In this world, tragedy is all too common. Rarely does a day go by without hearing about another heartbreaking event in the life of someone in my circle of relationships. Prayer requests come our way like a flood of tears.

It was the summer of 1980. We had taken nearly the entire youth group from the First Baptist Church of New Carlisle to Camp Chautauqua in Miamisburg for a weekend spiritual retreat. After a mostly sleepless Friday night, our worship leader, Gary Mullins and I had been challenged to an early morning tennis match by two teens who fancied themselves a strong doubles team. After disposing of our young competition 6-0 in the first set, our game was interrupted with an emergency phone call.
One of the members of our church youth group, Jeff Chesnut, who had not come on the weekend trip was a recent graduate of Bethel High School. He had been on duty with the township volunteer fire department on Friday night. As he was returning to the firehouse from making a pizza run, Jeff was hit head on by another vehicle on State Route 201 just south of Brandt. Tragically, he died at the scene.
The initial shock of that August morning would be followed by gatherings of mourners and a funeral service in Jeff’s memory. The grief that gripped so many hearts, was eased by the sufficient grace of the Savior who promised to all who trust in Him,
“I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish.” (John 10:28)
Our prayer in every hour of despair is that the LORD would bring some greater good in the aftermath of it all. He is the God who from the gory crucifixion brought the glory of resurrection!
One positive aftermath of that nightmarish event would include the development of a scholarship co-sponsored by the church and Bethel High School. In June of 1981, Jodi Little and Kent Kahle were named the first recipients of a gift that honored the memory of a fine young man who devoted his life to serving others.
The church has continued to provide a scholarship to a worthy high school graduating senior ever since. In this 30th year of the scholarship, we were able to provide three one thousand dollar scholarships to Rebecca Graham, Tiffani Pickard, and T.J. Sigler. These three young Christians have demonstrated the same kind of servant spirit that Jeff Chesnut embodied in his short but meaningful life.
To help keep this memorial tradition going, our church hosts an annual fund-raising golf scramble at Cliffside Golf Course located at Route 202 and Studebaker Road. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28. The cost is only $50 per person and that includes a cart, green fees, 3 mulligans , prizes, and a delicious lunch back at the church immediately after the golf round is over.
Four-person teams can sign-up by calling 845-1211 or contacting Pastor Rick shoemaker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and he will send you a registration form. You may also stop by the church at 8870 St Rt. 571 to pick up a copy of the rules and the registration form.
We pray that the LORD will continue to bring good things from that tragic August 1980 event.