The Extinction of Freedom

 As Memorial Day weekend is approaching it brings back memories of days past. Growing up my family spent Memorial day weekend in a small green cinder block cabin that my Grandfather built on Princess Pond Subdivision on the banks of Lake Marion. Each memorial day I would brace myself for "the speech" my Dad would give just before we hit the water for a day of swimming, fishing, and pleasure boating. Dad would sit us down on a big cypress bench near the water and tell us to look out at the beautiful Lake. I can give this speech verbatim you see because I still give it to my kids. He would say " You see this lake out here. Today you are going to get to fish and swim and enjoy the day, but the reason you are able to do that is because Men gave their lives for you to be able to. Men like John Kenneth Wells who served his country. Survived the Bataan Death March and then perished in a prison  camp. He did that so that you and I could enjoy what we have today. And what do we have?........Freedom!"

My Dad took freedom seriously, but that doesn't seem to be the case with most Americans today. A few years ago I was contracted by a Church to do some Ministry for them,  and while eating lunch one day together the conversation moved towards a recent Ban put in place by the city of Greenville which prohibits smoking in the entire downtown area. My friend said "Oh I'm in favor of that, I cant stand people smoking while I'm eating". Now let me say that I am certainly not endorsing smoking or any particular vice for that matter, however I pointed out to him that acts like that are how freedom becomes extinct. I said "How long is it going to be before they prohibit Hamburgers in downtown Greenville?" The reply was something like "Ohh that will never happen". But it does happen. New York city has already banned foods with any trans fats in them. Now I know what you are thinking. "Chris come on man trans fats and smoking is bad for us" and my reply is just wait. Let me illustrate it like this.

In Florida last year a young man decided to get on a pool float on the beach where his friends were enjoying the day. He laid on the float and went to sleep. When he awoke he was nearly 2 miles offshore. He was blessed because a Coast guard helicopter spotted him and brought him to safety. When questioned he replied: "I only closed my eyes for a second and when I woke up I couldn't see land". It only takes a few minutes of letting our guard down to be far far off course. We have seen the tide of freedom slowly ebbing out a bit at a time but pretty soon we will not be able to see land. If the drift continues it may be too late.

The freedoms we enjoy are being attacked and taken away by the current administration at every turn. Gun control, forced medical care, media bias, government corruption and cover up, Conservative Christian profiling and targeting, overspending resulting in debt enslavement, punishment of success, welfare proliferation, apologizing to our enemies and lack of Presidential institutional control. All while the media reports a 53% approval rating?

Yes our Freedom IS in danger.

We live in a country that was started by people who's freedoms were being taken away. Who rose up to  and not only voiced their opinions about freedom they took action to ensure that it was obtained and kept.  One of my favorite Patriots said it like this:

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” 
― Patrick Henry

Freedom is worth standing up for. Freedom is worth speaking out for. Freedom is worth Fighting for. Freedom is worth Dying for!

We have all kinds of causes in this world, but without the Cause of freedom, all other causes are lost!
Don't let our Freedom go Extinct!

The Wellspoken Ministries Sponsorship Packages

 Chris Wells started Wellspoken Ministries with a burden to use the venues that God would give him to challenge Sportsmen and Students to live in an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. Since then he has spoken at over 650 Wildgame Banquets, Men's events, Student events and Churches from Seattle, Washington to Bangor, Maine. In 2008 he was asked to be the Chaplain for the Bassmaster Elite series, and he speaks to literally thousands of people each year. Chris combines humor with powerful truth, and is truly a gifted communicator.

WSM is looking for sponsors who would like to partner with Chris, and utilize his unique and creative skill set in their advertising.  Chris speaks to thousands of people each year and travels to every BASS Elite Series Event. Chris will meet with each sponsor and give personal updates on how their products are being viewed and represented. Below is a break down of the sponsorship packages. If you or your business would like to speak with Chris about becoming a Ministry sponsor you can reach Chris at Chris@chriswells.org or Call him at 864-414-9453. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sponsorship Package 1: $500 (Sponsor provides product for Chris to use and promote)
* Personal meeting with Chris to set expectations and updates.
* Logo on Chris' speaking tournament shirts.
* Mentions at each speaking engagements.

