sandy Koufax)."
"Here it comes, Bob (as in Bob Gibson)."
"Whoohoo! You have been working on your fastball for sure. That almost hurt my hand."
"Yea,Yea, Bob. Bring your best lightning!"
"Ok." Dan never tried to embarrass JoJo, but it was getting easier and easier to not have to worry about that. Either JoJo was getting better, he was getting older (and slower), or both!
Dan threw his "heater". It really did hurt JoJo's hand, but there was NO WAY the son would let dad know that.
"Not bad for an ole wash woman."
"HaHa. I hear ya."
The two carried on like that for 30 minutes. Then, all of the sudden, JoJo said, "Dad, I need to go take a shower."
"What? Do you have a date, Big Guy?"
"I wished! I am going to eat supper with the Wildfires."
"Good. You and Tommy can talk about your new Jesus experience."
"Uhhh...Yessir. And..."
"Go on, Jo."
"Tommy is going to share what happened to him with his dad."
Dan hit the ground laughing. "You know Edward Wildfire will not listen to a word! He is hopeless!"
JoJo had heard only 2 people call Tommy's dad by the name Edward. Those 2 were his dad and Tommy's mom. Everyone else called him Fire.
"Dad, you are a hypocrite!"
"Watch that tone, JoJo."
"I don't mean any disrespect, but I know Jesus can save ANYBODY! Remember John 3:16?"
Dan felt about 2 inches high. "Son, if I ever act like that again, I want you to tell me I am a hypocrite. That was awful."
"I will, Dad. But, what do we say to Fire...I mean Mr. Wildfire?"
"Have you and Tommy talked about it?"
"NoSir. Actually, he said HE was going to talk to him."
"Wow! What guts Tommy has in his first 24 hours as a Christian."
"You need to let him talk, and only interject if Tommy asks for some assistance."
"Yessir. Would you pray with me before I go?"
"Right after I shower, Absolutely! Meet you in the den in ten."
"Cool."

JoJo 6.2; JoJo shares with his Mom and Remi

Monday, June 11, 1973

JoJo woke up at 10:00. This was 2 hours earlier than normal. There was something different about him. He had met the Risen Lord Jesus! He knew it. The first thing JoJo did that morning was pray. He read a devotional that Dan had given him the previous night, which was a night he would never forget. It was the night of his Salvation!

Alice and Remi were cooking breakfast. Well, mostly Alice, but Remi liked to help. JoJo could smell the Blueberry Pancakes from upstairs. As soon as he walked in the kitchen, his mom and sister let out a Whooooo.

"Why the Whooo, Girls?"

Remi responded, "This is the first time all summer you have been up before lunch!"

JoJo hesitated. "Uhhhh, today is different."

That caused curiosity with Alice. "How so, JoJo?"

Both girls laughed at the little rhyme.

"Last night at church, Tommy got saved!"

"Praise the Lord!!! That's fantastic, JoJo. Did you get saved last night at church, too, JoJo?"

"No mam."

Now Remi got curious. "Why YOU not get saved last night?"

JoJo said, "I didn't say I didn't get saved last night."

Alice was confused. "I am confused, JoJo!"

"Ladies, I got saved last night after Dad and I got home!!"

"Ohhhhhh, JoJo!!!!!!" Alice squeezed the life out of her son.

"Haha! It was great! I was so confused about God. about getting saved. Then, Dad told me about his life. He read from Romans about Jesus' blood cleaning us! I thought I had to get cleaned up, but I found out I could not do that! Only God can forgive me through Jesus! I am so happy!"

Alice began to cry and Remi didn't understand why.

"Big Bro, you made Mom cry. You are mean!"

Alice gathered herself--somewhat---"Remi, I am crying because I am happy."

"Oh, me never done that before..."

JoJo escaped his mother's tears and hugs (after about 15 minutes). He took a plate of pancakes with him, carefully not letting any syrup slide off the sides on the way upstairs back up to his room. JoJo had to call Tommy, but he didn't want to wake him up. 

Maybe he's up, too...JoJo thought. He just couldn't wait to tell his buddy the good news about his salvation.

