A Pastoral Word. . . Undeterred
Pastor Kevin Freeman
October 10, 2024

We continue pray for those impacted by the recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton. When a large storm comes, our plans usually change. I read about a man, however, who did not change his plans despite Helene’s devastation.
Just after that hurricane hit, David Jones left his home in Boiling Springs, SC, around 7:30 PM to travel 2 hours to attend his daughter’s wedding, scheduled for the following morning in Johnson City, TN. Well into the drive, Jones encountered a problem: the roads were all closed. The storm in that area had caused far more damage than he realized.
Undeterred, Jones spoke with a state trooper by the blocked road and asked if he could walk the remaining thirty or so miles. The trooper told him no, explaining that the storm had washed all the bridges away and there was far too much debris along the way. Even with this information, Jones explained that he must continue on foot, stating, “Sir, you don't understand. My daughter is getting married at 11 o'clock, and I want be there to walk her down the aisle.”
So began Jones’s overnight trek through storm-ravaged terrain, using his phone for a flashlight and carrying a roadside reflector he found for safety. After several hours clambering over dangerous piles of debris in the dark, Jones encountered another officer along a more passable stretch of road. The officer asked Jones if he was the man trying to walk to his daughter’s wedding. This surprised Jones, but the officer replied, “We’re all talking about you.” The officer gave Jones a ride in his cruiser to the other side of town.
David Jones arrived in Johnson City by 7:30 the following morning, giving him enough time to freshen up and walk his daughter down the aisle. Only after the celebration did he share with his daughter and new son-in-law about the ordeal it took to arrive. He gifted them the reflector he had used for safety, hoping it would remind them “to be a protector and a good reflection of each other and a reflection of God.”
Though perhaps a bit foolhardy, the tenacity and perseverance Jones displayed are awe-inspiring. Hurricane Helene’s devastation could not dissuade him from his goal. We have an even greater goal that we pursue. That goal is our shared disciple-making mission that Jesus has assigned us, and no storm, trial, or obstacle can be allowed to hamper our efforts.
The author of Hebrews writes, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV)
Let’s encourage each other to fix our eyes on Jesus and run this race together!
Your partner in ministry,
Kevin Freeman
Just after that hurricane hit, David Jones left his home in Boiling Springs, SC, around 7:30 PM to travel 2 hours to attend his daughter’s wedding, scheduled for the following morning in Johnson City, TN. Well into the drive, Jones encountered a problem: the roads were all closed. The storm in that area had caused far more damage than he realized.
Undeterred, Jones spoke with a state trooper by the blocked road and asked if he could walk the remaining thirty or so miles. The trooper told him no, explaining that the storm had washed all the bridges away and there was far too much debris along the way. Even with this information, Jones explained that he must continue on foot, stating, “Sir, you don't understand. My daughter is getting married at 11 o'clock, and I want be there to walk her down the aisle.”
So began Jones’s overnight trek through storm-ravaged terrain, using his phone for a flashlight and carrying a roadside reflector he found for safety. After several hours clambering over dangerous piles of debris in the dark, Jones encountered another officer along a more passable stretch of road. The officer asked Jones if he was the man trying to walk to his daughter’s wedding. This surprised Jones, but the officer replied, “We’re all talking about you.” The officer gave Jones a ride in his cruiser to the other side of town.
David Jones arrived in Johnson City by 7:30 the following morning, giving him enough time to freshen up and walk his daughter down the aisle. Only after the celebration did he share with his daughter and new son-in-law about the ordeal it took to arrive. He gifted them the reflector he had used for safety, hoping it would remind them “to be a protector and a good reflection of each other and a reflection of God.”
Though perhaps a bit foolhardy, the tenacity and perseverance Jones displayed are awe-inspiring. Hurricane Helene’s devastation could not dissuade him from his goal. We have an even greater goal that we pursue. That goal is our shared disciple-making mission that Jesus has assigned us, and no storm, trial, or obstacle can be allowed to hamper our efforts.
The author of Hebrews writes, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV)
Let’s encourage each other to fix our eyes on Jesus and run this race together!
Your partner in ministry,
Kevin Freeman
Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/a-father-trekked-through-30-miles-of-hurricane-debris-to-attend-his-daughters-wedding/ar-AA1rxkORSource: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/a-father-trekked-through-30-miles-of-hurricane-debris-to-attend-his-daughters-wedding/ar-AA1rxkOR
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