Frank Reynolds, the father of the Teen Challenge discipleship program, celebrates his 90th birthday on September 11th.

Frank is one of only a handful of people that I personally consider my hero. His faith, compassion, and vision — even at the age of 90 — convicts me to be my best for God. When I grow up, I want to be just like Frank.

In honor of him, in the next few newsletters, I want to share a few thoughts from his book “Is There a God?” — thoughts that challenged and inspired me. I hope they speak to you as well.

Here is the first: From Frank Reynolds’ book, Is There a God?  (Pages 69-70)

I had unconsciously absorbed many lessons and concepts developing my creative gifts from my high school teacher, Mr. Burns. He had great influence in my life’s perceptions! One day in chemistry, he said in passing, “You know the man that learns to get aluminum out of clay will never go hungry.” So when we had to do an original experiment as an assignment, I said, “I am determined to get aluminum out of clay!”

My homespun and basic training about the elements on the farm caused me to go naturally to the creek bank where I lived and extract some clay. Then I began a research project to identify the scientific type of clay it was. Finally, I began an in-depth research for the chemical formula, going through many chemistry books. At that stage in the game, I realized that I would have to go beyond the high school library, so I started researching college chemistry books and began finding chemicals that would react to that type of clay.

I almost destroyed the chemistry lab with experiments. I was reading Business Week and saw a report that a Hungarian man came to this country and presented the same process that I went through. He did not steal my formula, but discovered it again and was making a fortune from it. The difference was that he followed through on his discovery. I was simply satisfied with my grade.

I learned two serious lessons from this that I often relate to my Christian life. First, if we focus our creative abilities on a goal and fight it through, we can always find a way even with the impossible! Second, we cannot be satisfied with reaching our goal; we must take it to a higher level to see the full potential of our vision fulfilled. I had applied these principles many times in my past life and ministry – walking totally be faith.

Think about it…

I want to share my own reaction and thoughts to the last paragraph but I will refrain. Let God speak to you in the two key points that Frank makes.

• Discuss these two points with the other TC staff members that you work with.
• What is God challenging you with, personally, in regards to circumstances you are facing right now?
• What is God challenging you with as a team at your local center?
• How can you apply these points to your situation? – Have a creative prayer and brainstorming session(s) to work through and move forward with your vision through your challenges and hurdles (seeming obstacles).