"Hey Brother! Are you awake?!"

"Yea, JoJo. I've been awake since about 9:30. Wait...did you call me brother?!"

"Yep!"

"Did you get saved last nite, too?"

"Saved to the bone, my Bro!"

"Praise God! What's going on, JoJo?"

"I'm not completely sure, but I know yesterday June 10, 1973---you and I were saved by God's grace!"

"Yah!! Jo, I got up early this morning and prayed and read the Bible y'all gave me last year!"

"Dude, I did, too!"

"What will the other kids think when they hear about all this?"

JoJo paused. He did have a reputation of a trouble-maker and rule-breaker. He was practically an all-star clown. "I'm not sure."

"Well, we'll let God deal with that!"

JoJo gave up a little fake laugh, but he was concerned about his cool rep.

"Why don't you come over tonight. I am going to witness to my Daddy!"

"Already?" JoJo said with a hesitancy in his throat.

"Of course, I don't want him going to Hell!"

JoJo thought about it. Immediately, he did not care about his own rep. This was an eternal thang!

"I'll be over! 6 bells?"

"Yep."

Click.

Click.

JoJo 6.1; JoJo' s Spiritual Struggle

The Ride Back Home From the Party

"Dad, I still do not understand how somebody becomes saved."

"JoJo, let's talk when we get home."

"Thanks, Dad."

8:01 PM in the Smiths' Living Room

"JoJo, do you want to be made right with God?"

"Yes, Dad! I have been seeking God and a right relationship with Him for months now!"

"Do you know what it means to be saved?'

"I know Jesus died for me!"

"That's a big part of it. What else do you know?'

"That's where I get confused."

"How so?"

"Tommy got saved tonight! I don't understand how in the world that happened!!"

"Explain the confusion, Son."

"Here I am for months trying to clean up my act. Tommy has been to church TWICE in his life! And....THE SECOND TIME HE GOT SAVED!!??"

"Oh, so you think you can be good enough on your own to be made right with God."

"Well---that and because Jesus died for me."

"Would you like for me to tell you God's plan "to be made right with Him?"

"Boy, would I!"

"JoJo, first, you must believe the Bible is the Word of God, and everything in it is true."

"Do you believe that?"

"Yessir."

"OK. Listen very carefully to God's Word and my testimony."

Dan's Testimony

"JoJo, I was brought up in a Christian home, but I was not a Christian. I use to be a bully. I hated other people...and even myself. After I graduated Smallville High, I went over to Central University. There, I became lonely and depressed. There were plenty of people around, but the Devil did a number on me. Then one day, a young man knocked on my dorm room door. He said his name was William, and he invited me to Central U Bible Study. I went for 3 months. It didn't seem to affect me one way or another, until... I followed God's plan for salvation. We are going to look up some Bible verses and read them together. These are the verses that opened my spiritual eyes.

Revelations 3:20 Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Romans 3:23-26 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when He held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for He was looking ahead and including them in what He would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate His righteousness, for He Himself is fair and just, and He makes sinners right in His sight when they believe in Jesus.

"JoJo, do you understand the meaning of these passages of scriptures?"

"Dad! For the first time, I get it! I don't have to clean myself up, because Jesus' blood cleanses me!"

"That is why Tommy could be saved on his second trip to church. Honestly, you don't even have to be at a church to be saved. The requirement is to believe that Jesus was the sacrifice in our place for all the bad and sin in us!"

"Dad, would you lead me in the Salvation Prayer?"

Dan had chill bumps, but the Lord was with him so he could stay calm and focus.

Lord, guide me....guide us, Dan silently prayed.

"Repeat after me as I pray, JoJo. God, I am a sinner. I desire to be made right with You. I trust your Word. I believe Jesus died for my sins. I accept Jesus into my heart! I trust your forgiveness for all my sins. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Let me serve you each day for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen."

JoJo thoughtfully and honestly prayed every word Dan prayed. When they were finished praying, JoJo surprised Dan. 

"Dad, I have heard people talk about how they feel after they are saved, but I am not concerned about my feelings. I claim my faith in Jesus that I AM saved! I praise God! And, I thank you, Dad."

