This is a novel about my experiences as a young minister in the 1970s. I was NOT a typlical preacher, as the story relates. I hope you find it interesting. I will put it up in chapters, so don't be discouraged and check back every day or so for the next installment.
Copyright 2006 Terry F. Phillips Sr.
(812) 201-3456
frank.phillips@gmail.com
Living in Victory
By
Terry Franklin Phillips Sr.
Dedication: To my wonderful family and friends, particularly the people of Alamo Christian Church, most of who are with the Lord already. The Alamo community, although a work of fiction, inspired this story.
Chapter 1 – April 17, 2006
Television trucks rumbled into town. At least, they would have rumbled, but nothing was left of the town of Victory, Indiana. Debris choked the street that hinted where the town used to lie on the east side of the county road.
“Jeezus!” swore Marco Vicente as he bounced in his seat while his driver attempted to find a level spot near the mess that had been the town 90 minutes earlier.
Even though the equipment and truck would cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace, the driver had raced down the narrow, winding back roads of rural Montgomery County, trying to be first on the scene with live coverage of the disaster from the ground.
The roads, though paved, were narrow and curves often sloped the wrong way, causing the top-heavy remote truck to careen and nearly flip over more than once.
The newsroom back in Indianapolis had learned about the disaster scarcely an hour earlier.
“Forget the cost of the equipment,” Marco thought. “Let’s just be the first on the air.”
He wondered how print reporters would find the words to describe the scene. He was glad his station could show television viewers the mess, something TV excelled in doing.
“We’re here,” he said, louder than he needed to.
Splintered wood, crumbled concrete and broken glass littered the space that had been a little village a few hours earlier.
Marco’s crew was first on the scene, though he knew Channel 13 and a crew from WISH-TV wouldn’t be far behind. Later, trucks from Chicago would show up as well.
Marco’s station had already made arrangements to feed live video to their own network and to CNN as well.
Marco tore his eyes from the carnage that lay before him and turned to look at Sherry Reynolds, the reporter who would be doing the stand-up narration for the station. She was dabbing make-up on her face and smoothing her hair.
“Setting up the dish,” he said as he made arrangements to link the signal from the RV-sized mobile broadcasting studio to the station in Indianapolis.
Overhead, he could hear news helicopters circling like hawks over the small area that had been Victory. One of the choppers was from their station and was probably shooting pictures of them at the moment.
“Why are they up there?” Sherry asked, obviously annoyed by the possibility someone else from the station could be stealing her story.
“If our sky shot doesn’t make the TV, it will be used for news promos,” Marco muttered to no one in particular.
A cameraman was already out of the truck and was testing his wireless link. Then he began shooting pictures of the devastation, unable to hear anything but the beating of the helicopter rotors overhead
Five minutes later, Reynolds went on the air, describing the location and how the twin tornadoes miraculously combined forces to wipe out the small town.
“We can only wonder what life was like before disaster struck,” she said.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Open letter to a burglar
About a month ago you stole my motor scooter.
I think it was Shakespeare who wrote, “He who steals my purse steals trash.” He was right — money has limited value.
But you also violated my home.
I didn't know anyone could actually climb through that tiny garage window, but you did.
I am sure you broke into our home and stole my vehicle to sell it for drug money.
I thought you might have taken it for a joy ride and someone would find it. When it didn’t show up, it became apparent you sold it.
Law enforcement officers tell us most burglaries are committed to obtain drug money.
I was very angry that morning I walked out and realized someone had broken into our garage.
I forgot what drugs does to the body until I saw those 21 photos on the front page of The Brazil Times on a recent Saturday.
Even though I am no longer young, I am in better shape than you are and I might have killed you with my bare hands if I would have caught you in the garage that night. At least you would have been beaten and crying for mercy. Maybe next time you break into someone's home you won’t get away. They may have a loaded gun. Who knows?
Then I realized my anger was letting you control me. So, I stopped being angry.
Now my concern is for you.
I will get another vehicle. My life will continue. I am learning to be a more proficient journalist and editor. I work out. My body is getting stronger. But, if you don't give up the drugs, you will die at your own hand.
Have you looked in the mirror lately? Remember how young and vibrant you were. Take a look. See what your filthy habit has stolen from you.
I don't know who you are. But your friends do. They think they are protecting you by not turning you in. They are stealing your life by simply doing nothing.
There are wonderful treatment opportunities available in prison. Ever hear of the CLIFF program? You should look into it.
You probably won’t seek help while you are free, running around town.
