"The Legend"

In 1976, through the encouragement of an Army Aviator and friend of the family, I applied for acceptance at West Point.  My high school was Faith Academy in the Philippines and the chances of me becoming the first student from Faith to gain acceptance into a military academy were not great.  Fortunately, I had a high school coach, Tine Hardeman, who understood the magnitude of the opportunity and who did all he could to help me complete the physical tests and paperwork.  

It was with a great mixture of pride and sadness that I read Tom Hardeman’s newsletter this morning.  Tom graduated shortly after I did from High School and he went on to become the current superintendent of Faith.  He has joyfully served with his parents in the Philippines for the past 13 years. Tine’s wonderful wife and Tom’s mother, Jan, recently graduated to heaven.  Tine, is leaving the Philippines to live with Tom’s older brother TJ in Orange County, California.  

Please read Tom’s wonderful tribute to his dad, an incredible example of faithfulness:
“I’ve not missed a day of school in 61 years!”This is a comment my father made to me recently as he reflected on God’s faithfulness over the years. Dad is one of those rare individuals who sets his course in a certain direction and has not deviated from that setting for 61 years!

One year back in the 1970s on a home assignment, Dad had the privilege of coaching the basketball team at his alma mater, Westmont College. At the end of the season he was asked by the college if he would stay on and be the regular coach. His reply at the time was: “I could do that, but if I go back to work at Faith Academy in the Philippines, you will have plenty of applicants to fill this coaching job. However, if I decide to stay here, who will take my place at Faith Academy!?” It is this type of dedication and service that have earned him the nickname in our community of “The Legend!”

It is not long in any conversation with my father before he will steer the direction toward spiritual matters, either to challenge someone to accept the Lord as their savior or to encourage a believer to strengthen their walk of faith. It has been exciting to see this desire and hunger to share the Good News deepen and expand in Dad over the years rather than have it wane over time.

I have read innumerable testimonies over the years from former Faith Academy students or athletes who were under my Dad’s leadership or teaching who testify to the significant impact this man has had on their lives. Many have said that Dad was the most impactful adult influence through his Christian testimony and strong encouragement . . . We will not be the same community without Dad’s presence, sharing an encouragement, giving a greeting, presenting a challenge from the Word to the teams, etc. After 61 years, his departure leaves a gaping hole that only time will fill.

Thank you, Dad, for a life well invested . . . You’ve left a high bar for us to follow!

Meditation
Micah 6:8--Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.

Inspiration
Our call is not to successful service, but to faithfulness.—Oswald Chambers in So Send I You
 
©2019 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)