"That is incredible, JoJo! I am so proud of you! Do you want to tell anybody?"

"I want to first tell Mom and Remi. Then, I am going to call Tommy!"

"Mom!!!!!"

JoJo 5.4; SALVATION!

Sunday, June 10, 1973, 1:00 PM

 “Are we going to UMYF tonight, JoJo?” Tommy eagerly asked from the other end of the phone.

“Is there any long hair on the band members of Lynard Synard?” JoJo tried to wittingly answer.

“I would say that was corny, JoJo. But, that just straight out stunk!”

“OK, You dang right we’re going!”

“Cool! I look forward to it.”

“I’m glad, Tommy. Why the change?”

“I don’t know how to put it into words, but I can feel God working on me.”

“How so?”
“I don’t know, but I know I really need him. And, I never knew it until last week when we went to church.”

“That is cool. We will be by about 4:45.”
“Sounds like a plan, man.”

Click. Click. The usual ending of a phone conversation for those two.

4:45

Dan and JoJo stop by Tommy’s house. JoJo is surprised how neat Tommy looks. Plus he has a big ole smile.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen.”

“Tommy…” Both Smiths reply.

Dan asked, “What is going on at UMYF tonight?”
JoJo responds, “I think we have a guest speaker.”

“Oh. Who?” Dan asks. Tommy perks up for the answer.

“I think Mr. Faith said this guy who had a tough upbringing is going to talk to us.”

“Let me know how it goes,” Dan says.

“Sure, Dad.”

Inside the church

“Man, there are a ton of people here!” Tommy exclaims.

“I don’t know about a ton, maybe 1995 pounds.”

“Sha! OK, Corny JoJo. Maybe not a ton, but twice as many as last week.”

“That’s for sure, T.”

Mr. Faith comes over to greet the boys and introduce them to John Witness, the guest speaker.

“Hello JoJo…Tommy!”

Wow! He actually remembered my name! Tommy thought to himself. Sometimes, he felt like a nobody. Worse than that. He wondered if his parents wished they had NO children, much less six! Even the kids at school made fun of him for his “cheap clothes”.

John stuck out his hand, “Hi Tommy!” “Hi…was it Doe Doe? Ha, just kidding JoJo!”

The boys shook Mr. Witness’ hand. Tommy thought the joke was funnier than JoJo, but JoJo played along. As UMYF began, there were snacks, music, and a time for the youth to talk to each other. Mr. Faith really believed this was an important time for the youth. After about 20 minutes, the Youth Band, called SoldOut began to play. The kids sang along—some, more than others. 

Finally, it was time for John Witness to speak.

John told the kids about his tough upbringing in a small town about the size of Smallville. His father was mean and often out of a job. When he was about 15, John began to hang with the wrong crowd. He said that group of kids cared about him more than his parents. The group members often got into trouble for things like stealing and drinking beer. (He said it like it was not a big deal.) John went on to tell the kids how he got kicked out of school, and a family from the United Methodist Church in his hometown took him in to live with them. However, John gave them trouble from the very start. so much so that they placed him in a home for troubled boys. It was called the Paul Anderson Youth Home. PAYH was located in Onion City. It was down in the lower part of the state. It was there, John said, He was saved! God turned John’s life around. He earned High School credits at the PAYH High School. And, when he was 20-years-old, he graduated from high school and the Home. At first, he lived with his uncle in another city…he didn’t want to get back into the crowd where his life fell apart. Later, he became a missionary in Uganda. Now, he was working on his college degree, while speaking to Youth Groups. He had his own organization called: Witness.

John told them the way to become Christians. He used many verses from John and Romans to back up each point. However, JoJo was still a little confused. However, everything was crystal clear to Tommy. At the end of the talk, John offered for anyone who wanted to be saved to come down to the front. To JoJo’s surprise, Tommy jumped up and headed down front. Miraculously, about 20 other youth went down front to be saved! That was about half of the kids present that day!! Everything else was a blur to JoJo, and it seemed like they were back in Dan’s car headed home in no time.