Every week we print photos of people arrested on drug-related charges. Their photos look terrible. Their hair is stringy. Their clothes are cheap. They look like their bodies have aged. Usually, they have no muscle on their bones.
Compare those pictures with the CLIFF program participants we profiled in The Brazil Times a few weeks ago. They are smiling. they are healthy, they are getting their lives back.
Oh, by the way, they said don't want to see you and your friends again. In fact, they never plan to return to Brazil, even though their families live here.
Get some help. Death may be closer than you think.
Frank Phillips is The Brazil Times editor. He can be reached by e-mail at frankphi@hotmail.com.
I think it was Shakespeare who wrote, “He who steals my purse steals trash.” He was right — money has limited value.
But you also violated my home.
I didn't know anyone could actually climb through that tiny garage window, but you did.
I am sure you broke into our home and stole my vehicle to sell it for drug money.
I thought you might have taken it for a joy ride and someone would find it. When it didn’t show up, it became apparent you sold it.
Law enforcement officers tell us most burglaries are committed to obtain drug money.
I was very angry that morning I walked out and realized someone had broken into our garage.
I forgot what drugs does to the body until I saw those 21 photos on the front page of The Brazil Times on a recent Saturday.
Even though I am no longer young, I am in better shape than you are and I might have killed you with my bare hands if I would have caught you in the garage that night. At least you would have been beaten and crying for mercy. Maybe next time you break into someone's home you won’t get away. They may have a loaded gun. Who knows?
Then I realized my anger was letting you control me. So, I stopped being angry.
Now my concern is for you.
I will get another vehicle. My life will continue. I am learning to be a more proficient journalist and editor. I work out. My body is getting stronger. But, if you don't give up the drugs, you will die at your own hand.
Have you looked in the mirror lately? Remember how young and vibrant you were. Take a look. See what your filthy habit has stolen from you.
I don't know who you are. But your friends do. They think they are protecting you by not turning you in. They are stealing your life by simply doing nothing.
There are wonderful treatment opportunities available in prison. Ever hear of the CLIFF program? You should look into it.
You probably won’t seek help while you are free, running around town.
Every week we print photos of people arrested on drug-related charges. Their photos look terrible. Their hair is stringy. Their clothes are cheap. They look like their bodies have aged. Usually, they have no muscle on their bones.
Compare those pictures with the CLIFF program participants we profiled in The Brazil Times a few weeks ago. They are smiling. they are healthy, they are getting their lives back.
Oh, by the way, they said don't want to see you and your friends again. In fact, they never plan to return to Brazil, even though their families live here.
Get some help. Death may be closer than you think.
Frank Phillips is The Brazil Times editor. He can be reached by e-mail at frankphi@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Candidates' forum over for another election
By Terry Franklin Phillips Sr.
frankphi@hotmail.com
BRAZIL, Ind. -- We had our school board/primary election candidates' forum tonight at the 4-H Fairgrounds, south of Brazilon S.R. 59.
It seemed to go well. We had many favorable comments. The TV station freporter and photographer rom Terre Haute who covered it said it was one of the better forums they had seen this year.
I am thankful we have such a strong field of candidates in the school board election and party primary. I think all the candidates did a very good job.
I do wish the school board election would be moved to the fall general election. It always confuses the electorate when there is a May primary election and a May school board election on the same day. People have trouble with the concept that on May 2 we will elect Republican and Democratic party candidates to run in the November general election, but we will also be voting for school board members who will take office July 1.
One of the independent candidates for sheriff who was allowed to speak (all the candidates for all races present were given two minutes to speak and then we questioned the school board candidates and the Democratic Party candidates for sheriff) said the school board candidates were all independents.
True -- none of them ran on a party ticket. But, the other independent candidates won't be on the ballot in the primary election -- becaus it is a party primary. Independents will be on the ballot in the November general election.
See what I mean by confusing? I don't know what they do in other states, but I am sure voting can be confusing in states other than Indiana, too.
I really enjoy serving as moderator of the forums. People say I do a good job, too. That is due to my years in radio and in the ministry, no doubt.
I suppose I would love to be the Art Linkletter of the 21st century, but I enjoy being an editor and reporter, too. We take advantage of the opportunities presented to us.
frankphi@hotmail.com
BRAZIL, Ind. -- We had our school board/primary election candidates' forum tonight at the 4-H Fairgrounds, south of Brazilon S.R. 59.
It seemed to go well. We had many favorable comments. The TV station freporter and photographer rom Terre Haute who covered it said it was one of the better forums they had seen this year.
I am thankful we have such a strong field of candidates in the school board election and party primary. I think all the candidates did a very good job.
