The Best Friend and The Pitcher

 

 

1972, the year in which Richard M. Nixon was President of the United States, the conflict in Vietnam was winding down, gasoline was 55¢ a gallon and the #1 hit on the Billboard Hot100 singles was Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. The big box office draws that year were The Godfather, The Poseidon Adventure, and Deliverance.

An even bigger event in the summer of ’72, was the difficult transition from 5th grade to sixth, from Katonah Elementary in Katonah, New York to Robert E. Bell Middle School is three towns away in the New York City suburb of Chappaqua. Leaving his friends and classmates behind was difficult, but at 11 years old, you go where your family goes. Like it or not.

The only constant he had was Baseball. He loved Baseball and was a Pitcher from the time he first learned to throw. He idolized a pitcher for the Oakland A’s, Jim “Catfish” Hunter. He would have grown a mustache just like Catfish, well if he had anything more than peach fuzz that is. It was funny how a New York Yankees fan all his life could be such a huge fan of a player on an opposing team. But there was something about “Catfish” that caught a young boy’s attention.



The Pitcher could not recall the first time he spoke to his soon-to-be Best Friend, but he was sure glad they did that fall. Who knows what pre-teens talked about in 1972? Surely it was not about girls as they would most assuredly dominate their thoughts and conversations a few years down the road. Was it about what Archie Bunker said on All in The Family Tuesday night, or other shows like The Walton’s, Sanford And Son, M*A*S*H, or reciting the entire skit from the latest episode of the British comedy Monty Python’s Flying Circus?

The Pitcher and The Best Friend only lived two miles from each other and rode the same bus to Robert E. Bell Middle School in the morning and afternoon. There was a shortcut through the woods on the massive Lady Gabriel Estate that separated them. It seemed only a mile as the crow flies that way, which was cool. But under no circumstances were you cutting through the woods in the dark of night. Only God knew what monsters lurked in the shadows ready to eat wayward children. Perhaps even the “Night Stalker” was prowling out there.

In no time it seemed, The Pitcher and the Best Friend were inseparable, exploring Lady Gabriel’s woods and traveling wherever their feet or bicycles would take them. Yes, even a stolen ten-speed bike got the Pitcher around until he trashed it. They spent time smoking their favorite cherry pipe tobacco and doing a little fishing in the Croton Reservoir which was within their radius of bike travel. Then there was always music, hanging out and listening for hours and hours to the likes of James Taylor and whatever top 40 hits were being spun on AM 77 Music Radio WABC in New York City.

A summer night of naiveté taught them a great lesson in the culinary arts. They learned quite quickly that a simple self-cooked meal of Uncle Ben’s converted rice and a can of Campbell’s mushroom soup does not sit well when chased with an entire bottle of 4 Roses bourbon. It was the first time either one of them had become inebriated, and the reorientation of their dinner through a series of retro peristalsis acts soon followed.

The Best Friend had become part of The Pitcher’s family. The Pitcher could never understand why The Best Friend wanted to spend time with such a simple family, one that The Pitcher tried to avoid as much as he could. The Best Friend was the reason The Pitcher spent as much time as he did with family, and later in life, he was thankful for that.

They somehow made it through the Middle School years and moved on to High School in 1975

The four years of High School seemed to fly by in the proverbial blur. There were many memories the Pitcher and the Best Friend made in those years, so many goods and some pain as well. Football and Basketball games for some reason brought out a sense of school spiritedness in them both. Especially when they had to chase down the Cheerleaders to buy tickets before Saturday’s big Football game.

On more than one occasion, The Pitcher and The Best Friend walked five miles home from Horace Greeley High School after a Basketball game close to midnight it seemed in the freezing cold with no feeling in their feet halfway into the journey, and the duration of the trip. With no feeling in their feet and legs, it seemed they were floating as they ran ten or twenty yards at a time to make up the distance a little faster before they were completely overcome with frostbite.

It was crazy, but they were being crazy together and that is all that mattered. Somehow, they made it home with all their digits intact and every little detail of their journey in the cold was burned into their memories forever to tell anybody who would listen.

As a freshman, The Pitcher earned a place on the starting rotation of the Junior Varsity team. My sophomore, Junior, and Senior years were spent as the Captain of the Varsity Baseball team. This all went to The Pitcher’s head, as he was hanging out with the older “In Crowd.” To his great delight, invites all the major parties every weekend as part of the package.

He foolishly left his Best Friend behind to pursue his “star status” and the party life.

Little did The Pitcher know, The Best Friend continued to root for The Pitcher even from afar. He never stopped being the Best Friend, it was not in his character to be anything but that to The Pitcher. In time, The Pitcher realized that true friends remain resolute through thick and thin, come hell or high water. The Best Friend was that friend, he had always been that friend, a foul-weather friend as they say, who always had The Pitcher’s back. Even when it was turned to him.

The Pitcher and The Best Friend where once again, inseparable.

Back were the days when all it took was a simple phone call; “wanna play some bane?” and the wheels were set in motion to go throw the black Master Tournament 150G Wham-O frisbee around for hours and hours. The two even came up with the nickname “frisbane” and “frisbane” whittled eventually down to just “bane”. It probably made perfect sense to the two high school kids in the late 1970s.