Tommy was so excited to tell Mr. Smith! Dan was beyond thrilled to hear about Tommy’s salvation (as well as the 20 other kids)! As they pulled up to the Wildfires’ house, Tommy asked Dan if he would be available to answer some questions about being a Christian when he had time to talk.

“Absolutely, Tommy!”

“Great! Thanks, Mr. Smith! Good night, JoJo!”

“Nite,Tommy..”

“JoJo, are you OK?”

“Well…”

TO BE CONTINUED 

JoJo 5.3; You Gotta Face the Consequences!

"JoJo! Tommy! Watch this!" screamed Howard Johnson, the second oldest boy of the seven-sibling crew.
JoJo and Tommy watched in utter disbelief (and anticipation) as Howard got a running start and jumped off the house and landed half-way across the pool!
Woohoo, JoJo thought, This will be one of the best days ever!
Several more Johnsons jumped off the roof into the pool. As it grew time for JoJo to jump, he was beginning to get frightened.
"Going for the record," shouted Mike Johnson, the oldest Johnson child.
The record was jumping as far out into the deep end as you could go. Nobody ever really got that far. But, Mike was determined to be 'that dude'. JoJo watched every move Mike made, including the distance he backed up to get a HUGE running start!
As Mike ran about 15 yards and approached "the end of the runway," he hit a tremendous wet spot where so many jumpers had catapulted themselves. That was not a good thing! Mike slipped, came tumbling off the house, and "splat" right onto the side of the pool.
"My LEG! My LEG! *#@@*&&!!!!!!"
JoJo had never seen anyone's leg turned that way! It was turned to almost a 90 degree angle.
Everyone gasped in horror! Only Becky, the oldest Johnson girl kept her head. She told her sister, Martha, to call her mother. Becky told everyone to stand back. She gently moved Mike's leg and placed it on a bundle of towels.
"All Johnsons in the house except for Howard! JoJo and Tommy, you better go home."
"Sure thing. I'm sorry Mike," JoJo said as he and Tommy, both white as sheets, turn to walk away.
Mike could only manage a grunt.

JoJo and Tommy walked slowly toward the Smiths' house. Suddenly, Tommy threw up. The sight of Mike's leg had messed with both of their heads. They finally got back to JoJo's house.
His father and mother were home.

Alice looked at the boys and knew something was terribly wrong.
"What happened, boys?"
They didn't want to nark on anybody. They looked at each other and remained silent.
Dan pushed the question, "BOYS, what happened?!"
JoJo spilled everything. Alice took off to the Johnsons' house to see about Mike. Since Remi was home, Dan stayed at the house.
"You're telling me that kids were jumping off the roof into the pool!?"
"Yessir," the boys said in unity.
"And neither one of YOU jumped?"
"No sir," again in unity.
Dan paused. "Were you GOING to jump?"
The boys could lie, but JoJo fessed up. "Dad, we were going to jump...I think..."
"I see. Well, you are not allowed to go "swimming" at the Johnsons' for the next 2 months.
"Two Months! Summer will be over!"
"I think you might want to check that attitude, son."
"Yessir. Sorry, Dad."
Tommy decided he better head for home.

Meanwhile, Alice had made it to the Johnsons' house. Mike was loaded in the back of their station wagon. They were just about to head to the hospital. Alice asked if she could help, and Mrs. Smith asked her to stay with the other 6 Johnson kids until they got back.
"Of course!"

Back at the Smiths, Remi was asking JoJo all kind of questions about today's events. JoJo told her to shut up and go back to her dolls!
Dan jumped in, "One more word and you are on SUSPENSION, Buster!"
Suddenly a calm came over Dan. He knew it was from the Lord. "JoJo do you know how dangerous jumping of that roof was?"
"I do NOW, Dad!"
"But....if Mike would not have hurt his leg, you might have gotten hurt."
"Yessir. I have been thinking about it. My memory verse 'came' to me since I have been back home."
"Which one," Dan inquired.
"Proverbs 2:12-13."
"Let's hear it, JoJo."
"Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths."
"Do you think Mike is evil, JoJo?"
"No Sir. But his actions were wrong, and I saw that dark path he used to run off his roof!"
"Was it scary, Son?"
"The scariest, Dad."
"I think your pool suspension is enough punishment. I am proud of you for remembering and applying the Proverbs 2 verses."
"Thanks, Dad. May I go to the Rec. Department?"
"I didn't think you had a game tonight."
"No sir, but I plan to meet a friend there."
Dan knew which friend, but he played it cool..."That's fine, JoJo. Be home by 10."