I do wish the school board election would be moved to the fall general election. It always confuses the electorate when there is a May primary election and a May school board election on the same day. People have trouble with the concept that on May 2 we will elect Republican and Democratic party candidates to run in the November general election, but we will also be voting for school board members who will take office July 1.
One of the independent candidates for sheriff who was allowed to speak (all the candidates for all races present were given two minutes to speak and then we questioned the school board candidates and the Democratic Party candidates for sheriff) said the school board candidates were all independents.
True -- none of them ran on a party ticket. But, the other independent candidates won't be on the ballot in the primary election -- becaus it is a party primary. Independents will be on the ballot in the November general election.
See what I mean by confusing? I don't know what they do in other states, but I am sure voting can be confusing in states other than Indiana, too.
I really enjoy serving as moderator of the forums. People say I do a good job, too. That is due to my years in radio and in the ministry, no doubt.
I suppose I would love to be the Art Linkletter of the 21st century, but I enjoy being an editor and reporter, too. We take advantage of the opportunities presented to us.
BMV open to provide voter IDs
• Monday: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Tuesday (election day): 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
If you need a photo ID to vote in Tuesday’s primary and school board election, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles stands ready to help.
A photo ID will be required when you vote, due to new laws.
A driver’s license will work, if it is valid. But not everyone has a driver’s license and some do not have a current license.
So, the Indiana license branches of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be open extended hours Monday and Tuesday.
“Our main purpose will be to issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs,” said Georgia Day, manager of the Brazil branch at 7 West National Ave.
The branches will be open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
You must have three documents with you to obtain a photo ID, according to a BMV spokesperson at the BMV Call Center, (317) 233-6000, option 2.
The required documents fall into three categories, a primary document, a secondary document and proof of residence.
The primary document may be an original (not photocopy) birth certificate or a valid passport.
The secondary document may be an expired Indiana driver’s license, a W-2, a bank statement or an insurance card with your name on it.
There is no charge for the photo ID.
Forum to feature candidates
By FRANK PHILLIPS
frankphi@hotmail.com
Clay County candidates’ forums tend to draw large crowds and tonight should be no exception.
As far as most voters are concerned there are only two real races in the May 2 primary/school board election. There are two candidates for sheriff in the Democratic Primary. Sheriff Mike Heaton is unopposed in the Republican primary. But there are several candidates to choose from in Clay Community Schools board election.
Because school finances are tight and teachers are working without a contract, interest in the school board election (it is not a primary) is running high.
Most school board candidates have not really said exactly what they will do if elected to school board. One candidate favors giving teachers a raise. Another candidate favors creating a separate school district for Clay City schools.
Hopefully, candidate aims will become clear during tonight’s candidates’ forum at the 4-H Fairgrounds. School board candidates will take written questions from the public starting at 6 p.m.
The school board election tends to confuse voters, for unlike the primary election to choose candidates for the November general election, voters will choose school board members on May 2.
The Democratic candidates for sheriff will be questioned at 8 p.m.
Also, candidates on the ballot in Clay County will have the opportunity to speak for up to two minutes.
The public is invited.
The forum is sponsored by The Brazil Times, Clay County Farm Bureau and the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
This series of forums began in 2001 and has been conducted each year there was an election in Clay County.
frankphi@hotmail.com
Clay County candidates’ forums tend to draw large crowds and tonight should be no exception.
As far as most voters are concerned there are only two real races in the May 2 primary/school board election. There are two candidates for sheriff in the Democratic Primary. Sheriff Mike Heaton is unopposed in the Republican primary. But there are several candidates to choose from in Clay Community Schools board election.
Because school finances are tight and teachers are working without a contract, interest in the school board election (it is not a primary) is running high.
Most school board candidates have not really said exactly what they will do if elected to school board. One candidate favors giving teachers a raise. Another candidate favors creating a separate school district for Clay City schools.
Hopefully, candidate aims will become clear during tonight’s candidates’ forum at the 4-H Fairgrounds. School board candidates will take written questions from the public starting at 6 p.m.
The school board election tends to confuse voters, for unlike the primary election to choose candidates for the November general election, voters will choose school board members on May 2.
The Democratic candidates for sheriff will be questioned at 8 p.m.
Also, candidates on the ballot in Clay County will have the opportunity to speak for up to two minutes.
The public is invited.
The forum is sponsored by The Brazil Times, Clay County Farm Bureau and the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
This series of forums began in 2001 and has been conducted each year there was an election in Clay County.
