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To Skipper Dave Wood,
Thank you for all the years you served as Skipper. Looking back,
you were more than just a Scout leader; you were a spiritual leader,
a missionary to the kids and adults in our area, who did not even
know we were being ministered to. I realized after my own sons started
growing up how God used you to profoundly influence my life. Young
men and women need Godly adults in their lives (in addition to their
parents) to act as role models.
I thank God that he sent His Son to conquer sin and save us by His
grace. I thank Him that He has given my wife and me the opportunity
to serve Him. And I thank Him for placing Dave Wood in the right
time and place to positively influence many so young people, including
me and my family.
Often we do not or cannot see the results of our real life\'s work
in our lifetime. We see the end of the day\'s work, the finished
paper, project, budget or building. But that is not our real work.
Our real work is what we accomplish for God and His kingdom. Dave
Wood and the other leaders of Ships 520 and 537 may not have seen
immediate results of their efforts, but the long term effects are
very obvious to me. My grandfather once said that you cannot judge
a person\'s Godly influence until you have seen how it appears in
their children and grandchildren. Dave, you have lots of children
and grandchildren out there..
My wife, Shirley, is studying for her Master of Divinity and has
been Director of Christian Education at our church for 15 years.
I have served as Deacon, Elder, Chair of the Missions Committee
at our church. Shirley and I have been Youth Group co-directors
for 15 years. We both teach Sunday School.
Influenced by the unforgettable experiences in had in Sea Scout
Ship 520, I have served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for 7 years,
Skipper of Sea Scout Ship 801 and Sea Scout Training Foundation
since they were chartered 1999. Both of our sons are Eagle Scouts,
now studying at University of Florida. Both are strong Christians,
involved with a local church and Reformed University Fellowship.
I thank God that he sent His Son to conquer sin and save us by His
grace. I thank Him that he gave you a beautiful family.
Stay in touch.
In Christ,
Jim Saunders.
P.S. Skipper, the last time I saw you, I was boarding a jet in Nassau,
returning from my honeymoon with my bride, March 1979.
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