JoJo was so thankful to get to see Cindy! It had only been 2 days, but it seemed like 2 weeks!
As they talked, JoJo asked Cindy the longest she had ever had a boyfriend. She mumbled something.
"What did you say, Cindy?"
"I want to break up."
"Whaaaaaaat!!??"
"Sorry, JoJo. It's been fun, but...."
"Spill it, Girl."
"I like someone else."
Please don't let it be Butch. PLEASE! PLEASE! JoJo thought. But, he played it cool.
"Must be a special guy, if he is going to take JoJo's spot in your life."
"I'm sorry, Jo..."
"WHO is it?"
"Bbbbbobby."
"Your OLD boyfriend?!"
"Yes. JoJo, I'm sorry. There's my mom." "Can we still be friends?" Cindy asked, with a smile.
"Sure," JoJo said, but he was thinking You blew it Chicky!!

JoJo 5.2; Summertime Fun!

"Ahoohoohoo! What a perrrrrrrrfect summer day!" JoJo practically screamed as he looked outside.
He quickly took a shower, ate his FruitLoops, and called Tommy.
"What cha doing, Tommy?"
"Nothing."
These were the common opening statements for 13-year-old phone calls.
"Well, get yourself over here!"
"Why, JoJo?"
"We're going swimming at the Johnsons!" The Johnsons were a family that lived up the block from JoJo. They had 7 children. They realized a few years back that a pool would be entertainment that would contain their children in one spot for hours. The Johnsons were really nice to the Smith family. They went to church together, and sometimes the adults would go out to eat a meal. Remi and JoJo could go swimming anytime and bring 1 friend. That was a strict rule: 1 friend only.
Tommy was all too familiar with JoJo's parents blowing up their plans with making him baby sit his little sister, Remi.
"What about Remi?"
"Tommy, what in tarnation are you talking about?"
"Have you checked with Dan and Alice about your little plan? You may have to baby sit Remi."
"Oh crap! Let me check with mom. I'll call you back."
Click. Click. For some reason Tommy and JoJo never said "bye." They just hung up. Of course they knew better when talking to girls. On those calls, they gave a standard, "Bye, bye."
Alice was in the kitchen cooking. Dan was at work, and he had no idea where Remi was--nor did he care!
"Hey Mom!"
"What do you need JoJo?"
"What? Why..."
"I know you better than you know yourself, JoJo Smith. That was a 'I need something greeting.'"
Dang, Alice is smart. "Guilty as charged, Mom. I was wondering if I could go swimming at the Johnsons."
"Hmmm. Are you going by yourself?"
"I'm taking Tommy."
"OK, but be back by supper."
Supper was 6:00 sharpe at the Smiths' house.
"No Prob, Mom! Thanks!"
Two minutes later, Tommy and JoJo were on their way to the Johnsons.
JoJo loudly said, "It's 1:00, and we have the whole day ahead of us!" JoJo had been up 53 minutes. He was right---his "day" would last until 2:00 AM.
"JoJo Boy, I love summer!"
"Swimming is my favorite part! Besides girls! And baseball! HAHA!"
"Speaking of girls...How bout you and Cindy?"
"What about us?"
"Everything groovy?"
There goes that word again! JoJo was almost ready to punch the next person who said groovy.
"Doing fine. I think I'm going to meet her at the ballpark tonight." JoJo didn't have a game, but someone was always playing at the Smallville Rec. Department, so Jr. High kids made it a hangout.
When the guys arrived at the Johnsons, they realized Mr. & Mrs. were not home. This was due to the fact that kids were jumping off the house into the pool!
"WOW! Let's hit it!"

AMERICA!

God has indeed blessed America!