Fire rating to be improved, saving businesses, homeowners 13 percent on insurance premuiums
By FRANK PHILLIPS
frankphi@hotmail.com
In other business discussed at Tuesday’s Brazil City Council meeting:
• The council approved 5-0 “A Resolution Endorsing the Homeowner Repair & Improvement Program from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.”
The resolution states the program is expected to grant $11,000 per property to repair about 20 homes in the city. The resolution passed 5-0 and instructs the City Planning Administrator to apply for the grant.
• The council approved 5-0 on second reading Ordinance 14-2006 placing restrictions on semi-trailer parking in Brazil.
• The council tabled first reading of Ordinance 15-2006, which would restrict parking of “certain types of trailers” in the city. The ordinance was tabled so other types of equipment could also be restricted.
• Police Chief Mark Loudermilk reported a 2004 vehicle has been purchased as the last take home car in the current program.
• Fire Chief Tobey Archer reported his department is meeting mitigation and training requirements which will reduce fire insurance premiums by 13 percent after the Insurance Services Office performs its next evaluation in September.
frankphi@hotmail.com
In other business discussed at Tuesday’s Brazil City Council meeting:
• The council approved 5-0 “A Resolution Endorsing the Homeowner Repair & Improvement Program from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.”
The resolution states the program is expected to grant $11,000 per property to repair about 20 homes in the city. The resolution passed 5-0 and instructs the City Planning Administrator to apply for the grant.
• The council approved 5-0 on second reading Ordinance 14-2006 placing restrictions on semi-trailer parking in Brazil.
• The council tabled first reading of Ordinance 15-2006, which would restrict parking of “certain types of trailers” in the city. The ordinance was tabled so other types of equipment could also be restricted.
• Police Chief Mark Loudermilk reported a 2004 vehicle has been purchased as the last take home car in the current program.
• Fire Chief Tobey Archer reported his department is meeting mitigation and training requirements which will reduce fire insurance premiums by 13 percent after the Insurance Services Office performs its next evaluation in September.
First steps taken to welcome Walgreens to town
By FRANK PHILLIPS
frankphi@hotmail.com
It’s probably the least kept secret in Brazil, but tangible progress was made Tuesday night in the Walgreens company plan to build a store on the corner of National Avenue and Lambert Street. It is the company’s fourth selected site in town since 2000, according to an attorney, Brian J. Touhy, of Indianapolis, and Michael House, both representing the developer, Peacock Lambert, LLC. Various reasons were given why the first three sites did not work out, including cost.
The new Walgreens, if allowed to proceed, will take up the space now occupied by the Resource Center (which includes offices for the Chamber of Commerce and United Way) on National Avenue, west to Lambert Street.
The fate of the displaced businesses and offices was not immediately known.
The new Walgreens would face National Avenue and extend south to Jackson Street, in a rectangular property.
Tuohy, of the law firm of Stark, Doninger & Smith, and House attended Tuesday’s city council meeting to answer questions in a public hearing on their request to vacate a portion of the alley between Lambert and Alabama streets, and runs parallel to National Avenue and Jackson Street.
Property owners and businesses on the alley were notified of the public hearing and nearly filled the City Hall meeting room.
When all was said, most of the people, who initially spoke in opposition to the Walgreens plan, agreed it would be OK. The drug store is planned to set in the middle of where the alley exists, but an entrance to the alley on Walgreens’ property would give better access to delivery vehicles than now exists at the alley’s west end on Lambert Street.
Walgreens plans to employ 25 people and invest $4 million in its brick building, that will be similar to other Walgreens in the state.
Tuohy could not answer one question he has been asked repeatedly: Will the store be open 24 hours? That will be determined by business volume, he said.
If final approval for the alley vacation is granted, construction is planned to begin in July and the store should be open by Christmas.
The alley vacation petition was approved 5-0 on first reading only. A second reading will be scheduled for the May 9 meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
frankphi@hotmail.com
It’s probably the least kept secret in Brazil, but tangible progress was made Tuesday night in the Walgreens company plan to build a store on the corner of National Avenue and Lambert Street. It is the company’s fourth selected site in town since 2000, according to an attorney, Brian J. Touhy, of Indianapolis, and Michael House, both representing the developer, Peacock Lambert, LLC. Various reasons were given why the first three sites did not work out, including cost.
The new Walgreens, if allowed to proceed, will take up the space now occupied by the Resource Center (which includes offices for the Chamber of Commerce and United Way) on National Avenue, west to Lambert Street.
The fate of the displaced businesses and offices was not immediately known.
The new Walgreens would face National Avenue and extend south to Jackson Street, in a rectangular property.