After High School, the two went on a crazy road trip from Chappaqua, New York to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Best Friend needed to register for college. The Best Friend asked if he would like to go for a road trip and off, they went. Laughter, music, Monty Python’s Flying Circus style commentary on everything in sight or make-believe, the red clay of the South, and even a road sign for “Soft Shoulders.” Beach, irritating sand in the bathing suit, sunburn, an obnoxious barker at the dunking tank, and paying good money to see a “dangerous” nurse shark in a tank ruled the trip. Plenty of memories were made and the friendship flourished.

The Best Friend said goodbye to New York for good in the fall and went on to get married, have a son and earn an Engineering degree along the way. Probably not in that exact order but they happened all the same.

Even in the more recent years, The Best Friend has lived up to his moniker repeatedly through his many acts of kindness over the years. For instance, The Pitcher’s brother was on his way home to Florida after visiting his parents in Virginia. His car broke down in South Carolina, not too far from where The Best Friend lived. A Sunday evening phone call to The Best Friend, and he was on the spot to unselfishly lend a helping hand and offered him wonderful hospitality.

That was his way, it was always his way to go above and beyond.

A few years later in April of 2017, The Pitcher’s 90-year-old Father died. Without hesitation, The Best Friend said, “I’ll be there” and drove the 330 miles from South Carolina to Virginia for the funeral. It was right that he was there, he is, after all, part of the family. The Pitcher’s father thought the world of The Best Friend. As hard as it was for The Pitcher to grieve and say goodbye to his father, it was truly comforting to have The Best Friend there, as he always was, always the Best Friend.

In 2021, The Best Friend and The Pitcher have become sexagenarians. Years of distance, raising families, and wandering through life’s tangents, hurdles and triumphs have brought The Best Friend and The Pitcher to this place and time. If a book were to be written about the life and times of The Best Friend and The Pitcher, it can be said with absolute certainty that there would be no subsequent chapters of any great significance if chapter one was not written in 1972. Lord willing, The Best Friend and The Pitcher will reach the half-century mark of their friendship in 2022. They may be too old to run around to play “bane” as they did long ago.

I am reminded of a quote by Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk. He was asked if he misses playing Baseball. He replied, “I don’t miss it at all…I miss being able to play.”

Well, I miss playing “Bane” with My Best Friend, and I miss being able to play it as well.

The Best Friend’s Name is Ray Ammarell. The saga continues to write itself; I hope for many years to come. Not everyone has been blessed to have such a Best Friend as Ray. I am thankful that I did and still do.

And who am I you may ask,

Well, I am The Pitcher.

Anyway, that’s the way I lived it.

"EVERYTHING"

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)


I believe when the Bible says "Everything" it means “Every-Thing”


Here is a picture of my 2003 Chevy Silverado along the roadside of the Lee Highway (US Route 11) in Glasgow, Virginia in 2008. She was in pretty good shape in those days and I still have her these 12 years later. She is older now, with lots of rust spots due to 14 winter seasons of road salt to combat the New York snow and ice. A couple of weeks ago my brakes began making terrible crunching and grinding noises, rivaling any coffee grinder I’ve heard. So off to the local automotive repair shop to drop off the truck and have the brakes repaired. I was not ready for the extent of the damage Crabapple Automotive found once my truck was up on the lift and they were able to make a full assessment. Melissa from Crabapple Auto called to let me know that all the years of New York road salt had really taken a toll on my brake lines and that I would also need new pads, calipers, and rotors. What I appreciate about Crabapple Automotive is that they were upfront with me and said it may not be worth it to do all this costly work on my vehicle. I was heartsick at the idea of losing this reliable old Chevy truck. My wife and I discussed our choices, prayed, and weighed all the "Pros & Cons" We decided that the cost of repairs was equal to 2-3 payments for a new vehicle and that we really did not have any car payments hanging over our heads at this time. I called Crabapple Automotive back after a couple of days and asked some questions about what possible impact rust was having on the integrity of the truck's metal frame. I called and spoke with the Owner and Service Manager Grey Aselton. He assured me that he saw no rust issues with the frame. With all other systems operating well, and only 150,000 miles on the odometer, we decided to go ahead with the repairs.
The Old Silverado is running and braking like its brand new days and that makes me happy. Did I mention that I have a killer sound system with a 1000-watt subwoofer? I have to admit, I probably would have missed the sound system more than the truck…but for now, I don’t have to make any parting decisions.
I am thankful to Jesus Christ for answering our prayers and leading us to the right folks to do the repairs. Nothing is too small to bring to our God in prayer or to be thankful for. After all, He did say, “Everything.”

Thursday March 22, 2018 6AM

Hey Folks,

It’s been a while. Thanks for sticking around!
Life has been busy since the big move from Chappaqua, New York to Atlanta, Georgia last August. Saying goodbye to an old and familiar job to take on an entirely new career in Christian ministry has been a tremendous joy and a bit of a personal bumpy road for me to find my place outside my comfort zone, and allow for the expansion of my tent, so to speak.

As April approaches, with it comes to a looming shadow of the Anniversary of my Dad's passing from this life into eternity. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him, or a thought to call him to talk about the upcoming New York Yankees season, or just what's been going on in my new surroundings.
I am so thankful to God for the peace of knowing Dad is with Him.