Our country was founded on freedom from an oppressive government. Here is a concise version of the Bill of Rights:
1. Freedom of religion.
2. The right to bear arms.
3. Being free of quartering soldiers.
4. The right to be free of unreasonable searches.
5. Legal rights including: a grand jury must indict a person prior to trial; protection from double jeopardy; protection from being a witness against one's self; private property shall not be taken for public use without due compensation.
6. The benefit of: a speedy trial, impartial jury, be informed of the accusation, being confronted with the witnesses against him, allowing witnesses gathered for the accused, and the right to have a defense counsel.
7. Right of trial by jury.
8. Excessive bail is prohibited. The restriction of cruel and unusual punishment.
9. Nothing written in the Constitution can be used to cancel amendments to it.
10. States' rights, if not delegated to the U.S.

Abundance of food
Abundance of food allows most people to specialize in jobs. For without this abundance, we have just a few choices:
* Be a hunter/gatherer
* Be a farmer
* Be a scavenger
* Starve
God has blessed us with fertile soil, rain, and other qualities needed to grow food for America.
Now Johnny can grow up to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, city-manager, park-ranger, botanist, professional athlete, etc.
Now Josie can grow up to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, nurse, pharmaceutical rep, architect, human-resource director, professional athlete, etc.

Free Education to students K-12
While this education is far from free---tax payers pay the bill---it is free to the student.

Great Quality Health Care
As the debate continues in Washington about health care, we are fortunate to have quality doctors, nurses, schools, and hospitals/faciliites.

Prayer
It is not against the law to pray anywhere! EVEN IN SCHOOLS! I see FB posts saying put prayer back in school, but it never left.

Police (and other branches of law enforcement) protection
Without it , we have CAOS.

Strong Military
Our military protects the U.S. and many regions of the world.

Clean Water
We turn on a faucet and water magically appears. This is certainly not so in much of today's world.

Entertainment
Sports, movies, computers (laptops, phones, PCs, etc), games, reading, conversation, exercise, etc.

Many, many, many other blessings

RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE DOMINION OVER THESE THINGS!

JoJo 5.1; Fun Times at UMYF!

Dan was pleased to hear JoJo and Tommy's conversation about UYMF.
Tommy confessed, "I have only been to church a few times, and I never liked it. But, tonight was different."
JoJo countered, "What was different about tonight?"
"I didn't feel weird. The people were not acting weird. The people were not weird."
"Hmmm. Glad it was weirdless!"
"HaHa! Yea, me too."
"Nothing wrong with having some cutie pies being there."
Dan almost busted out laughing.
"There WERE a few cute girls..."
"Come on, Tommy! Who did you have your eye on?"
"Since I'm a single man now, I did check out the scene."
"And....."
"I think she said her name was Susie T."
"Susie Q!"
"Well....."
"She is cute, but..."
"But WHAT!?"
"She has a boyfriend."
"How big of a feller?"
"Hmmm. Bout---5'10, maybe 5'11". He weighs about 175."
"What's the big feller's name?"
"James"
"Huh! I think Jim better start looking for a new girlfriend."
Dan wasn't quite as pleased now. He broke in...."Guys, you did not go to UYMF to find a girlfriend. You sure didn't go there to pick a fight!"
"Yes sir, Mr. Dan. Sometimes I see a pretty girl, and I forget everything else!"
Dan tried to provide wise words for Tommy. "You are a young man, Tommy. We men are wired that way."
"Really? Even old dudes? Ooo. Sorry, Mr. Dan."
"Haha! No problem, Tommy." (Do the boys think I am an old man? Dan knew the answer was yes)
Dan asked, "Did you learn anything from the Bible?"
Both boys responded, "Yes sir."
"Tell me about it."
Tommy started. "We learned about this cool story Jesus told in the book of Mark. (Since Tommy had an Uncle Mark, he easily remembered the reference.) There was this dude who owned a vineyard. He rented out and left town. Later, he sent one of his employees to get his cut. Uhhh. What happened then JoJo?"
"First, the owner's men got harassed and beat-up. Later, the owner sent another one of his men, and they killed him."
"Yea! The next words would not have come out of my daddy's mouth. I think that is why I remember them. 'Surely they will respect my son.'"
Dan asked, "Did the renters respect the son?"
"No!!!" Both boys cried out!
JoJo spoke up, " The guys renting the place thought if they killed the son, everything would be theirs!"
Tommy followed, "They killed him. Now, I thought they would get off scott-free, like in the movies. But, do you know what happened, Mr. Dan?"
"What, Tommy?"
"The owner comes back to town, and he is mad! He kills the dudes renting the place. But, I know he had to be sad about his son."
JoJo said, "Mr. Faith told us the story Jesus was telling was about the Religious Leaders! They killed Jesus!! He told us God the Father gave Jesus to die on the cross so that we could be saved."
Tommy excitedly said, "I never heard about anything like this in church! Do you mind if I go back next week?"
Dan and JoJo were both thrilled to hear Tommy say that. Of course JoJo had to be kinda cool.
So, he told Tommy, "That sounds like a winner, Pal."
Before Tommy got out of the car, he said, "I won't cause any trouble for Jim and that Susie girl!"
Dan said, "Sounds good, JoJo. We'll plan to pick you up at the same time next week."

