Christian Women's Celebrations will be honoring America the beautiful with a "Tribute to Heroes" on Friday, May 17, at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center. Both men and women are welcome.
The evening, which begins at 6 p.m., will feature several special treats: the humor and music of the Bar-D Wranglers of Durango, a chuckwagon dinner catered by Seas'nings, and an inspiriting speech by Tim Lee, a Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient and double amputee.
John and Wanda Lee gave their son to God for the gospel ministry following his birth in 1950. That son grew to be a spirited and gifted athlete. He was converted at age 10 but would soon develop a hostile attitude toward authority.
Lee, the rebellious teenager and son of a Baptist minister, once walked the streets of McLeansboro, Ill., in violent protest to all ordained authority in the home, the church, the school.
He was a born fighter. Every inch of his life from childhood was contested for.
As Billy Sunday once stated, "I know all about the dark and seamy side of life, and if ever a man fought hard, I have fought hard for everything I have ever gained."
To escape the world around him, he joined the Marine Corps in 1969. After his training, he received orders to serve in southeast Asia.
"Let's go, Marines," Lee said quietly as he led his men down an abandoned road in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, in March of 1971.
One last step, and then it happened: His boot landed squarely on what felt like a miniature. A land mine exploded, engulfing Lee in smoke and fire and placing him in a wheelchair for life.
He became a young man who was to carry, without legs, a message from God to a nation.
After his call to preach in 1973, and following a year of itinerant evangelistic preaching, Tim Lee pastored for five years in southern Illinois before surrendering to the full-time ministry of evangelism in 1979.
The results in the lives of people was almost immediate as the former Marine began to stir and challenge God's people across the country.
People of all ages listened, and they heard a clear, uncompromising message grounded deep in old fashioned patriotism, righteous living and biblical revival.
The public is invited to hear Tim Lee's message.
Tickets are $25 each and include the meal, Bar-D's entertainment and Lee's presentation.
A number of complimentary tickets are available for veterans, overcomers, and first-timers, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seating is limited, and reservations must be made by May 10 by calling Cindy at 560-0395. Prepaid tickets are greatly appreciated.
The Lewis-Arriola Community Center is at 21651 County Road S northwest of Cortez.