Monthly Archives: August 2025
Stamp Club Meets Sept. 13 at Fort Scott Libary
| A meeting to form and formalize a stamp club will take place at the Fort Scott Library , 201 S. National, on Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The challenge this month is to locate and or display your favorite foreign stamp. The meeting allows discussion of the bylaws and membership in the club. Free, previously used, postage stamps will be available for all persons wishing to start or continue a collection. There is no charge for attendance and a special membership drive will waive the first year dues. Dues cover only the operating costs of the club.
Fort Scott Public Library Lower Floor Conference Room 201 S National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701 RSVP to [email protected]
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Trolley Tours Offered During Gordon Parks Celebration In October
Thursday, October 2nd: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations
Meet at the entrance of the Fort Scott Community College Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2801 S. Horton.
Saturday, October 4th: 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. — Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center
Kirk Sharp, Executive Director
Gordon Parks Museum
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701-3141
620-223-2700, ext 5850
Email: [email protected]
Historical Cost of Education per Student at USD234
In 1977, USD234’s budget was discussed in the Tribune. The story lists the district’s budget as $2,332,642 and the number of students as 2112 for the year, which gives a cost per student of $1,104.47.
This historical cost per student is now part of the data that school districts submit to the state, but the district no longer has (or can’t easily obtain) records before 2002.
The most recent cost per student at USD234 was $19,110 in 2024. This was down just slightly from the $19,235 cost per student in 2023. While $19,110 is $18,006 more than what each student cost in 1977, inflation accounts for a portion of that increase.
In 1977, the average annual wage in the United States was $9,779.44, and a new car could be purchased for $3,000 to $6,000. To obtain a fair comparison, one needs to graph the growth of spending against the amount of the 1977 cost per student, adjusted for inflation, each year. While no data was available from 1978 to 2001, those amounts have been represented as an even increase between the 1977 amount and the amount in 2001. The actual cost per student between those years may not be individually accurate, but the growth rate will be correct. Inflation numbers come from BLS.gov.
There may be some minor discrepancies due to school years not aligning with the Jan to Dec, inflation numbers used in the calculation, but those issues will average out over longer periods of time.
According to the data, if USD234 spent the same amount as they did in 1977, while increasing it as needed to keep up with inflation, the expected cost per student would $5,882 in 2024. Instead, the cost per student is $19,110, representing an increase of $13,288, or 228% more than what can be explained by inflation. For context, if the average wage of $9,779.44 had grown by the same amount, the average wage would now be $169,207. (In 2023, the average wage in the US was $66,621)
Obviously, inflation isn’t the only thing that drives up the cost of education, but it is a critical component and essential to factor in when comparing the current costs to historical.
Below is a chart of the data. Italicized numbers were not available from the school district and are extrapolated from the overall growth rate.
| USD234 Historical Cost Per Student | Inflation Adjusted from 1977 baseline | |
| 1977 | $1,104.47 | $1,104.47 |
| 1978 | $1,341.37 | $1,179.99 |
| 1979 | $1,578.27 | $1,289.49 |
| 1980 | $1,815.17 | $1,468.85 |
| 1981 | $2,052.07 | $1,642.55 |
| 1982 | $2,288.98 | $1,780.37 |
| 1983 | $2,525.88 | $1,846.45 |
| 1984 | $2,762.78 | $1,923.85 |
| 1985 | $2,999.68 | $1,991.82 |
| 1986 | $3,236.58 | $2,069.23 |
| 1987 | $3,473.48 | $2,099.43 |
| 1988 | $3,710.38 | $2,184.40 |
| 1989 | $3,947.28 | $2,286.35 |
| 1990 | $4,184.19 | $2,405.29 |
| 1991 | $4,421.09 | $2,541.22 |
| 1992 | $4,657.99 | $2,607.30 |
| 1993 | $4,894.89 | $2,692.26 |
| 1994 | $5,131.79 | $2,760.23 |
| 1995 | $5,368.69 | $2,837.63 |
| 1996 | $5,605.59 | $2,915.05 |
| 1997 | $5,842.49 | $3,003.78 |
| 1998 | $6,079.40 | $3,050.98 |
| 1999 | $6,316.30 | $3,101.95 |
| 2000 | $6,553.20 | $3,186.92 |
| 2001 | $6,790.10 | $3,305.86 |
| 2002 | $7,027.00 | $3,343.62 |
| 2003 | $7,288.00 | $3,430.46 |
| 2004 | $7,356.00 | $3,496.55 |
| 2005 | $7,950.00 | $3,600.38 |