Why I love America!

My list of reasons for my love of America.
(These are not in order of importance.)
1. Freedom to worship.
2. Freedom to speak my mind.
3. Freedom to choose a career.
4. Family.
5. Access to clean water.
6. Flushing toilets.
7. Cities...including garbage pick-up, public schools, libraries, Recreation Departments, Fire Dept., Police Protection, Paved roads, television, radio.
8. Vehicle.
9. Thousands of forms of entertainment.
10. Nuclear Family.
11. Extended Family.
12. Sports.
13. Fireworks.
14. Christian Authors.
15. Christian music.
16. Safe neighborhood.
17. House to live in.
18. Clean Air.
19. Friends.
20. Paul Anderson Youth Home.
21. Vidalia First United Methodist Church
22. Doctors.
23. Problems.
24. Hospitals.
25. Soldiers.
26. Braves, Falcons, and Hawks
27. technology.
28. Beauty of the earth.
29. Concerts.
30. Abundance of food.

AWE; Everything is Possible wth God; Winshape

My morning devo scripture was Mark 9 & 10. It was a blessed time!
Three things stuck out to me.

1. Mark 9:10; When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to meet him. OVERWHELMED WITH AWE hit me! How many times do I miss being in awe of Jesus, much less overwhelmed with awe for Him. God, Help me to not get caught up in anything that prevents me from being OVERWHELMED WITH AWE FOR JESUS!
 I am contemplating enemies:
A. Every day life. I take so much for granted! Each day is a gift from God!
B. Sin. That will rob me of being in awe of Jesus, much less overwhelmed in awe.
C. Pride. I love doing things my way. For me. By me. Stooooooop! I can do NOTHING without Christ! But...Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
D. Not seeking God with my whole heart. That half-way; checking off the box; a little seeking...will NOT cut it if I want to be OVERWHELMED WITH AWE FOR JESUS!

2. Twice, Jesus spoke on belief.
A. Mark 9:23; "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."
B. After Jesus told the disciples how difficult it would be for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, his disciples asked him, "Then who in the world can be saved?"
To me, the way Jesus answered was just as powerful as his answer.
Mark 10:27; Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.
Wow! Praise the Lord God!!!

3. The following scripture reminded me of our community's youth stepping up to help with Winshape this past week. (Praise God for Chick-Fil-A, the Winshape staff, and all those who made the Camp possible.) The following verses refer to Jesus whenever it reads "he."
Mark 9:36 & 37; Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me."
Glory to God!!!
How many times do we focus TOO MUCH on other things? Here are a few:
A. Money
B. Entertaining ourselves
C. Doing things in the name of the Lord that He doesn't even wants us doing.
D. Fill in your own "stuff"

FINAL WORD: I praise God for conviction, direction, making a way, providing faith, healing, testing, the ability to be in awe, Camp Winshape, the U.S.A., all other blessings, seeing others shine for Him, and for God---the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!!!