“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

“I gotta go vote!” That was the final action of James Carpenter before he came home, laid down on the floor under a fan.. and passed away. His ‘I voted’ sticker was still on his shirt when, because of his service as a U.S. Marine, they wrapped him in a U.S. Flag, and took him home to be with Jesus.

James was a one-of-a-kind kind of guy. If you knew him, you could only laugh as you tried to describe him. Swapping stories, Gwen, Josh, Stacey, Katie and I did just that. Remembering him and his stories brought a bit of humor into the sadness of the moment. We talked about what he must be saying to Jesus NOW!

James Dean Carpenter was a lot of things. But what was truly clear was that He loved Jesus. He was not afraid to say so either. When he was off work, he’d come by and stand on the corner with us and hold a sign saying so. You couldn’t miss him… ever… anywhere. For now, we weep and mourn his passing. But soon!

James was a GREAT ambassador for Jesus for our church. James actually, in his own way, brought more people to our church than anyone. Funny how that sounds. But it is true. So who is going to step up, and out, to fill his shoes? They are BIG shoes to fill! The job still needs done… and James would encourage it.

The Election of Trump is a mirror of the Book of Judges. We will gather together tonight at FLAP and talk about what it takes to save a Nation. But the example of James, in HIS country, home and church, would be to GET INVOLVED AND DO IT! “Don’t be a slacker!” He’d say. We will see him again. But now WE are his legacy.

Will YOU stand up and out for Jesus… and America? Because Jesus is taking ALL kinds of characters to do His work.  James Dean Carpenter… is proof!  Now it’s YOUR turn.