We can all probably think of heroes in our lives; I mentioned a couple in the last Blog.  I have a couple of more, one I know you’ve never heard of, and one of which you may have heard.

My book, Growing and Building, Faith, Prayer and Leadership centers on OCF’s 10-year capital campaign, Growing and Building.  The narrative could have been about any large project or military mission for which the participants made faith, prayer, and leadership the foundation of their story.  But interestingly, while climbing steep mountains, heroes always seem to immerge.

My favorite heroes were not just a person, but a group.  A group of young ladies whom none of us ever thought about or imagined as partners in our efforts.  You would never guess; a Girl Scout Troop from somewhere in Illinois? This group, out of nowhere, sent OCF a check for $68.69 to Grow and Build.  A large gift, no.  A million dollar gift, in God’s economy yes — from a group of young heroes.  The widow’s mitt, worth more than all the silver and gold we could imagine. How they ever heard of OCF and the campaign we’ll never know (a still small voice).  Heroes, how in the world can you explain it?

Another hero of which some of you may have heard.  His name is Jonathan Shine. One of the new buildings at Spring Canyon bears his name, New Fort Shine.  Jonathan was a graduate from the West Point class of 1969.  He was an exemplary Cadet, a gymnast (as I was so that must be good), but most importantly, a young man who followed Jesus.  Cadets at West Point looked up to Jonathan because of who he was–a person of great character and faith.  But Jon Shine’s life as an infantry Second Lieutenant, ended early in a place people may not even recognize today–Vietnam. It was a fire fight in October 1970 while leading his platoon.  But he died as he lived, with courage and as a servant leader, leading and caring for his fellow soldiers to the very end.  Jon was a hero who followed Jesus during his short life on earth, but the impact of his life upon those who knew him remains eternal.  Now there is a hero.

If you wish to know more about heroes, exercising faith, prayer, and leadership, check out my book, Growing and Building.  Also learn the complete story of Jonathan Shine and his family of heroes, in Barry Willey’s book, Out of the Valley at investingthatmatters.com.  Epics you shouldn’t miss.