A Piece Of Work!

I am a work in progress, still being slammed, punched and kneaded by the Potter's hands. The mixture of dry clay and water seems about right. The ingredients were carefully chosen. The consistency is good. The wheel is up to speed, and I'm ready for a second go.

This isn't my first whirl on the wheel. You see, I had an early, dizzying spin, but the clay wasn't quite right. So off I came, and, in the Potter's loving hands, I'm looking forward to another chance. I'd like to tell you my story.

I am the upper-middle of six children, and am graciously blessed with loving, Christian parents who prayed for me before I was born and continue to do so, even now, while both in their eighties.

I went to a Christian school through sixth grade. Then, public schools through the end of high school. I started my college experience at The King's College in Briarcliff Manor, New York, and later I graduated from Wheaton College. While working I earned two post graduate degees. The first from Wheaton College Graduate School, an MA in Communications (Radio and Television). The second was an MBA in Finance from Northern Illinois University. And, I have been intensely educating myself ever since.

I was leading a career age Bible Study Group that met in my parents' home when I fell in love with Marilyn. We are still happily married and increasingly so. She is a Proverbs 31 woman. Both our fathers graduated from Wheaton College, and both earned more than one advanced degree in theology. Marilyn's father ended up as a professor at a Christian college. My father taught in a Bible school for a while and later developed a business. Marilyn's mother has a long-standing interest in the ministry of Pioneer Clubs. Her folks, like mine, had six children. All the brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews bring wonderful flavorings to the family stew.

Marilyn and I have three children. Doug, our oldest and only son, works at Willow Creek Community Church in their Axis ministry. Sarah, our oldest daughter, is a graduate of John Brown University and an assistant volleyball coach at the college level. Lesley, our youngest child and second daughter, is interested in the outdoors and environmental issues. She loves to travel, spreading sunshine and her bright spirit wherever she goes. We are blessed.

My wife and I are participating members of the Willow Creek Community Church.

I joined the family business after college, and it grew successfully for many years. Then much to my dismay it failed. Spectacularly. Bankruptcy was heartbreaking and embarrassing, not only for the trouble it caused my family and me, but also for the disappointment, pain and suffering it wreaked on my employees, investors and suppliers. It continues to be a disheartening memory, the kind that does not ease with time.

My faith was tested far beyond the normal ways. In the seventh year of bankruptcy, I was indicted for financial crimes. Two and one-half years later, I endured a three-month federal trial . . . and lost. Sentenced to sixty months in a prison camp, I served approximately forty months. My appeal to the appellate court failed. My Writ of Certiorari to the Supreme Court was denied.

Spiritually, I hung on for dear life. My assurance in my salvation never left, but trouble buffeted me from all sides. As directed by James chapter 1, I welcomed difficulties as friends, more times than I can remember. God was good, but I did not find the experience easy.

Prison was actually a relief from the frightening storm. I went from running a small business to being ordered to stand up by guards to be counted many times a day. From being a millionaire to earning nearly thirty cents an hour as a clerk in the law section of the prison library.

It was quiet, my three years in the desert. I read more than 420 books, including the New Testament fifteen times and the Old Testament three times. I was active in the chapel services, participated in prayer meetings and served others in meaningful ways. God was with me, stirred my heart and changed my priorities. My wife and kids visited regularly, at great personal effort, for which I was very grateful. God sent a Christian to the room across the hall who piqued my interest in the Internet. I felt God's call to use the Internet to serve him by sharing his amazing message around the world.

The final five months of my prison term were spent at a halfway house in Chicago. I met another fine chaplain (four terrific chaplains altogether) who encouraged my heart as the others had.

While at the halfway house I received permission to enroll in a college to begin learning about computers and computer programing. Eventually, I received credit for 39 hours of computer classes and worked through eight more hours independently. I have continued learning nonstop for the last three years and am finally far enough along to launch SoAmazing.com.

I trust God will use it, and me, for his glory.

And, that's my story, so far. Now, I am ready for my second whirl on the Potter's wheel.

February 1, 2002

Rich Scott's story continues to unfold as the principal writer of the SoAmazing Letter. Signing up for the free-on-Fridays SoAmazing Letter will benefit you. It can be read online or you can print it out to read offline. Why not check out a free sample of the web version? Clickle here or use the signup button below to give it a whirl.

He awoke one morning, dressed and went to work . . .. as he always did. The elevator whisked him to . . . Read More!