Tuohy, of the law firm of Stark, Doninger & Smith, and House attended Tuesday’s city council meeting to answer questions in a public hearing on their request to vacate a portion of the alley between Lambert and Alabama streets, and runs parallel to National Avenue and Jackson Street.
Property owners and businesses on the alley were notified of the public hearing and nearly filled the City Hall meeting room.
When all was said, most of the people, who initially spoke in opposition to the Walgreens plan, agreed it would be OK. The drug store is planned to set in the middle of where the alley exists, but an entrance to the alley on Walgreens’ property would give better access to delivery vehicles than now exists at the alley’s west end on Lambert Street.
Walgreens plans to employ 25 people and invest $4 million in its brick building, that will be similar to other Walgreens in the state.
Tuohy could not answer one question he has been asked repeatedly: Will the store be open 24 hours? That will be determined by business volume, he said.
If final approval for the alley vacation is granted, construction is planned to begin in July and the store should be open by Christmas.
The alley vacation petition was approved 5-0 on first reading only. A second reading will be scheduled for the May 9 meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Meyer honored by National Weather Service for 35 years of service
By FRANK PHILLIPS
frankphi@hotmail.com
Charles Meyer, of Bowling Green, has been watching the weather for a long-time.
In fact, the National Weather Service (NWS) has been using his observations for 35 years.
When you read or hear precipitation totals for Clay County, such as the recent 7-plus inches of snow, that made Clay County the snowiest location in the state, you can thank Meyer for his faithful contribution to weather record-keeping.
The NWS plans to honor Meyer Tuesday at the restaurant in Bowling Green.
“Through his dedication and perseverance, Charles Meyer has provided excellent precipitation reports day in and day out for 35 years,” wrote NWS spokes-man Ed Terrell. “He takes his weather observations using official NWS equipment located at his home. His observations include daily rainfall and snowfall readings as well as overall snow depth.”
Meyer’s weather observations are used by the NWS and published by the National Climate Data Center.
“The NWS applauds his hard work and commitment,” Terrell said.
frankphi@hotmail.com
Charles Meyer, of Bowling Green, has been watching the weather for a long-time.
In fact, the National Weather Service (NWS) has been using his observations for 35 years.
When you read or hear precipitation totals for Clay County, such as the recent 7-plus inches of snow, that made Clay County the snowiest location in the state, you can thank Meyer for his faithful contribution to weather record-keeping.
The NWS plans to honor Meyer Tuesday at the restaurant in Bowling Green.
“Through his dedication and perseverance, Charles Meyer has provided excellent precipitation reports day in and day out for 35 years,” wrote NWS spokes-man Ed Terrell. “He takes his weather observations using official NWS equipment located at his home. His observations include daily rainfall and snowfall readings as well as overall snow depth.”
Meyer’s weather observations are used by the NWS and published by the National Climate Data Center.
“The NWS applauds his hard work and commitment,” Terrell said.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Santos to choose a vice president
Wow!
Did you see the previews of "The West Wing" Sunday night?
As I am posting this, you have time to catch it, if you live in any of the time zones to the left of Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
(Quit reading, if you don't want a spoiler.)
I never saw that coming! Truly!
Imagine Arnold Vinnick as vice president of the United States! He ran against the Santos character! He's from the other party -- the dark side, from Santos' point of view. But if the teaser isn't misleading, Santos is smart enough to choose the very best.
Now, I know it's all a TV show, it's all make believe, it's all fiction.
But, as someone once said (I paraphrase), "The greatest truths are often written in fiction."
Why can't our REAL leaders take a cue from the fictional world. Why can't our REAL leaders choose the best, regardless of name tags?
One wonders how long the U.S.A. can survive unless we overcome the crisis of leadership in Washington!
Did you see the previews of "The West Wing" Sunday night?
As I am posting this, you have time to catch it, if you live in any of the time zones to the left of Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
(Quit reading, if you don't want a spoiler.)
I never saw that coming! Truly!
Imagine Arnold Vinnick as vice president of the United States! He ran against the Santos character! He's from the other party -- the dark side, from Santos' point of view. But if the teaser isn't misleading, Santos is smart enough to choose the very best.
Now, I know it's all a TV show, it's all make believe, it's all fiction.
But, as someone once said (I paraphrase), "The greatest truths are often written in fiction."
Why can't our REAL leaders take a cue from the fictional world. Why can't our REAL leaders choose the best, regardless of name tags?
One wonders how long the U.S.A. can survive unless we overcome the crisis of leadership in Washington!
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