My latest blog, just as I promised, will be about an amazing friend of mine. He is encouraging, caring, challenging, and inspiring. He is Jake “Diesel” Fields. My first memory of Diesel is his handshake. I do not know to this day why but he would give the firmest handshake every time we would greet one another. Has he since broke this habit? I hope so, with Diesel you never know though. For example the name Diesel, who refers to themselves as Diesel? If you think that is bad, his other nickname is Da Bod! As in “The Body”, as in he thinks he is an Adonis. I know what you are thinking right now, “This guy is weird!” Well, you would be correct but he does all these weird things out of humor and that is why I love him. He always makes you laugh and usually at his own expense. This sense of humor is just a small illustration of how selfless he is. Jake would travel 200 miles to help you change a flat and never complain about it. In fact, in January he is traveling thousands of miles to spread the word of God, putting aside a year of his life hoping to proliferate eternal life. He needs your help though! Jake is 9 bills (that is $900) away from his financial deadline in 2 weeks. With check donations taking as long as 2 weeks to be processed into his account that means he needs financial support NOW! Yes, I have been begging for funding for the last few months and now that I am finally funded and what do I do? Beg for more funding.
The thing is Jake is not like me. He is not some Average Joe, no interests, no stories, no accomplishments. Jake is extraordinary! His life has been a ladder of struggle and trials. He has suffered through serious family issues, financial difficulties, and more physical pain and limitation than you can imagine. I am not going to detail his story, because it is exactly that, his story. I will tell you about what I have personally seen though. I have seen Diesel in so much pain that he could not stand from a sit without assistance. I have seen him so debilitated from his disease that he could not walk. I have seen Jake’s body completely turn against him. And I have seen Jake never quit and never complain. I have never seen Jake ask for pity or even assistance. Has Jake ever felt sorry for himself? He has but only once and only for a split second. That is not weakness; it is another testament to his strength. Because he has faced every obstacle, including that of doubt and he has overcome all of them.
Jake is a warrior and I do not say that in hyperbole. He has inspired me in so many ways and continues to do so just by fighting everyday and remaining faithful everyday. These qualities make him the strongest person I have ever met. These qualities make him perfect for the Worldrace. That is why WE have to send him. Please pray for Jake to reach his deadlines and please pray about supporting him yourself. I leave you with his blog address and a song about our friendship.