Sponsorship Package 2: $1000 (Sponsor provides product for Chris to use and promote)
* Personal meeting with Chris to set expectations and updates.
* Logo on Chris' speaking tournament shirts.
* Mentions at each speaking engagement.
* Logo on the New www.chriswells.org website.

Sponsorship Package 3: $1500 (Sponsor provides product for Chris to use and promote)
* Personal meeting with Chris to set expectations and updates.
* Logo on Chris' speaking tournament shirts.
* Mentions at each speaking engagement.
* Logo on the New www.chriswells.org website.
* Logo and space on the Wellspoken Ministry Wrapped vehicle. (Vehicle generates 40,000 impressions every 6 hours its on the road) (2 seasons on the truck)
* Having Chris to work shows and/ or exhibits (when available) Sponsor covers Chris' travel.

Product Sponsorship Package
*Chris will meet with companies to negotiate product sponsorship on an individual basis. Chris is actively looking for Rod and tackle sponsors as well as a boat sponsor.

Gone Fishing!

     In the movie Forest Gump, Forest makes a life statement. He says: “ I used to run to get me where I was going, but I never thought it would take me anywhere”.  I feel the same way about Bass Fishing! As a kid I had a passion for professional bass fishing. As a matter of fact I am the only guy that I know that collects Big League Bass Pro trading cards. I have every BASS episode from 1985 to the present on tape! All of my heroes growing up were Bass Fishermen, I remember a guy coming to school one day saying “ Did you see how great Terry Bradshaw was yesterday?” My reply was: “ Never mind Terry Bradshaw did you see what Roland Martin Caught yesterday? He must have had 25 pounds!!”  Yes I can  say with assurance that I love the sport of Bass fishing, however just like old Forest, I never thought it would take me anywhere. God on the other hand knew exactly the plans he had for me.

     In 2008, I found out that the BASS Classic was going to be held about 40 miles from my front yard and I was #2 on the list to be a non-fishing observer in the “Super Bowl” of  Bass fishing. You know you have it bad when you sign up first to watch people fish. I was paired with the man that eventually ended up winning the Classic Mr. Alton Jones. During the course of the practice day, Alton looked at me and said: “ Chris, Randy Howell and I have been talking about the need for a Chaplain on the Elite Series tour. Your name keeps coming up, would you be interested in being the Chaplain? Being the spiritual giant that I am I replied: “ Well let me pray about that for about 2 seconds! Yes I would love to be the Chaplain!”

     I have served as the Chaplain for the Fellowship of Christian Anglers of the Bassmaster Elite Series for the past 5 years. I lead a Bible study for the Pros and Non Fishing Marshals before each event, and then I act as a Pastor to the pros and their families. Jeremiah 29:11 Says “ I know that plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harms, to give you a hope and a future.” I never imagined that God could use a love for Bass Fishing in my life, but He has done just that.

God has a way to taking the things of our life (even the things we think cannot be used) and using them for His purpose and glory. The next time time you think that the things in your life will never take you anywhere, turn and give those things to Him. You may be surprised at where you end up.  As for me, I’m going Fishing!