| 2006 | $8,751.00 | $3,743.87 |
| 2007 | $9,444.00 | $3,821.58 |
| 2008 | $10,014.00 | $3,985.16 |
| 2009 | $10,042.00 | $3,986.35 |
| 2010 | $10,275.00 | $4,091.01 |
| 2011 | $9,863.00 | $4,146.21 |
| 2012 | $10,142.00 | $4,279.39 |
| 2013 | $10,548.00 | $4,347.64 |
| 2014 | $10,529.00 | $4,416.29 |
| 2015 | $10,962.00 | $4,412.35 |
| 2016 | $12,111.00 | $4,472.94 |
| 2017 | $11,608.00 | $4,584.76 |
| 2018 | $12,353.00 | $4,679.69 |
| 2019 | $12,652.00 | $4,752.28 |
| 2020 | $14,094.00 | $4,870.45 |
| 2021 | $15,383.00 | $4,938.62 |
| 2022 | $15,453.00 | $5,308.02 |
| 2023 | $19,235.00 | $5,648.28 |
| 2024 | $19,110.00 | $5,822.86 |
No Knock-off Peace by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
No Knock-off Peace
Many years ago, I mailed a check to someone and it was never cashed. So I wrote another check and asked a family member to give it to her. The second check never cleared the bank either, so I finally gave up. I didn’t owe this gal any money, I simply wanted to bless her with a monetary gift. I was willing to give, but there was some hindrance to her receiving it.
Jesus wanted to give His disciples an important gift before He ascended to His Father. He said, “My own peace I give to you” (John 14:27 Weymouth). Notice that Jesus gave His own peace, which demonstrated that He wasn’t selfish or stingy. Today, Jesus continues to offer Christ followers His own Name-Brand peace. This precious peace isn’t a knock off — it‘s the real deal and it will last as long as you breathe and believe. It’s one thing to have head knowledge regarding this scripture, but it’s another thing to believe it for yourself with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Peace is a gift from Jesus but you have to accept it and put it into practice. In other words, cash the check!
“I leave the gift of peace with you — My peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but My perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts — instead, be courageous!” (TPT). We’re living in a world that offers pseudo peace. I encourage you to pour some time, study, and meditation into John 14:27. Find a translation of this verse that hits you square between the eyes and lands solidly in your heart and mind. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Here’s an uncomplicated motto that’s been around for awhile: Jesus said it, I believe it, and that settles it!
John 14:27 in the Amplified Bible states: “Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled]. We certainly have an active part to play in receiving and keeping our peace.
Sometimes we’re tempted to lose our peace; and sometimes we just flat-out lose it. I hate it when that happens. But at least I know where to go (God’s Word) and what to do (pray). Believers should always look at our difficulties, stresses, and heartaches from God’s perspective. He never scratches His head or wrings His hands wondering how to fix our problems. And that’s why we ought to keep our peace and trust Him. When you feel your peace slipping away, pray immediately. “I have courage in God’s presence, because I am sure that He hears me if I ask Him for anything that is according to His will” (1 John 5:14 GNT). It’s definitely God’s will for us to have peace, so boldly ask for your peace to be restored. Your life depends on it, so don’t try to get by without it!
The following scripture reminds me to get my act together when life gets turbulent: “The Lord goes before me; He will march with me; He will not fail me or let me go or forsake me; I will fear not, neither become broken in spirit — depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm (Deuteronomy 31:8 AMP). When the stormy waves are over your head, there’s a deepening and enriching comfort when you can experience the peace of Christ in your innermost soul.
The Key: Believers have been given the gift of peace and we are expected to cash it in.
Obituary of Howard Russell Franklin
Howard Russell Franklin, a treasured soul known to his loved ones as Rusty or Russ, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Webb City, Missouri. Born on October 4, 1958, in Kansas City, Missouri, Howard’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and the warmth of a close-knit family.
Howard’s journey through life was marked by an unwavering devotion to his family. His children, William and Christie Franklin, were the pride of his life, and he beamed with joy at the mention of his grandchildren—Christopher, Cory, Corbyn, Liam Franklin, Bryson Hall, and Blakelynn Gray. Howard’s sister, Linda Longley, and his late siblings, Robert Franklin and Judy Beasley, shared in the richness of his love and the laughter that filled their gatherings.
