Jim Light
Having been a Vietnam "Era" Veteran I was placed in a Honor Guard - ARTEP Unit. I spent half my time escorting our real hero's home to their families and the other half of my time in places where we were most of the time never told where we were and weren't suppose to be there.
It is not something I chose, I was forced in by my alcoholic father and some over ambitious Recruiters. Once serving my two years and surviving (with PTSD and Social Anxiety along with physical disabilities) I got out to work construction and go to college full time to obtain the equivalent to a Doctorate in Aerodynamics (first degree). I became a flight instructor in Helicopters. After the first engine failure I thought I was fail safe but only found out how bad things could be. I had one back surgery as a result to the first crash only to go back out and loose another engine and get yet another back surgery. I knew God was dealing with me in a calling to the ministry but I ignored it. I got into driving Semi Trucks and did everything but surrender to the Ministry.
I went back to college and got a degree in Computer Programming (2nd degree). I started my own computer repair service. But conviction continued. Finally, I surrendered to the Ministry and immediately God opened doors for me to work at a Ministry called The Rockford Rescue Mission. God used me in a great way there and allowed me to get my State Certification in Nouthetic Counseling (Biblical Counseling) to counsel Alcoholics, Drug Addicts and Homeless Veterans. I kept this job for 3 years where no one before (30 years before) had ever lasted 3 months. God showed me how great he was. God also got me involved in Prison and Jail ministry, including street ministry as well. After 3 years and many near death experiences God proved to me that FAITH is the basis of Obedience.
God laid on my heart and my wives, that we needed a deeper understanding of HIS Word. So we resigned our jobs, Going only on FAITH, Cashed in our retirements, donated our house to homeless Veterans and moved to Little Rock to attend the Missionary Baptist Seminary. Immediately they put me to work building a Computer learning Center and as Maintenance Supervisor of the 55 acres and 24 apartments.
I got my degree in Theology (3rd degree) and was hired by Heifer International as their Education Project Coordinator and began building their computer learning center and pastoring full time at local churches. Because Roberta and I had many horses and rode often people began to call me the Cowboy Preacher. When Heifer International turned secular (most people don't know they did that because they tried hard to keep it quiet) and went only Non-profit, I left there and have continued in full time ministry. This brings me to Atkins and when I met you back in November of 07. I have great FAITH that God will allow us all to serve HIM in a great way so long as we all open our hearts and minds to HIM.
Well, that is the summarized version of my life (IE...in a nutshell). Please include it in my Testimony for H&H or forward it to whom ever needs to hear it. I am sorry I didn't include it the first time. I didn't want anyone to think I was bragging or getting wrapped up in myself in anyway. Lying here last night facing surgery God greatly convicted me in that I should have shared this all in my app. So that I may be used in a way that utilizes my abilities so that GOD receives all the Honor, Praise, and Glory. So here it is. Please get it to whomever needs to see it. I feel better already.
My surgery went very well and I don't think I will be down very long, LORD WILLING. I am ready to ride for H&H as soon as I can get my Hog up here.
Your Brother In Christ
Jim Light