The Daniel Boone Festival - Knox Co, KY/Barbourville

This week the streets of Barbourville have been filled with all kinds of people, activities and even some strange sights. The Daniel Boone Festival represents or means to the youngsters in our families a time of fun that includes rides, fun foods and hanging out and playing with friends. Teenagers who live here in Knox County might have a little different take on things. For teenagers familiar with the DBF this time will include food and hanging out with friends but there is so much more to this event than their perception of things. I realize sadly for some in Knox County they may not even be taking notice of the Festival, its historical importance, or understand what it is all about. This facts saddens further when it is discovered that some of these are life long residents of Knox County and the have just never seen beyond the activities of the court square or perhaps the frustration of attempting to drive across town. Barbourville-Knox County has a most rich history in the development of our Commonwealth and the United States. This in part due to the geographic location and the discovery of the Cumberland Gap and in part due to what happened because of the travels of Dr. Thomas Walker and that pioneer Daniel Boone. Bell County-Pineville/Middlesboro has a rich history and we have the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival as one of the "gems" of the mountains. Harlan-Harlan County has The Polk Sallet Festival which is extremely unique and about as mountain as it gets. Harlan County has the Black Bear Festival too. Whitley County has Old Fashion Days that is a reminder of the time when folks would come and trade their goods. The City of Corbin has NIBROC which is a great community event and Laurel County has the World Chicken Festival If you ask anyone who has traveled away from home for any length of time, they will all nearly say that we have just as much history, unique facts and things to see and do as any other place in the world. Folks here at home will generally call your hand on such and say that this is not true, but I believe it is. The Daniel Boone Festival is one of those facts. Each of our County's and City's has local residents who have volunteered their time to develop museums that highlight this area we call home. When you hear of an opportunity to watch an old film of the area you should jump at the opportunity to go. This is history you need to see, worthy of being seen and events like this we should take our children to, and after viewing sharing with them our personal memories of that time past. I know and understand our children may not want to hear our old stories, but there will come a day and time they wish they could hear them again, so I encourage you to go ahead and share. At least give them the opportunity to have remembered them and the memory of the time you did once shared the stories with them. I believe a visit to Dr Thomas Walker State Park is always in line when talking about history. To think that this is as far as Dr Walker and his explorers got because of the brush and thickets, is amazing as it relates to history. A drive down through Old Flat Lick and a stop at the markers of the Wilderness Trail are worthy of a family visit too. Hundreds of thousands walked, rode a mule, rode a horse are traveled in a wagon from the Carolina's over the Cumberland Gap and continued their travels here, which is plenty worthy of historical documentation so our children can pass on the story of our heritage as a people and the richness of our land in the development of America. The Bible says that He created everything, and that He has a plan and a purpose for everything too. I am so thankful that we can let our minds run on the value of history as we dream about the future we are going to lead from this historic location. Until then

Coal Country Crusade - GoTell Ministries with Rick Gage

When you mention Log Mountain the thought that comes to mind is Bell County Bobcat Football. This named location is synonymous with football because of the success of the high school program there. This past week the location hosted the Bell County Coal Country Crusade with Evangelist Rick Gage. Rich Gage grow up in Texas but now leads GoTell Ministries from just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. The Log Mountain venue was transformed from the normal setting of football games and track meets to a high energy presentation of the good-news of Jesus Christ. The football field served as center stage for the several thousands who attending and filled the stands throughout the four day crusade event. Each night a mass choir of local congregational members sang and served as back up to the musical team who led the worship. Testimonies were shared by individuals about their encounters with meeting Jesus on a personal level. From heart attacks, overcoming drug addictions, to the stories of growing up without guidance or influence from Christians, each night the testimonies and stories provided the perfect introduction as to who Jesus Christ is, what He came to do and how anyone cold experience a life changing moment. The journey with Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord begins with simply accepting the gift Jesus offers to every person on plant earth...forgiveness. There is no doubt, the hardest person in the world to forgive would be ourselves. We have a way of holding oneself accountable for a lifetime for the wrongs or mistakes we have individually made. In reality, the forgiveness Jesus Christ offers is granted immediately and without any reservations on His part. He came to earth as the obedient son of His father, willing to experience humiliation and the painful death on a cross so that you and I could experience abundant life. The manner in which we grow our personal and individual relationship with Jesus varies from person to person and there is not set of steps 1, 2, and 3 that must be followed. There are however many actions we as followers of Jesus can take that will grow, strengthen and provide us a solid foundation for the abundant life He offers to us. The goal of the Coal Country Crusade organizers was to offer hope and encouragement through the various presentations of the gospel. With an emphasis being placed on coal miners, their families and the youth of our region the impact of the crusade was designed to be a life changing opportunity not only for today's current world conditions but for eternity. The crusade organizers planned speaking events during the day through First Priority Clubs, Fellowship of Christian Athlete organizations and school assemblies. Knox, Bell and Harlan Counties middle schools and high schools reaped the benefits of this specific planning. Addressing social issues that students face, Rick Gage and other speakers made a difference by presenting facts and figures that highlight the conditions student already know exist, but this time with answers and solutions. John 3:17 is a scripture that details clearly the reason for Jesus coming as the baby born in Bethlehem to the risen King from the grave. "He came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved". Many folks have a negative opinion of organized religion and rightfully so. Many individuals have been hurt by the actions of people in the name of religion. That is why I'm excited to point out that Jesus Christ isn't a religion. Jesus Christ is a personal Savior and Lord. Christianity is a one on one individual relationship with the creator of universe. You should have your guard up not to allow the opportunity for peace that passes all understanding and hope that carries you through any and all situations be robbed from you. The opportunity to find another start in life is available through Jesus Christ. The chance to be forgiven is yours for the taking. The Coal Country Crusade provides the perfect diamond if you will give Jesus the time to press all the things of your life together. Today is a perfect day to begin your journey. Until then