Throughout his years, Howard’s kindhearted nature was his hallmark. Friends and family alike will remember him for his gentle spirit and his unassuming way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. His comforting presence was a beacon of light that guided many through their darkest times.
Howard found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life. He cherished every moment spent with family and friends, recognizing that these were the threads that wove the fabric of his life’s tapestry. His laughter was infectious, his counsel sought after, and his home always open to those he held dear.
In the hearts of those who knew him, Howard leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will continue to inspire and guide. His memory will be a source of strength and comfort as his loved ones recall the countless cherished moments they shared. Howard Russell Franklin’s story is one of love, generosity, and the enduring bonds of family—a narrative that will be recounted with fondness and gratitude for generations to come.
As the sun sets on a life well-lived, we bid farewell to a man who embodied the very essence of compassion. Howard’s memory will be cherished, his lessons remembered, and his influence felt long after his departure from this world. Though he may have left us in body, his spirit remains an indelible part of the lives he touched.
There was cremation. A celebration of like will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Howard Franklin Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Stephanie H. Johnson
Stephanie H. Johnson, 82, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away August 5, 2025. She was born February 12, 1943, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Glenn R. Maupin and Helen M. (Huffine) Maupin. She married Charlie Johnson and he preceded her in death in December of 1982.
Stephanie received her Bachelor’s degree from PSU in teaching. She later went back to school and received her Nursing Degree from FSCC, becoming a registered nurse. Prior to her nursing career, Stephanie worked at the Tribune as the Circulation Manager, and also at the Farmer’s Co-Op. She worked at the old Newman Young Clinic doing data entry. She then worked at Medicalodge as Activity Director. After receiving her nursing degree, went back to Medicalodge as Director of Nursing. She became Kansas State Surveyor of Nursing Homes. She retired to take care of her elderly parents.
Stephanie loved music and loved singing with the Sweet Adaline’s, a local group that sang at competitions and performances. She loved to travel, but her greatest love was her family.
Survivors include her son, Kevin Asbury, of Fort Scott, granddaughter Kyra Tollen, married to Dustin Tollen, and great-grandson, Biron Tollen, and two nieces, Jennifer and Hillary. Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charlie, and her sister, Penny Berry.
Following cremation, Pastor Christopher Eshelman will officiate graveside services on Friday afternoon, August 22, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. There will be a visitation Thursday evening August 21, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome (Red Meat Allergy) Affects SE Kansans
As we continue to engage in outdoor activities as the weather cools and hunting season begins, it’s important to protect yourself from tick bites. The Lone Star tick has been linked to causing the Alpha-Gal allergy in individuals who eat red meat. Symptoms include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, nausea, and severe stomach pain. These symptoms can occur in 3-8 hours after eating red meat. Seek medical attention if this occurs.
The Lone Star tick is a vector that can spread disease. The Alpha-Gal molecule is carried in the saliva of Lone Star ticks. People bitten by this tick can become sensitive and produce the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody. Unlike typical food allergies, which are a reaction to protein, this is a reaction to the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose. This carbohydrate is found in most mammals, such as those found in red meat. It can also be in products made from mammals. It is not found in poultry or fish.
As to the number of Kansans affected by Alpha-Gal Syndrome, there are no accurate reporting systems in place, so to get a general idea, Kansas State University asked 144 Extension professionals how many had heard of AGS or knew people affected by it, and the majority of agents who had heard of AGS or that knew those affected by it – were in southeast Kansas. This should not come as a surprise to those of us living in southeast Kansas, as many of us could most likely name at least five people with AGS. A few agents in northwest Kansas had not even heard of Alpha-Gal. Overall, 86% had heard of AGS, 84% knew AGS is related to tick bites, 61% thought there is not enough information about AGS for the public, and 31% were not sure.
Nutrition considerations for people living with AGS include treating it like any other allergy by avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, avoiding cross-contamination, and reading nutrition labels.
Foods that may trigger AGS symptoms include meat such as beef, pork, lamb, deer, organ meat like kidney, heart, liver, muscle tissue, animal fat (lard and tallow), dairy products, gelatin, carrageenan, and cross-contamination.
If making jam and jelly, please note that commercial pectin is not made with any gelatin or other meat ingredients. Commercial pectin is made from citrus fruit peel or apple pomace. It also usually contains dextrose and citric acid. Always read package labels.
To ensure that you are getting enough nutrients, consider for protein and iron: lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, tofu, spinach, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals; and for calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12: fortified plant milks, cereals, and nutritional yeast.