Fishing for Him,

Chris Wells

A Day on the Lake with Alton Jones

A Day on the Lake with Bassmaster Classic Champion

Alton Jones

(I did this interview for the Outdoor  Obsessions Magazine in 2008)

  Early in 2008, ESPN announced that the Bassmasters Classic would be taking place 40 minutes from my house. Two minutes after the announcement that the Bass Masters Classic was coming to my hometown, my friend Keith and his wife Brenda had our names on the list as observers.  I am a full time Christian speaker and I knew the chances were slim that I would not have a speaking engagement, but God had other plans. As it turned out I had one day free that weekend and the Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society said they could use my buddy Keith and me as non-fishing observers.  We arrived at the boatyard before daylight to find out which Pro we would be observing. I was assigned boat #4 and a big smile crossed my face as I found out that I would be observing a friend of mine. None other than Mr. Alton Jones. As we shook hands and climbed in the truck, we took off our hats and I led us in a prayer. I prayed that if it was God’s will that Alton would win the Classic. Well it was and he did!  Winning the Bass Masters Classic is like winning the Super Bowl of Bass fishing. I had the opportunity sit down with Alton and ask him a few questions about winning the Bass fishing’s top tournament.

CW:I’m here today with Bass Master Classic Champion Alton Jones. Alton tell us what you were thinking before you fished the Classic at Lake Hartwell. Did you think that you had a shot at winning this event and what was your mindset coming in here?

AJ: Well Chris I had never fished Lake Hartwell before but I did spend some time before the cut off doing some “Pre –fishing”. I put quotes around “Pre-fishing” because basically I road around and looked at the lake. I have a good friend named Glen Finely that lives on Hartwell and I did spend some time riding around the lake with him before hand. You know I have always been a firm believer that preparation is more important than what happens on “Game day”. Because preparation really sets the foundation for the possibility for what might happen once the game starts. I didn’t have any intuition that I was going to win this Classic or anything like that. I did feel Divinely appointed as I prefished and I felt God’s hand in it. Looking back on it now I see His hand all over me winning the Classic. It wasn’t anything that I alone accomplished. It was just a way for God to expand my platform. Just an example: the night before the Classic started, that’s a long night because you have all you tackle that you have been working on. Your game plan is formulated and practice is over. Starting the Classic is always the biggest point in your career at that point. Win, lose. or draw. I was laying in bed praying and something- I didn’t hear a voice but the prompting of the Holy Spirit said: Go write this prayer down. Again I didn’t know I was going to win the Classic but I wanted to pour my heart out so that other people could see what is in my heart before a big day like that. Looking back now having won the Classic, God has used that as a testimony in itself. If people want to read it they can go to my web site and scroll down through the blog. It’s titled Alton’s Classic Prayer. It’s really just praying for God’s will in our life. That’s really the basis of it, but also you know just turning your concerns over to Him. I was real anxious that night before hand and just saying God I’m going to give you this anxiety. I’m not going to deal with it. I don’t have to because your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Learning how to take that anxiety and cast them on Christ and let Him carry the weight.

CW: I got a chance observe you on the official practice day. You were pretty dialed in. Day one you have a great day. Day 2 you are leading the Classic. Then comes day 3. What was Day 3 like for you?

AJ: You know day 3 was very surreal. People that talk to me say “May you were really poised and calm under pressure” and I tell you that’s not like me to be that way. That’s kinda against my grain. I’m usually a nervous wreck and I hit the panic button real quick. So again I have to point to God’s providence in my life that particular day. Because I only got 5 bites that whole day. I had about 70 boats following me at different points during the day. I always had at least 50. You know its not like golf. When you have a crowd watching you in golf the hole is still there, and if you make the swing it is still going in the hole. The bass that we are chasing, those 50 boats may cause him to swim to the next county. He’s not even going to be there. The hole that you are shooting for isn’t even around anymore. But for some reason, I really felt a peace about it. Again I didn’t think “Hey God’s gonna give me this victory” or something like that. But I knew that Christ was right there in the boat with me. Win, lose or draw. I think if there is one thing that came out that day, that God has been working on in my life. Is that the foundation of my life is not in a good bag of fish or a good season. Those things can come crashing down around me. But learning to have my foundation in Christ. He may provide the fish this day or that day or He may not, but when its not your foundation in life. You know the circumstances of that day don’t dictate the mood of your life or the success of your life. So that’s just one of the big lessons that God continues to teach me.