Please stay tuned, Lord willing there will be more to come.

The Death Of A Saint: We Really Never Say Goodbye, Only See You Later!

I attended a funeral at our church on Wednesday. (8/10/16) One of our Deacons, John, lost his mom to cancer. Maria, a member of Red Mills Baptist Church, was a beautiful Saint who always had a smile on her face, even with a disheartening diagnosis of cancer some months ago.
This was my first "True" Christian Funeral, and I am still overwhelmed by the dignity in mourning, not as the world mourns over the death of a saint.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Pastor James Harrison's Biblical and Gospel-centered remarks and sermon not only honored Maria, but the One True God Who gives, sustains, saves, and ultimately ends the Earthly life of all human beings, for His Glory.

Deacon John spoke with heartfelt emotion and loving eloquence about his mother's very full and well-lived life. He wanted to find a way to say "Goodbye" to his mother. But, when a Saint dies, they may leave us and this Earth, but they are not gone. Those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection will meet again in Heaven. Maria had encountered the true meaning of life, and real joy when she became a Christian several years ago. She found her identity in Jesus Christ through repentance and faith in Him alone.
She saw the change in her son John after he became a follower of Christ sometime before, and she wanted Jesus to save her too. And He did! There is no goodbye, only see you later.

She was baptized by Pastor Harrison in the very same sanctuary where her coffin was positioned for the funeral service. What beautiful imagery, a coffin reposing near the position where the deceased had once entered the waters of Baptism, to publicly proclaim her faith, and identify herself with the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was simply amazing, like no other funeral I ever attended.
Pastor Harrison became even more profound to me that day. He is someone I truly want to emulate, and follow as he follows Jesus Christ.

"The Gift"

Today, April 25th is Veronika’s Birthday. For the past couple of weeks, we have been trying to figure out what to do to celebrate it properly. We talked about a trip to Quebec City, Canada, but figured we would wait until the weather grew a bit warmer later in the season.

We saw that Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko was fighting on April 25th in New York City, at Madison Square Garden against American Bryant Jennings for the World Heavy Weight Boxing Championship.
Believe me, we are not boxing devotees by any stretch of the imagination, but we feel a certain affinity with Klitschko being from Ukraine, as is my wife. Having been there with her a couple of times, the country of my wife’s birth has become very special to my heart. We tend to love those things which have “given” us our greatest joys. Out of Ukraine, my beloved Veronika came.

So we went online to see how much a ticket for the ‘Big Event’ was going for. $250.00 for the least expensive seats quickly turned our thought to alternatives. Could we purchase Pay-Per-View, Would there be some sports bar around offering a “Dinner & Fight Night Special?” We decided to play it by ear, and make a decision closer to the fight.

Veronika works for a wonderful husband and wife, caring for their little girl of almost 3 years old. They have been such a blessing to Veronika and me, and their daughter is the most precious little girl you will ever see.

When Veronika arrived to work on Thursday morning (April 23rd ) they asked if she had “Big” plans for her birthday weekend. She shared with them our inquiry into the fight and our choice of viewing options. They must have thought we were a bit odd, not being fight fans, and still wanting to experience such an event.
Friday morning I receive a phone call from Veronika at 7:37 AM. That’s odd I thought, as she just arrived at work for a 7:30 shift. After saying hello, she told me that the decision was made to where we would watch the fight. Of course, I’m thinking a sports bar in New York City was recommended, and maybe reservations were made. She then proceeded to tell me that when she arrived at work, her employers had an envelope for her. They told her to open it, she did and found two tickets:

World Championship Boxing
Wladimir Klitschko vs Bryant Jennings

Madison Square Garden
Saturday APR 25, 2015 7:00PM

To say we were floored by their generosity is a great understatement. What a very unnecessary, but most appreciated act of kindness they have lavished upon Veronika and me.
So tonight we will celebrate Veronika’s Birthday by going to the fights,
at the “Mecca of Boxing”, “The World’s Most Famous Arena” Madison Square Garden.

It’s more than just a boxing match. It’s celebrating a God-given heritage. It’s recognizing an accomplishment of someone from an underdog nation becoming a world champion. It’s experiencing the kindness and generosity of God through the events and people He selects to be a blessing to others.
We are very grateful to my wife’s employers, but we know that:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
James 1:17 (NKJV)

"Down She Goes"

Wretched is Moving...Todd Friel just sent a picture entitled “Down She Goes”(excuse me while I pick up that name I just dropped) It is bitter-sweet for me to see them leave this set that has been so comforting, and well, so Wretched for me. I know Todd and the entire Wretched Crew is excited about their new digs...Can't wait to see the new studio, and see what God will do with and through this amazing ministry. Praise God for Todd Friel, Joel Anderson, James Braaten, Tony Verkinnes, Adrian Rink, Won Jang, Blake Ashworth, Joe Wellness, Trish Ramos, Bruce Dorman, and any other Wretches I may have missed. Whether or not you guys know it, you are instruments beautifully played with the Master’s own hands that bring the saving Gospel of our Lord and King Jesus Christ to a world of false converts, and straight-out lost souls. We thank you for all your hard work, labor, and dedication to Jesus. Thank you for the sense of anticipation we get from the very first note of the theme song, or the glimpse of Todd’s tall frame standing in front of the elevator greeting us with a funny quip, or a profound thought just before he hits the button to start the show. Thank you 554 W. Main Street, you have served all very well, but now is the time to move on, the time to say farewell.