It’s important to take precautions to avoid tick bites, which may lead to AGS, but if you do have this allergy, there are local support groups. More businesses are becoming aware of this allergy, as noted recently in southeast Kansas, where there is a local food truck that advertises its AGS-friendly menu items. For more information on Alpha-Gal Syndrome, reach out to Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, Southwind Extension District, [email protected] or 620.365.2242.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and
Cooperative Extension Service
Agenda For the FS City Commission on August 19
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
August 19, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1390-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of July 23, 2025 – August 12, 2025 – $662,802.14
- Approval of Minutes: Special Meeting of July 30, 2025; Special Meeting of August 4, 2025; and Regular Meeting of August 5, 2025.
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18159 – 21-303 – Davis Lift Station – Addendum No. 4 ($11,600.00) and Addendum No. 5 ($18,600.00) – Total $30,3200.00
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18141 – EEI No. 25-12 – East National Project Phase I – Survey 100% ($6,400.00) and Preliminary Design 12.5% ($12,937.50) – Total $19,337.50
- Request to Pay – Cardinal Sitework – Application for Payment No. 2 (FINAL) – Charles Street Lift Station EEI No. 24-003B – $3,587.45
- July Financials
- Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Rachel Carpenter – Tourism Report
- Thomas Metcalf Jr. – 3rd Annual Sons of American Legion Car Show – August 30, 2025 – Request for Temporary Street Closure – National Ave. between Oak St. and Pine St.
VIII. Unfinished Business
Public Hearing:
- Planning Commission Case No. 1052 – Conditional Use Permit – 2400 S. Main – Amazon Storage Unit – Recommended by Planning Commission on July 9, 2025 – Tabled from August 5, 2025
- Vacation of Alley – Lewis Nihiser – Revisit requested by City Commission
Action Items:
- A. Consideration of Appointment of (1) Member for FSHPRC – Tabled from August 5,
2025 – L. Dillon
- Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2025 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 121 S. MARGRAVE – Tabled from April 15, 2025
- New Business
- Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – Gordon Parks Mural at Main & Wall (Wilder House Building) – Approved by Design Review Board – L. Dillon
- Consideration of Fort Scott Developer Partnership Incentive Package 2026 – L. Dillon
- Consideration of Sales Tax Ballot Question – B. Matkin
- Discussion with Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Requested by M. Wells
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
Governor Appoints John Mazurek To Replace Lori Bolton Fleminh
Governor Kelly Appoints John Mazurek to Fill District Court Position in the 11th Judicial District
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today appointed John Mazurek of Pittsburg to a judgeship position in the 11th Judicial District. The vacancy was created by the appointment of Judge Lori Bolton Fleming to the Kansas Court of Appeals.
“John Mazurek has a wide breadth of experience working in private practice and in public service that will serve the 11th Judicial District well,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I look forward to the impact he will have on the community as a district court judge.”
Mazurek is currently an attorney and owner of The Mazurek Law Office, LLC. He is also a prosecuting attorney for the City of Pittsburg and has served as assistant county attorney for Crawford County and as judge pro tem for the 11th judicial district.
“I’m honored by the appointment and grateful for the trust placed in me,” said John Mazurek. “Crawford County has been my home for thirty years and I truly love this community. I am committed to continue serving the people of the 11th Judicial District with fairness, integrity, and respect for the law.”
District court judges in the 11th Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years. The two other nominees selected by the district nominating commission were Sarah Elnicki and Mandy Johnson.
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Aug. 18 Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Agenda 08.18.25
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Meeting Details (Page 1)
- Location: County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
- Date: August 18, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM
Agenda Outline (Page 1)
- I. Meeting Opening
- Call Meeting to Order
- Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Prayer
- II. Approval of Agenda
- III. Approval of Minutes 08.11.25
- IV. Consent Agenda
- Approval of 08.15.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $177,534.86
- Approval of July Financials
- V. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
- VI. Old Business
- Payroll CIC discussion
- Fence Viewing
- Planning Commission Resolution
- Emerson and Company Agreement
- VII. New Business
- VIII. Commission Comments
- IX. Adjournment
Future Business (Page 1)
- 08/25/25: RNR Hearing, Don Doherty Benefits, Security Cameras, E911-Brad Matkin, Crawkan
- 09/08/25-09/15/25: Vehicle Lease Program, Economic Development, 911 Dispatch Worksession, Juvenile Detention Contract, Sanitation Worksession
- Future: Benefits Committee Letters
Special Meetings (Page 1)
- A special budget work session will be held on August 21, 2025, at 5:30 PM with the Budget Advisory Committee.