CW: You won the Classic. I got to tell you I was on pins and needles, and I sent you an excited text when you won. Tell me: what had life been like after winning the Classic?

AJ: Part of the preparation that allowed me to win the Classic. You were there in the boat with me and I’ll never forget, you and I went out that day. I had found the fish and I knew how they were positioned, but after the early bite was over, I didn’t know how to catch them. You were in the boat when I finally figured out that I could catch them deep on a jig, and I could catch them all day long. And Ill never forget about the 3^rd big bite I put my rod down and cranking up and High fiving you That is something I never will forget. That was incredible. Since the Classic life has been a whirlwind. There has been so many opportunities Right now if I wanted to book myself that busy, I could have a speaking engagement every day of the year. I have had a lot of ministry opportunities and a lot of business opportunities. One of the neat things that we got to do is a couple of days after the Classic I got a call from President Bush. He invited me and my family to meet with him in the Oval office and take a tour with him of the White House. You know getting to share that with my kids, my family and my wife, that’s something my kids will tell their grandkids about. The day they went to the White House to see the President. So it’s been incredible. It does change the way the public views you. I don’t know if that is the right way to say that. You are more recognizable after winning the Classic It’s been amazing to me how winning that won tournament changes your level of recognition with the general public. There are struggles in learning how to deal with that. In some ways it’s really awkward because you have people you never met before coming up to you and shaking your hand. People look at you through eyes of “ you have accomplished this great thing” and I don’t see myself that way. It’s awkward so if people want to just pray for me about something is for God to teach me how to handle that with grace and to use it for His purposes.

CW: I noticed one thing that is different about you winning the Classic is that usually guys don’t have a great year after winning it. That doesn’t seem to be the case for you. I think as of today you are in 7^th place for Angler of  the year so far. How have you been able to do that/?

AJ: You know I haven’t put any more effort than usual so far. I try and put maximum effort all the time. I think there is a little momentum coming off of winning the Classic. It helps your self-confidence. So much of success in fishing is being confident in your decision making abilities and just trusting in the Lord that win, lose or draw He is going to put me in the position where He can use me the best. I have been fishing well and I have been pleased with that. One thing is there is a lot less pressure. When you win the Classic, you automatically get a berth in the next Classic to defend your title. So I don’t really have to worry about point from that standpoint. It allows me to take a few more risks when I am fishing. If there is a goal that I am fishing for this year is that Angler of the Year title. All it takes is one slip up in the year and that dream dies. So far we are about half way through and God still has that door open. We will see what happens.

(I have been the Chaplain for the Elite Series for 5 years now, and we have an awesome group that attend our Bible Study including this year's winner Cliff Pace)

If I could only write one more Love Letter to Pam...

I remember the day I saw Pam for the first time as if it were yesterday. She had the most beautiful black hair I had ever seen, coupled with a smile that took my breath. We were facing each other in the serving line at White Oak Conference Center at Suppertime. Her first words to me were "Would you like Peas or Carrots". My first to her were "I want you". Now Pam doesn't remember it that way, but in my mind it plays exactly like that every time. So on this Valentines day I wanted to do or say something special. Something that would hopefully be remembered long after $40 Roses are wilted and gone. Now when Pam and I dated it was long before Cell phones, email, and Face Time, and back in the day I wrote quite a few love letters. So as I thought about today and doing something out of the ordinary I began to wonder what I would say if I only had one letter left to write. If I could only correspond once more before I entered eternity what would I say? As I pondered this I began to do some study on great love letters that have been written, and that's when I discovered The last letter of Sullivan Ballou. Sullivan served in the United States Army during the Civil war. One week before the battle of Bull Run, he penned the words that perfectly capture my sentiments if I were writing Pam for the last time.

 July the 14th, 1861
 Washington D.C.

 My very dear Sarah:(Pam)

 The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

 But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country.