The Super Bowl Of Life

So Friends, got any big plans for this weekend? Have you been procrastinating something all week or longer and now you have no choice but to do it this weekend?

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Boy, Al has really lost it, it’s Super Bowl Sunday, and what could be more important than that?” I know for some it is an extremely significant event. Others (like me) have no dog in the hunt, (Or should I say no dolphin in the tank) as I am a lifelong Miami Dolphins fan.
Even people who are not football fans watch just for the multi-million dollar commercials. Imagine that, we feel compelled to watch the premiere of these commercials that at first or maybe even a few times at best will cause us to laugh, think, or even cry. But inevitably, ad nauseam bombardment of the airwaves will most likely cause us to change the channel at the first flicker of its unmistakable light, the very first syllable of dialogue, or that oh-so-familiar first note of the soundtrack we all (like robots) uncontrollably hum from a remote cubbyhole in our vast and remarkable unconscious mind we forgot even existed.

I hope even with the “Big Game” looming on Sunday, you will take plenty of time for family, and maybe call that old friend you haven’t spoken to in too long a time. Remember that those we have in our lives are divinely there for a precise reason and purpose. Sadly life is as transient as a vapor in the wind, and the world spins more rapidly these days it seems with all life’s demands for our time and attention. In all the hoopla of Super Bowl Sunday make a game plan, don’t punt away the opportunity to reconnect with friends and loved ones. March down the field methodically (one down at a time) towards the goal line that waits ahead. In this life, there are plenty of incomplete passes, and we will find ourselves in many 4th and long situations. Huddle with those that matter, complete the pass, and then go for the extra points. Unlike the outcome of the Super Bowl, when we are connected and engaged in the game, everybody wins, with no penalty flags thrown, for all offenses can be forgiven… but only upon further review.

Autumn

The daylight just doesn’t seem to have that same strength to stretch as far into the summer evenings as it did. In the North East, there is a chill in the morning air, with welcome warmth as we make our way to the midday. Further north, apple pickers are enjoying the beginnings of color changes in foliage along with the landscapes. This is a beautiful season when all the fall colors are on display like a prized handmade quilt for us all to enjoy. I hope where you are, changes are happening around you. Things that help you see the ebb and flow of life, and help you to appreciate the seasons and unique gifts they bring. I encourage you to go out apple picking or grab that pumpkin for a great pie or two. Smell the air, listen to the birds, and hear the children laugh and giggle as they run through the orchard abandoning all fear. But most of all, just feel alive today, feel grateful for all you have, and the ones you love, and somehow love yourself back…Enjoy!

-Al

Baptism Testimony

This is a transcript of my testimony before I was baptized at First Baptist Church of Tarrytown in New York. Sunday, September 8, 2013

Good Morning,

My name is Al Yerks. My wife Veronika and I have been attending First Baptist Church since June of this year. We are so pleased to be here today to make a public profession of faith through the waters of baptism. We are also anticipating exciting times ahead as a church here at First Baptist.
Jesus tells us in Luke 5:32; “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

27 years ago I asked “Jesus into my heart” at a meeting of Christian Businessmen. I was told that as a result of MY decision to follow Jesus, life would be perfect and smooth sailing. (I believed them because I wanted it to be so) As many of you sitting here this morning can attest, life is never perfect, or a smooth sail. But our God is perfect, and the winds and waves are subject to His command.

Over the years I did everything that was outwardly Christian, I was a Youth Pastor, a Deacon, A Small Group Home Fellowship Pastor, and even a drummer in a praise band. But I was not truly a Christian. I did all the right things, said all the right words, listened exclusively to Christian music, attended church every Sunday, and even Wednesday night services because that was the right thing to do. But I had never repented of my sins and learned to trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. With all that ministry involvement, still, I was not honoring God’s Kingdom.

In July of 2012, my dear Uncle Frank was dying and I had no real words of encouragement, and nothing to share with him (or anyone) about Jesus or our eternal souls. The well was dry! Sure, I could have told him that God loved him, but I had no internal prompting to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it was not my own, no Holy Spirit living inside of me to testify of God’s Good News of hope, reconciliation, salvation and eternal life.

After my Uncle’s death, I began a search to find the truth. I happened upon a Christian TV show called “Wretched” named after the line in the hymn ‘Amazing Grace. “Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me.” I began to watch the show every day, it was practical and humorous, and it would so often hit me right between the eyes and in my very heart with the Gospel of Jesus Christ that had somehow eluded me all these years. I checked out the Wretched website to get more information about the ministry and of this interesting man, who was sometimes funny, but life and death serious when it came to salvation and sharing of The Gospel.

The website was taught by the host Todd Friel, called “Are You Really A Christian?” I listened, and it convicted me that I had never repented of my sins, or trusted Jesus as I would a parachute to save my life in an emergency jump. I had formed a god into my own image to justify, and suit my lifestyle. I continued to willfully sin all those years as a so-called Christian, never “wrestling” with sin because I was not truly regenerated. Using the 10 commandments as a mirror showed me God’s standard, and how on my own, I failed and fell miserably short of His glory. So, to truthfully answer the question: “Are You Really A Christian” I had to say no, I was not!

