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RETIREDFAN1

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  1. Thomas William "Tom" Lester (September 23, 1938 – April 20, 2020) died four years ago today at the age of 81. He is best known for his role as Eb Dawson, farmhand to Oliver Wendell Douglas (played by Eddie Albert) on the television series Green Acres, and he appeared in two feature animal films Gordy and Benji.
    After moving to Hollywood, Lester met actress Lurene Tuttle, who became his friend and acting coach. She suggested he begin work in the Little Theater, which he did, acting in showcases at the North Hollywood Playhouse.
    In the early 1960s, Lester performed in a play with CBS producer Paul Henning's daughter Linda Kaye (Betty Jo of Petticoat Junction), and Lester soon found himself auditioning for the role of Eb on "Green Acres". Lester beat out 400 other young actors to play the character after a screen test.
    His recurring role soon became a regular character, thanks to both the character's and the show's popularity, which combined made Lester a household name. Green Acres was the 11th-rated show in its debut season of 1965-66, according to the Nielsen ratings, climbed to #6 in 1966-67, and was #16 and #19, respectively, the following two seasons. And because the Green Acres characters also appeared in episodes of CBS series Petticoat Junction and The Beverly Hillbillies, Lester as Eb Dawson also occasionally appeared on those shows.
    Even during the show's height of popularity, Lester lived simply in a small apartment atop a garage in the San Fernando Valley. During the show's summer hiatus each year, he would travel the country and speak at churches, youth rallies and revival meetings and at one time was part of the Rev. Billy Graham's organization.
    Lester appeared in nearly every Green Acres episode between 1965–71, with the exception of the first half in the 1967–68 season when he suffered mononucleosis. So the story line was that he had eloped and was on his honeymoon. After six seasons, Green Acres was cancelled in 1971 as part of CBS's "rural purge"
    After Green Acres, Lester was forever typecast as Eb Dawson. In 1990, Lester reunited with Albert and Gabor to reprise his Eb Dawson role in Return to Green Acres.
    He returned to his parents' home in Laurel, Mississippi, but continued to do an occasional movie or TV role. During the mid 1970s to early 1980s, his roles included guest spots in Little House on the Prairie, Marcus Welby, M.D., Knight Rider, and Love, American Style,
    In 1991 he played the adult Pete Maravich in the film about the future basketball hall-of-famer's youth, The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend.
    Lester is a farmer and for many years has been a Christian speaker who travels the nation, preaching a message of faith and obedience. He still participates in autograph shows and fan forums, often dressed as Eb Dawson. In 1997, Lester was the recipient of Mississippi's "Wildlife Farmer of the Year" award.
    Lester was married for the first and only time in July 2007 at the age of 68. He and his wife Kaylie lived on the 250-acre family farm in Vossburg, Mississippi.
    In 1997, Lester was the recipient of Mississippi's "Wildlife Farmer of the Year" award.

    On April 20, 2020, Lester died from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 81. He is survived by his wife Kaylie, his brother, two great-nieces, one great-great niece, and one great-great nephew.

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  2. Vol.XX No.XII Pg.3
    February 1984

    A Unique Gospel Meeting

    Dan S. Shipley

    We're having a different kind of gospel meeting here in Lindale this spring. In fact, it's different from any that I've ever been a part of or even heard of. We will be using four preachers, the meeting will last only four nights, yet we are hoping to teach more non-Christians than we've been able to reach in several of our regular meetings. But, equally important, these people will be hearing things that are most appropriate to their particular needs and will even be able to ask questions!

    The idea for such a meeting was first suggested to me years ago by my good friend, Robert Mann, elder in the Valley church in Phoenix. We've talked about it a good deal since, but have never really implemented the plan. Now, we intend to and I'd like to encourage other churches to do the same. Here's how we plan to do it.

    The meeting is planned for Mon. through Fri., excluding Wed. night so as not to interrupt regular services. In our case, we are asking 16 families to participate. Each family is to invite two non-Christian couples to their home, preferably for an evening meal and for the Bible study to follow. Eating together will serve to "break the ice, allowing them to get acquainted with the preacher and to feel more at ease. It is important that the family inviting the guests make it clear as to the purpose of their coming. Just have them explain that we are having some visiting preachers in town this week and that they, along with our local preacher, will be conducting some special home Bible studies. Also, have them to explain that the meal will be followed by a Bible study of about an hour or so duration. The study will be concluded with coffee and questions.

    While each preacher will use his own material, his presentation will include a brief introduction and overview of the Bible, with emphasis on God's will as related to man's need; religious division's cause and cure and the gospel plan of salvation. Other material can be presented as the need and questions arise. As this may be the only opportunity to teach some of these couples, we must emphasize the nature and consequences of sin, along with God's remedy. Our initial goal is to schedule a series of home studies with each of the prospects and encourage them to attend our Bible classes and worship services. If they choose not to study further, we can offer them a Bible correspondence course or give them an appropriate tract.

