Author: Tex Newman
Located in: Gladstone, Oregon
Submitted: February 19, 2022
Tell us a little about yourself. I am 81 years old and have been building and flying model airplanes for 76 years. I have been a private pilot, airplane owner and restorer of antique airplanes and have been a pastor for thirty years. I continue to preach and teach each week and speak at summer camps, men's and family retreats. A husband for fifty nine years, father of three children, grandfather of thirteen and great grandfather of soon to be eight.
What was your motivation behind this project? Most of these stories have been used as sermon illustrations or in talks at summer camps or men's retreats. My wife suggested many years ago that I write them down and put them together in a book.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? An understanding of how God is present and working in every part of their lives. He has a plan for each life, He has set people in place, in advance, to teach and to guide, to help and to correct and uses every situation as a teaching moment. We all need to be alert, watching and listening.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? As I recounted the stories each one developed a new depth of understanding and appreciation for all that God is and has done. I felt a deeper appreciation for other authors. Writing a book requires a great deal of work and commitment, even one as small as this. I am thrilled by the feedback from people who have read the book and am encouraged that it has blessed their lives.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? God's hand has been very evident in then course of my life. Simply looking back and then re-telling the stories, studying scripture and seeing God at work in His people and His creation has reminded me of God's hand guiding and teaching me. My favorite authors are story tellers, Jesus first of all, followed by Paul Harvey and Gordon Baxter.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: God loves you and , just like the gift of salvation, He offers guidance and comfort; it is always available, we just need to look, listen and accept.