July 11, 2012, is the day I finally came to the end of myself, tear-filled and on my face before a Holy and Just God. I repented (by turning from my sins, and turning to the amazing Savior Jesus Christ) for it is by grace alone, through Faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone that I humbly stand before you today a Christian, wretched and sinful, yet saved by God’s amazing grace.

Who Are You?

It’s so amazing to listen to music from thirty or forty years ago on a modern contraption like an iPod. The sound quality is so amazing. Lately, I have been on a really huge “Who Kick” while working out at the gym. How mind-blowing is that, remembering all the bad behavior back in the day listening to The Who and now on an elliptical machine making up for all that bad behavior. It sort of redeems The Who for encouraging all the rebellion and anger, bringing them into the present to assist in my wellness plan. The fire in their music remains as powerful as ever, just positively harnessed this time around. A rebellion against the bulge, and anger at myself for allowing the horizontal spread.

I am enjoying the musical trip down memory lane. Remember the people, the hanging out, and the hard-learned lessons. I see now that all the good, as well as the bad experiences, are the life builders that contributed to who I am today.

Music held such an integral part of my early years. I was exposed to so many different genres. I was able to appreciate most and allowed them to permeate and echo throughout my very being. I am fascinated by the brain's memory system that can totally recall the sights, smells, sensations, and the people that were in your world when you heard a particularly meaningful song for the first time, or at a critical period of your life.

Today music still plays a major role in my life. Very rarely do I drive anywhere without music playing. I’m surprised I haven’t deployed the airbag banging on my drum set steering wheel as hard as I do. I even have a cymbal hanging from the sun visor, one of those fundraising paper poppy’s the VFW makes and sells around Memorial Day.

Music can change your mood or refocus us on the things in life that are important. Country music has gotten a bad reputation over the years as being just about drinking, cheating, losing spouses, dogs, respect, hair, or even your truck. There may be some of that, but mostly it’s about family and hometown life. A simpler place, and a welcome respite from time to time. Or maybe your thing is to crank up some Kaskade, Deadmau5, or Lady GaGa and do a little club dancing. Sometimes I get in the mood for classical music to whisk all my stress away. A little jazz on a hot summer day has been known to cause a cooling effect, bringing the mind to a cooler more peaceful place.

It’s all good as they say, depending on the mood you’re in or where you want to go. What you’re listening to is a reflection of who you are on the inside right now.

So...who are you?

Thank You Todd/It's All About God

Recently my wife and I were driving around town and listening to Wretched Radio's Friday, August 2, 2013 podcast. I stopped to gas up my Silverado as I was a few ticks away from the glow of the red empty indicator light. While pumping the petrol, I turned up the volume so I could cut through all the peripheral noise and hear the Wretched show. Continuing to pump the gas, Todd was talking about The Tomorrow Clubs Children’s Ministries in Ukraine and that he was sent a beautiful hand-painted plate from the Tomorrow Clubs Founders Paul and Cindy Marty. He mentioned the Answers In Genesis MEGA Conference 2013 in Sevierville, Tennessee July 22nd -25th. He went on to say that during the conference he had met many people associated with Ukraine. He mentioned me (by name) and the fact that my wife Veronika is from Ukraine, and that Creation Today President Eric Hovind’s wife Tanya is also from Ukraine. Todd actually informed us at the conference of our Ukrainian connection with the Hovind's and suggested that we meet. The Hovinds are really nice, down-to-earth people with three beautiful children. It was nice for me to hear our wives speaking in their native Russian. I always enjoy that connection with my wife.

I fear (a bit) that I am coming across as a name dropper…maybe I am a little, after all, I make no bones about being a wretched and sinful man. I have to confess when I heard Todd say my name on the broadcast I was overjoyed. (Just ask the other patrons at the gas station who thought that by the happy hoot I let out, I must be on fire) What an honor it was to be named by a brother in Christ that I hold in such high regard, and named in the same sentence as the likes of Eric Hovind.

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

I can’t help but think of my first meeting with Todd Friel at the Answers MEGA Conference in Sevierville, Tennessee. I was nervous to meet the man that had such a profound impact on me spiritually, introducing me (in a real way after 25 years as a false convert) to Jesus Christ. I waited behind a few people who were chatting with him. He was so pleasant, focused, and gracious to those he was talking to. And boy is he TALL! Finally, it was my turn to say hello, so I reached out my hand to him and asked if I could introduce myself. He shook my hand and I said. “I’m Al Yerks.” With that, he gave me a big smile, eyes full of genuine joy as if he knew me all his life. He released my hand and gave me a huge bear hug saying “It’s so nice to finally meet you.” You see for the past year and change I would write to him about everything from becoming a true Christian through the Wretched program struggles to find a church, theological conundrums, no snarks as of yet, just sending in news items for him to use on the show. We chatted for a bit, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