    Obviously, the key to the success of such a plan is a firm commitment from your members. Here, if things go as planned, each preacher will be involved in teaching four non-Christians each of four evenings. That will mean that over 60 non-Christians will hear the gospel in this short meeting! They will hear just what they need. What more could we ask for? Why not try it? It is really not a question of how successful such a meeting will be. Just being able to teach the lost is success in itself! We owe this to the Lord and to lost souls about us! "Lift up your eyes," the fields are white unto harvest.

  3. Derinkuyu, an ancient underground city in Cappadocia, Turkey, was rediscovered in 1963 when a resident of the area found a mysterious room behind a wall in his home. This led to the discovery of the vast underground city beneath the surface, which had been hidden for centuries. 
    The bulk of the city was likely built by the Phrygians, highly skilled Iron-age architects who had the means to construct elaborate underground facilities. The Phrygians were one of Anatolia's most prominent early empires, flourishing from around the 12th century BC to the 7th century BC. 
    Over time, Derinkuyu was further expanded and utilized by various civilizations, including the Byzantines. One of the largest of its kind, Derinkuyu is capable of sheltering thousands of people and their livestock, with multiple levels reaching deep underground. Its rediscovery has provided valuable insights into ancient engineering and resourcefulness.

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  4. Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha… The Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it…he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips and his face wrapped with a cloth, Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11: 1, 38, 43 - 44
    The village of Bethany still exists today, just a couple miles east of Jerusalem in the West Bank, on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. The cave identified as Lazarus’ tomb is in an area that is confirmed as a cemetery in the 1st century AD. Other tombs are in the area and there is no question about the village being the Bethany of the Bible. The specific tomb venerated as the tomb of Lazarus has been a pilgrimage site for Christians since before the 4th century AD. Since the last part of the 4th century there has been a church associated with the site. The current Church of Lazarus was designed by Antonio Barluzzi in the 1950’s. The design elements reflect a tomb like feeling (no windows), with the only light coming from the top of the dome symbolizing the resurrection of Lazarus.
    For more Biblical travel photos and videos visit us at:
    www.scriptureinstone.org/blog
    #BiblicalArchaeology #biblicalarcheology #tomboflazarus
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  5. “Before the Date” by Norman Rockwell (1949)

         As always, Rockwell carefully chose his models and his settings. The model for the young man was a cowboy named Fred Beilfus, a bronco buster at the Snedden Ranch in Ventura County, California. He is seen here in his corner of the ranch’s bunkhouse, surrounded by his hats, boots, pistol, and cigarette “makings” on the window sill. He has stuck a photo of his girlfriend on the wall, though perhaps he’s more enamored of the photo that appears above it: his horse, Zip.

          The young lady was modeled by Beverly Walters, a Hollywood waitress in real life, whose uniform, which hangs on her dresser, readers would have recognized from Fred Harvey Restaurants. Rockwell has her facing the mirror, the room cast in the subdued light coming through a window shade lowered for modesty. We can’t fully see her face, but when Rockwell dropped off the painting at the Post’s art department, he admitted to the editors, “She’s a real cutie.”

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  6. Justin Verlander allowed two runs and four his over six innings in the three-time Cy Young Award winner’s season debut for the Houston Astros against the Washington Nationals on Friday night.

    The 41-year-old right-hander, who began the season on the injured list because of right should inflammation, struck out four and walked none, throwing 59 of 78 pitches for strikes. Verlander averaged 94.3 mph with 35 four-seam fastballs and induced five groundouts. The nine-time All-Star retired the side in order four times. Houston Astros #JustinVerlander #vivahoustonpodcast #vivahouston

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  7. Katharine Wright, often overshadowed by her famous brothers Orville and Wilbur, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Wright Brothers' historic achievements in aviation. Her contributions, though sometimes overlooked, were instrumental in shaping the course of history. 

    She provided crucial financial support to her brothers' endeavors. She managed the household affairs, allowing Wilbur and Orville to focus on their experiments and research. She even took on additional work to supplement their income, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to their vision.

    Beyond financial assistance, Katharine offered unwavering emotional and moral support to her brothers. She believed wholeheartedly in their ambitions, encouraging them during moments of doubt and celebrating their triumphs. Her belief in their abilities bolstered their confidence and determination, essential qualities for tackling the monumental challenges they faced.

    Katharine possessed a keen intellect and a sharp understanding of business and public relations. She provided strategic advice to her brothers, guiding them in their interactions with investors, government officials, and the media. Her diplomatic skills and foresight helped navigate the complexities of the aviation industry, paving the way for the Wright Brothers' success.

    She also took on the role of public relations manager for the Wright Brothers, actively promoting their achievements and garnering support for their endeavors. She engaged with #journalists, #politicians, and influential figures, effectively shaping the public perception of her brothers' work. Her advocacy efforts helped garner widespread recognition and acclaim for the Wright Brothers' groundbreaking achievements.

    Katharine herself was well-educated and intellectually curious. She shared her knowledge and insights with her brothers, enriching their understanding of various subjects relevant to their work, including #aerodynamics and #engineering principles. 

    Her intellectual contributions complemented her brothers' technical expertise, resulting in a more holistic approach to their research and experimentation.
    #katharinewright  #wrightbrothers

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