 (Pam)Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

 The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear(Pam) Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

 But, O(Pam) Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

(Pam) Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again. As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. (Pam)Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O (Pam)Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

 Sullivan

(Sullivan Ballou Died a week later at the First Battle of Bull Run)

I love you Pam, and will forever!

Chris

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Holiday-Giving.html?soid=1101259243028&aid=1q2DSciVLdU

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Holiday-Giving.html?soid=1101259243028&aid=1q2DSciVLdU

I'll have the Baby Jesus Combo, Hold the Cross, Repentance, and No Resurrection Please.

As far as speaking goes the month of December is not the "Most wonderful time of the year" for Wellspoken Ministries. Churches sit the speakers on the bench in favor of Cantatas, Parties, and Living Christmas trees. It does however afford me some much needed time of promotion, writing, and devout self introspection. I have for instance had some time read, reflect, and on occasion even turn on the old television. Of course the Christmas theme is in full swing, and in between shows I am inundated with a barrage of commercials selling every thing from dog food to donuts and everything else under the sun. This Past weekend my youngest son went to spend the night with a friend, and with the teenager entrenched in his room with headphones a blazing, Pam and I sat down together to watch tv. As I flipped from channel to channel and show to show, I began to have the awareness of an interesting dichotomy. Have you ever noticed that during Christmas our country and our world has very little problem with the baby Jesus? I will even go a step further. If I didn't know better(and I do) I could get the impression that everyone is on board with Christianity, and Jesus is in the lives of the vast majority of tv personalities and actors. I saw sitcoms, movies, cartoons, talks shows, news casts, annoucments, and even Matt Lauer mention the baby Jesus! And as far as music goes, oh my, I heard Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesnee, Tim McGraw, and Brad Paisley all sing christian carols with gusto! Shoot you can even go on I-tunes and find Silent Night sung by Rick Springfield, Sting, Justin Beiber, Blake Shelton, Wilson Phillips, Rod Stewart,Stevie Nicks and Boys to Men! I would dare say that outside King Herod, the Baby Jesus is a rock star! So why in the world is the Jesus who is so celebrated and sung about by so many, get to be so hated by the time Easter rolls around? Why is the baby embraced, while the man who dies on the cross scorned? I think my favorite secular author and Native South Carolinian captured it best in his book the Great Santini. In this book Pat Conroy's lead character is a teenager named Ben Meechum. He describes his feelings on the baby Jesus vs the Jesus of the cross.

"Ben believed in God on Christmas Eve above all other times, and on this night, he turned always away from the stern man on the cross, and ceased to believe in the hellmaker, the fire lover, the predatory creator, the godly carnivore who flung men and angels into a place of darkness and devastation, pain and endless fire. On this night he gave himself to the child, not the gnarled carpenter who himself was nailed to the wood he once worked with until he was called to walk among the Jews. The child would not send anyone to the flames. Ben knew this; felt it; hoped it."

Our world has a fundamental blindness concerning why this Jesus was born at all. We seem to want a fast food Jesus that is gentle, soft, and requires nothing. We want Jesus like Ricky Bobby does...... "Baby Jesus". However the birth of Jesus means nothing without the Cross, and the cross means absolutely nothing without the Resurrection! The world rushes to sing about the Babys birth, and then cowers at the Saviors death. And utterly refuses the saviors Resurrection. God sent His son into the world to get the entire job done. He didn't just start, he was born, lived a perfect life for me, died on a cross a death that I deserved, and then becomes an all sufficient savior by coming back to life in bodily form! My favorite place to eat a Burger has always been Burger King. I get to have it my way at Burger King. That is not the case with Jesus. The Bible speaks plainly that the sins of man, my sins demand a sacrifice. A sacrifice that I am unable by my very nature to make. And even as the world clamors for Jesus to remain the baby. He did not. Thank God He did not. "Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me. This Christmas don't settle for having it your way. Embrace fully "The Way".