One day shortly after I was saved, Todd recommended (on-air) the John MacArthur Study Bible with “Johnny Mac’s” commentary. I bought one and it has been an amazing tool to study God’s Word. On another show, Todd was so descriptive about how deliciously sweet Honey Crisp apples are that my wife and I had to try them and we loved them. Because Todd presented The Tomorrow Club in Ukraine, we trusted God to sponsor a club in my wife’s native land. Because of Todd’s appearance at the Answers MEGA Conference, we traveled to Tennessee and were blessed beyond our imagination. All the Biblical information presented points to the fingerprints of an amazing Creator. Every speaker that took the podium confidently proclaimed the presence of Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. But the most profound thing to me is the fact that a merciful and long-suffering God saved a false convert like Todd Friel. He was then empowered by the Holy Spirit and obedient to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a false convert like I was for 25 years. Don’t get me wrong, I know Todd is as sinful a man like the rest of us; he is the first to say that he holds the title “the Chief of Sinners”. But despite our sinfulness, Todd always points to the cross of grace, and we must look for the forgiveness of sin through repentance, faith, and trust in Jesus alone. Repentance fills the heart of the one who experiences God’s kindness. It spills to overflow and through repentance and trust in the Savior, we are saved as we believe by faith that the word of God has proclaimed that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father.

Maybe it’s immature of me to smile like a schoolboy as I recall my meeting with Todd, and his mention of me on Wretched Radio as it still rings in my ears. I wonder if maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned it at all. Maybe I should be more humble, more spiritual. I believe God orchestrates everything in our lives, good or bad for our ultimate good. Really if you think about it, even though I was involved, all this it’s not about me and it’s not really about Todd Friel.

God has been so merciful and exceedingly kind to us all, sending Jesus to die in our stead. This is all about our God; this life is all about Him and for His glory. As we read through the Bible’s Old & New Testaments, we read of the great men and women of faith, builders of the church yet, the Bible is not about the created but about the Creator.

No matter how old we get, or how mature in the Lord we become, we need to remember that the road of sanctification is filled with great joys as well as hard times that God uses for growth. God molds us and shapes us into who He calls us to be. I want to recognize in this life that there are so many small blessings that bear the infused imprints of a living God. He lavishes upon us so much blessing that we should be filled with excitement every waking moment, empowering us to share Him with the lost and dying world around us. Maybe one of those Heavenly blessings can even be that brief encounter with that spiritual mentor God raise up and used to reach us with the good news of Jesus. Those people are special, not perfect, but special to us. Don’t be afraid to admit it, and if you have the opportunity, tell them, encourage them, and bless them.

Please Forgive Me...

Father,
Please forgive me for all my senseless complaining...I am deeply ashamed and without excuse.
I am so very grateful for the undeserved mercy You have liberally lavished upon me.
Because of You, I lack nothing, yet in my selfishness I demand everything.
Oh, wretched man that I am, minute by minute of every day I find myself in desperate need of my Savior Jesus Christ.
You O Lord have never caused Your shadow of turning to darken my path or allowed me to stumble too far from the narrow way. I have never been alone for Your Spirit dwells within me, leading me homeward with each passing moment.
Today, at this moment, I praise you for who you are, and with full acknowledgment of who I am not, I praise You.
You alone are King of the universe, and as Thomas before me, I worship you as my Lord and my God.
-Al

Post-Christian America

I recently watched a video called “Freedom Is Not Free: A Soldiers Pledge.” It made me tear up, not only because of the incredibly patriotic and inspirational words and visuals of Ronald Reagan but mostly because the America that President Reagan loved so deeply is no longer that "Shining City on a Hill".

America has become a post-Christian nation, and collectively we have turned our backs on the One true and living God that blessed us with this fertile land. In our lack of gratitude, we have succeeded to defile and desecrate America beyond recognition with our national sins. God will not stand for any other affection our hearts will place above Him, not even national pride. He will tear down nations if that nation refuses to bow its heart and knee before Him.

As people of faith, we act according to the word of God, and must not be swayed by the ever-changing world around us that leads only to destruction. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us and will remain with us even to the end of the age.

There is, however, a silver lining to this dark cloud, and that is as Christians we have great hope in Christ, and we must remember this is not our home.
All the horrible events unfolding before our very eyes should cause our hearts to turn more profoundly to Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. If we focus on Him, we will find ourselves excited for that which lies beyond the pale.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 (NKJV)

Bride & Groom

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, [a] nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners

will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV)
[a] - 1 Corinthians 6:9 That is, catamites (noun a boy or youth who is in a sexual relationship with a man.)

It is not just homosexuality per se, it is all that God has deemed as sin that keeps us from a right relationship with Him, and makes us enemies of God. So, if the criteria are people loving each other, what if three people love each other? Should they be free to marry as well?

The institution of marriage is to be a picture of Jesus Christ (The Groom) and The Church (The Bride) made up of all His followers that repent and put their trust in the Savior. That is the Good News we are dead in our sin, owing to a debt we cannot pay therefore earning Hell and separation from A Holy and Righteous God. BUT, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

I beg you to consider the free offer of salvation while you still have breath. When your life is over, so are your chances to repent, and trust the Savior Jesus Christ who died so that you may live guiltless today and live forever with Him in paradise.
Choose Jesus Christ and Live!