- A special meeting with Don Doherty will be held on August 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
Information Packet Summary
Executive Sessions (Page 2) The document outlines the permissible reasons for holding executive sessions, citing Kansas Statute KSA 75-4319 (b). These reasons include discussing personnel matters, consulting with an attorney, handling employer/employee negotiations, discussing financial affairs or trade secrets, preliminary discussions for real estate acquisition, and security measures.
Accounts Payable (Pages 3-11) A detailed summary of open invoices by department is provided. The total accounts payable for approval is $177,534.86. The report breaks down the total by various funds and departments, including:
- Appraisers: $770.31 (Page 3)
- County Treasurer Motor Fund: $2,624.83 (Page 3)
- Employee Benefit: $32.02 (Page 3)
- Special Law Enforcement: $600.00 (Page 4)
- Landfill: $22,686.10 (Page 4)
- County Sheriff/Correctional: $18,869.10 (Page 6)
- Noxious Weed: $30.32 (Page 7)
- Road and Bridge: $26,587.64 (Page 9)
- Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund: $19,037.37 (Page 10)
- Sheriff Trust Forfeiture: $18,570.23 (Page 10)
- BOND SALES TAX – COUNTY JAIL: $13,241.86 (Page 11)
- County Commission: $3,283.23 (Page 12)
Planning Commission Resolution (Pages 19-20) The resolution details the establishment, composition, functions, meetings, and voting procedures for the Bourbon County Planning Commission. A quorum consists of four members, and most matters require a majority vote of the quorum present. The commission is authorized to approve subdivision plats and make recommendations on zoning and planning issues. The county counselor will provide legal representation.
Payroll Processing Information (Pages 201-202) This section is a form for gathering information related to payroll processing, including:
- Whether payroll has been processed in the current year.
- Payroll software used.
- Pay period dates and next check date.
- Frequency of payroll (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, or annually).
- Whether paper checks are required.
- A list of possible deductions, such as retirement plans, medical/dental insurance, garnishments, and union dues.
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Should you ever go through Springfield, Illinois, I encourage you to visit the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center. It is now on my Bucket List. After completing the book The Woman They Could Not Silence about Elizabeth’s heroism, I am recommending the museum to everyone I see.
With the author’s portrayal of this remarkable woman, I learned much, particularly how spoiled we are because women in the 1800’s, having no legal rights, sacrificed much to make a difference. Women then were beholden to their husbands, and she was his property. Thus began the story of Elizabeth Packard.
Married for twenty-one years to a controlling, Confederate-sympathizing pastor, she disagreed with his teachings and took the bold step to attend a different church, taking her six children with her. With that decision, Theophilis, her husband, had her committed to a mental asylum in Jacksonville, Illinois. There she encountered Dr. Andrew McFarland, a man who not only was threatened by her keen intelligence but proved to be even more dangerous than her traitorous husband. Little did she know she would spend years trying to regain access to her children as she spoke out against the savage injustices.
I could not put the book down. Her story made me ask myself at which point I would have broken: freezing from lack of heat; sleeping on a straw, urine-filled cot; watching fellow inmates tortured; fighting for the hundreds of women–as sane as she–who were subjected to years of mistreatment because, they, like she, had done something to annoy their husbands.
Elizabeth’s life is a testament to the power of one person who was determined to do what she believed God called her to do. There are others who have no institution named after them who also made a difference.
Mordecai Ham (1877-1961) was a tent evangelist who converted over 300,000 men and women to Jesus. At one revival, two fourteen-year-old boys heard the commotion and decided to check out what was happening in the nearby tent. Realizing there were no available seats, they left but were stopped by an usher who assured the boys that he would find them a seat together. And he did.
At that meeting, both young men made a declaration of faith and asked Jesus to be their Lord. Their names? Billie Graham and Grady Wilson. Graham went on to lead millions to Christ, and Wilson stayed by his side, doing whatever Graham needed him to do. No one knows the name of the usher. He was the unknown man who did what he could to make sure those two teens had a seat to hear Ham’s teaching.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get to Heaven and meet these heroes/heroines, some with names that live in infamy and others who have no public claim to fame. All I know is, God uses both. We don’t have to live the life of a celebrity to be used by God. We just need to have the desire to usher others into His eternal kingdom.
After all, my job probably is not to change the world. My job is to change someone else’s world.