Remembering Doyle Swanner

When Union College created the Athletic Hall of Fame its design was to honor individuals for academic and athletic accomplishments. The honor also distinguishes those inductees for their life accomplishments and success as well. Doyle Swanner was inducted in 2010 for his role in the 1955 Union College Track Team as a team of distinction. He graduated in 1957 from Union College with honors before embarking on a 30 plus years career as an educator and science teacher within the Bell County School District. With a love for science Doyle Swanner touched the lives of thousands who sat in desk within in classroom. He also made a mark on the lives of student athletes as a coach and encourager to students who participated in not only track sports, but basketball, football, baseball and more especially those who had an interest in tennis, a sport he loved. Doyle Swanner as a Hall of Fame member at Union College also represented his family well as a citizen. His parents, Walter and Sarah who lived and worked in the Arjay Community raised their 11 children to be responsible with a work ethic that reflects the determination and character of the mountain people. Doyle Swanner was unique in that he never forgot his college friends and cherished memories of his days at Union as a Bulldog. He loved telling of his experiences. His brother, Earl Dean Swanner, now retired as an Agent of State Farm after 30 years of service to the people of Bell County shared at Doyle's memorial service that he was a student of his brothers in high school. He said, "I was a good student and made all A's except for one class, my brother Doyle gave me a B". The Swanner Children are all distinguished in their careers and professions. Their parents grew-up in hard times in our country but they gave to each of their children a rich history of identity and drive to achieve. The value of any community is the education that takes place in the home and Walter and Sarah Swanner were successful teachers to their children. The impact of a single family can be demonstrated by reviewing the steps of their children, grand-children and great-grandchildren as they each write their verse into history. A part of the legacy Doyle Swanner himself leaves was his quite yet strong confidence and influence he shared with his students about the importance of education and the value of Union as a place to advance yourself through hard work and academics. When the Kentucky Community College system began he was one of the first to begin teaching night classes so the youth of the mountains could get ahead in their under-graduate pursuits. A further demonstration that he knew his role and he followed his pursuits across the generational lines to make a difference. Sometimes in life we know someone because we see them regularly, yet only in passing do we know them. Doyle Swanner served as the clock keeper for athletic events at Bell County High School for over 50 years. One of his pleasure of his life was witnessing the careers of students athletes on the court and those who officiated sporting events as Kentucky High School Athletic Association Basketball Officials. His role was keeping the clock but also welcoming them to the table prior to entering the floor of competition. A help to students throughout the 13th Region and a friend to each player, coach and team. While they all may not have known his name, they knew his face and his judgment and service was never questioned. Here in the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky we can sometimes forget about the rich history and opportunities afforded here. Doyle Swanner was not one of those. His passion was to applaud anyone who was dreaming and going in addition to helping those who seem to have lost their way or purpose. As a Christian, Doyle was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pineville. He had served and been ordained as an Elder and Deacon in the Presbytery. He was a willing volunteer for programs and events and like most church members claimed his spot or pew for worship services. The tradition of 'having a spot' is an indication of his regular devotion and commitment to assemble as a believer. Mr. Swanner, as I always referred to him, easily would identify himself as someone that was not perfect but a traveler on life's journey. The value of faith was not something overlooked within his life. The Presbyterian Church practices congregational confession of sins each Sunday. The Presbyterian Faith also practices acceptance of God's love and forgiveness of sins in complete confidence because of the actions of Jesus Christ on our behalf. There are many things that make an individual who they are, but only one connection that provides a foundation for life and that would be faith. In death we discover life. Now through a glass darkly but then face to face. Until then