In It...Not Of It

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NKJV)


Wow, with all that is happening in the world today, Supreme Court rulings, the deeming of all that is evil to be deemed good, and visa-versa.
We are living in some very different times than when I was growing up carefree with no worries about the government or entities within dismantling everything we hold sacred.
I find myself battling a bit of depression at times, seeing all the evil that no longer lurks around the fringes of darkness, but out in broad daylight for all to see, and we are forced to accept it as normal.
There’s plenty more to follow I’m afraid. Be strong and courageous!

The 16th chapter of John reminds us that we are not left alone in all the craziness, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer to lead us into all truth, pointing us to Jesus when all around us seems murky and bleak. He is our beacon, our lighthouse for such a time as this.

We must remind ourselves that this is not our home and that we are in this world but not of it. Jesus said in John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” I want to be homesick for Heaven and have a renewed focus on the Great Commission’s mandate to win souls for Jesus Christ while we still have time. Life is short compared to eternity. James 4:14 says: “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

My prayer today my Brothers and Sisters in Christ are a simple yet difficult one. May we love the Lord Jesus with all our hearts, minds, and strength, and love those dying around us enough to share the Law of God that convicts them of their need for a Savior, and boldly proclaim the truth of Christ’s Gospel to save their eternal souls.

False Conversion

This is an email I sent to Todd Friel and the crew of Wretched Radio/TV. All these years I thought I was a Christian when all I ever really was…a false convert. I asked Jesus into my heart in 1987 (not Biblical) but thought I could continue to do and say all the things that were displeasing to a Holy and Righteous God, and he would just have to forgive me upon my confession. There was no teaching of true repentance or a total trust in Jesus that will cause our faith to grow. Anyway, I share this with you for your thought, and so I can boast of God’s goodness. It is The testimony of His deep love for us.

Dear Wretched Crew,
I have been calling myself a Christian since March 4, 1987, but it wasn't until July 11, 2012, that I realized that I was as lost as I could be. After hearing Todd Friel's teaching
on the Wretched website "Are You Really A Christian?" I had to honestly take a look into my soul and I realized that the Holy Spirit was never allowed to dwell there due to my unrepentant heart, and the enemy of God I remained to be with all the lust, hatred, and excuses I made for my sin. Sure, I felt remorse at times, but not the deep sorrow I now feel as I look back over all these years when I was not honoring God but spitting in His face, and mocking the very cross where Jesus shed His blood and died that I may have life through of His resurrection.

I then bought the "Slaying The Dragon" mp3, I was convicted to the bone as I listened to Todd and the Holy Spirit point their finger right at me causing me to realize that I was a filthy wretch and that I deserved to gasp on my last breath right then and there.
I thought I had cut my Christian teeth on the full counsel of God, attending an Assembly of God church for years, becoming a member, and even being a Youth Worker. I also played drums with the Music Ministry...It just doesn't get more "Christian" than that or so I thought.

I was taught, (and yes I bought) that God is Holy, He is Love, but He forgives no matter what. This “Theology” allows for us to continue to have a foot in the world, and then slide back into the Kingdom when we are feeling like we need our feet washed. I realize now that it is a lie from the father of lies, and it is a stench in the nostril of my Heavenly Father.

I spent a better part of the afternoon yesterday literally on my face before God, confessing my sin, begging for his mercy to save my miserable life. I feel as if I have been “Born From Above” this time, in words and indeed.
I now take every moment a step at a time, walking in His mercy and grace. I now have been humbled, I know full well that I deserve nothing, God owes me nothing. His love now overwhelms me, to know that the God of the Universe, The King Of Kings and The Lord of lords knows me so intimately that He knows the number of hairs on my head, has felt the times I spit in His face, has forgiven me and now calls me son. Nothing to boast on my part, all glory, honor, and praise to my Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom so I might reign with Him in Paradise.

Thank you Todd for your willingness to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It truly is the power of God to save our lives! My wife Veronika and I watch Wretched TV every day and even joined the Tomorrow Clubs to help the children of Ukraine hear the Gospel. My wife is from Ukraine and has many family members there. I have had a special place in my heart for Ukraine since our visit there in 2010. I know God does too!

God Bless!

Al Yerks
Chappaqua, New York 2012

Uncle Frank

In Loving Memory of Frank I. Yerks ~January 3, 1924 - June 12, 2012, ~

Frank Yerks was a Son, Brother, Soldier, Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Friend, and for most of his 88 years, an outspoken American Patriot. He proudly served his country in the Army during WWII and continued to defend freedom for the rest of his days. I will always remember his mischievous smile, and his contagious laughter will echo down the halls of my memory as long as I live. I called him the "Prince of Pun" because he was always quick with a good one. The world turns a little slower today because he has left us. He is one of those remarkable people whose shoulders I proudly stand today. Thank you Uncle Frank for everything, especially for the example of a man you lived before me and the best friend and brother you were to my Dad.

Memorial Day 2012

“Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 (New King James Version)

Memorial Day, is a Federal Holiday that annually sets aside the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who have died in all of America’s wars. Originally known as Decoration Day after the Civil War to honor and decorate the graves of the fallen Union Soldiers.

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln spoke at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg:
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives so that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

To the brave men and women that so proudly and honorably served under the colors of The United States Armed Forces, I honor you, I salute you, but most of all, I THANK YOU! Without your sacrifice and that of the brave souls that never made it home, I would not have the blessing-filled life I enjoy, with all guaranteed liberty, and the full pursuit of happiness constitutionally afforded me.


