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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 22, 2023)
February 22, 2023 Page 7 r eLigioN Friends to Brothers for Life The journey of friendship for Men of faith Mere acquaintances to lifelong brothers. Our parents relocated in the 50’s and early 60’s from Mississip- pi, New Orleans, Illinois, Georgia, Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas, estab- lished roots in Portland Oregon. Bring together a group of boys with various levels of knowledge, skills, and abili- ties. And through competing activities, “church, school, and sporting events,” what was once a casual acquaintance has developed into a perpetual bond of non-judgmental friendship. Through it all God has been faithful and by His grace we’ll celebrate our 50th class re- union next year. Life is an untraveled trail with com- plex twists and turns. Appealing activi- ties were detours that led us away from the Lord, and engaging philosophies Charles Hudson, Quin Davis, Herman Bryant, Michael Donaldson back row: John Bryant, Eric Mashia, Michael Jones, Darryl Warren, Marcus Irving, Marvin Spires, Tony Washington quite often ended in mire of muddled thinking. At times we’ve journeyed over rugged terrain and through dark val- leys. We’ve had some struggles, health issues, lost some friends and family along the way and the world seems to be more chaotic with each passing day. But God! For you see, we’re all prod- Love for the Game and Community Your Stories. Your Opinions. Your Community. All in one place. Continued from Front transition away from baseball, he says, shaped him into who he is today. “It’s a great honor to join the FOB family in ser- vice to the mission of enhancing children’s lives through base- ball’s power to teach.” Dickson says, “Raised in a low income community, I have experienced first-hand how sports can em- power kids of all skills and abil- ities. Providing opportunities to underserved communities is what I am most passionate about. Every insight I’ve shared with young people is reinforced in baseball. I look forward to further developing the programs and structures that lead to great- er overall impact and growth of the organization.” Friends of Baseball was founded in 2005 by an Oregon father, son, and Board of Trustees, driven by their passion to give back to the community of youth base- ball and softball that they love. Now an independent 501(c)(3) with programs extending across the state, the FOB team brings the game and its lessons to kids and coaches through Full Count summer camps, scholarships and equipment, skills clinics, one-on-one mentoring, team- based opportunities, and af- ter-school programming igal sons of the most- High. He has been at the helm and allowed the challenges, stressful situations, and falls to occur. All in an effort for us to recognize His hand of guidance and protection. Now the competing activity is our fellowship every other Thursday. Our mission, (as iron sharpens iron); “That we might walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleas- ing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10). We praise Him for His grace and mercy, which surpasses all understand- ing. All our hope, confidence and faith are in Him. We are now the parents and grandparents. Setting the example for generations to come. His word says, “walk worthy toward those that are out- side redeeming the time.Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man (Colossians 4:5, 6). Passing on the mantle, “The Word of God,” for He is the bread of life. Brothers for Life Stackin’ Kickz in Lloyd Center Embracing Sneaker Culture Continued from Front right now, and you can see it. It tion of success. Having a strong mind is the most important thing, and once that’s done, there’s nothing you can’t really do.” Jefferson said he brings mid- dle school kids to the store because that’s the age when a person starts to define who they will be. “I bring them in the store so they can see the inspiration about what I’m teaching them, and how important individual- ly it has done for me,” he said. “In the store they can see this is real. It’s teaching as some- one doing things in his life gives me leverage so they can really understand. Jefferson came up with the name Stackin’ Kickz because when you have a lot of sneakers, you have to stack them up, just like poker chips. Jefferson said his customer base covers a wide range, from 12 months to 70 years. “I believe it’s because of all the aspects of it,” he said. “I’m not just trying to sell clothes, but I also support community events and I want to move ev- erybody forward. I want people to find out who they are, the light they envision.” The Advertise with diversity in Portland The Portland Observer Call 503-288-0033 Observer or email ads@portlandobserver.com Online www.portlandobserver.com The Portland Observer Online www.portlandobserver.com
