A Special Man

I got news late yesterday that O. Floyd Johnson had gone to Heaven at the age of 93. You ask who is that? This special gentleman was part of the sanding and shaping the Lord did in my life to make me the person I am.

I first met Mr. Johnson when I arrived at The Stony Brook School (NY) as a high school freshman. During the four years I spent in this Christian boarding school he taught me math, coached me in several sports and mentored me before I knew what a mentor was. One time he took me right off the bleachers at a baseball game for yelling my opinion at the umpire's call and gave me a stern lecture in his office saying how disappointed he was in my actions. I never again wanted to disappoint him.

After Debbie and I came to SMMM he and Mrs. Johnson became a part of our support team as they prayed for us and began sharing financially in our ministry. We'd visit them from time to time in their retirement in North Carolina. It was at their home that our sons first enjoyed Moose Tracks ice cream which became a family favorite. They were always so interested in every detail of all that we were doing. Asking questions that showed they had been reading our newsletters.

We last visited with Mr. Johnson this past October (Mrs. Johnson had gone to Heaven in 2005) and we talked for over an hour. It was a special visit and we even took a couple of pictures. He had such a love for God and His servants.

I am so grateful today for Mr. Johnson as being one who saw some potential in a young boy and made his contribution to mold me into who I am. To God be the glory!

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.