Time and time again throughout America’s illustrious 236-year history, it has been the blood sweat, and tears, and all too often the very lives of the American Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, and Marine, to answer the call to raise up a standard against those that would threaten to destroy our way of life. Today we proudly stand on their honored shoulders. I pray for America’s resolve to remain vigilant and strong, under the call of building upon the rock-solid foundation toiled and tooled for us. We must stand as stalwart examples for those who will continue the fight, emboldening them to stave off any adversary opposed to America’s life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Freedom is never free; thousands died to gain it, millions have died to keep it, and one willingly died to offer it!

God Bless America!

Hurt And Anger...You Can't Have One Without The Other

Anger, it can motivate you, it can trip you up, or even kill you. Sometimes it is justified, but we are never justified to harbor it in our hearts. Anger comes from deep-seated hurt stuffed into the recesses of our soul, a soul that is meant to be free, free to express and shine forth the person we truly are from the inside out. I see hurt as that dirty closet somewhere in the deep, dark recesses of the house where we hoard all the negative and unkind words and deeds said and done over the years. They rapidly change appearance with every hurtful addition heaped onto the pile. The original article no longer has its own identity, merely an amalgamation of hideous words and deeds, fermented and putrefied over the ticking of time. The poisons of hurt and anger are subtle, taking their time over time to infiltrate and corrupt everything good and worth having in our lives. Life is seen through the poisonous cloud of our anger, causing our wounds to fester and callus. Every new event tears and reopens the old issue to make it today’s problem all over again. The vicious cycle continues until the door of the closet is about to come unhinged. I am on a journey of sorts to clean my closets. It is said that you don’t truly realize how much stuff you have until you go to move. So it is with the soul of man. Attempt to make an internal move forward, and see just how much junk falls on you when you open that cluttered old closet. The good thing about having the contents hit you right between the eyes is that you are forced to deal with them head-on. Plus once exposed to the light, they are no longer as dark and fearful. We all have issues that we harbor within, be honest as you muster up the courage to look. Forgive the person that hurt you long ago or just yesterday. Refuse to allow that junk to clutter your closet one day more. You will find in time, that the once dark spaces will be bathed in the light of peace. Make no mistake, the process is difficult and quite painful at times. It’s not easy to find that balance of forgiving and forgetting. Clara Barton, Founder of the Red Cross was once approached by a friend that reminded her of a cruel incident that had happened years before. “Don’t you remember the wrong that was done?” said the friend. “No,” Clara said matter of factly, “I distinctly remember forgetting about that.” Barton was able to accomplish great things in her life because she refused to carry the exhausting burden of hurt, anger, and resentment around like a knapsack full of bricks. That is the lesson for you and me, let it go, forgive yourself and others, and live in peace with others whenever possible. At the end of the day, true freedom (like a dream) starts from within. We’ll all be better at it!

Contemplate

Recently I heard an interview with Roger Daltrey, lead singer of the British Rock Band The Who. He talked about technology as it pertains to sports, pointing out the horrible referee calls in the 2010 World Cup. His thought was that technology is needed to correct the blatant errors the referees inflicted that possibly cost vital games, and possibly even the cup for the American soccer team. On the other hand, he warned of the effects technology is having on our society at large. We may not truly see the effects for twenty or thirty years, but the effects will be felt. Roger opines that in these days of megabytes, gigabytes, and nanoseconds, people have forgotten how to contemplate. Everything in today’s life is so fast that we basically make quick assessments of information or events, and make nanosecond decisions. Contemplation is a good way to get our heads around an issue and truly understand it. Without contemplation, the information literally goes in one ear and out the other. Life is too short as it is to not fully understand and enjoy what’s around us. Take the test. When you click on a website and it takes more than three seconds, do you start to tap your foot and check your watch? Three seconds and we feel the whole world is passing us by. I can remember as a kid waiting for the picture tube on our television to seemingly take forever to warm up, but we were excited to see what picture would pop up. And then when we got a color TV in the late 60s, talk about anticipation…WOW! Heaven forbid if we ever have to wait at that endless red light, or in a long line at the grocery store, or stare at the bumper of a slow car ahead of us when we’re in a big hurry. We just don’t have the patience to wait for anything anymore. We used to fill our time with thoughts of the future, or what we were going to do with our friends next weekend. Families spent more time together before iPods, iPads, and endless channels of High Definition Television at our fingertips. Cashiers don’t even have to know how to make change anymore. How many times have you noticed the person at the register waiting for the change back to be displayed before delving into the tray to “count-up” your change? I guess it goes to show that the more we try to make our lives easier, the more complicated they become. Technology is an incredible thing for sure. My wife and I just purchased iPhones with a million Apps that do a million things. We never have to worry about locking the keys in the car, yep there is an App that will summon a satellite to pop the doors open. Never again will I have to wait in line to buy movie tickets, not with my trusty iPhone! Heck, I can even deposit a check without leaving the comforts of my home. With all this time I’m saving, why do I feel just as busy and tired as always? I don’t really have the answers, maybe I should take some time to contemplate for a while, and then I’ll get back to you…