My narrative aligns with the enduring tales of Elijah and Tobias, where each of these biblical figures faced significant adversity without losing their unwavering faith in Almighty God. They remained beacons of charity, with benevolence ingrained as an integral part of their piety. Charity, for them, wasn't a mere incident but rather a way of life.
Moreover, the trials endured by Jesus Christ on the path to Calvary are beyond measure. Amidst insults, including Judas' betrayal, Peter's denial, and Pilate's questioning, He kept His focus on the Father's presence, culminating in the Resurrection. This showcases the triumph of mind over matter, revealing the inherent resilient nature of faith. By aligning ourselves with these historical figures' experiences, we are imparted the necessary wisdom for enduring our individual struggles and translating their advice into our lives. Though we inherit the outcomes of the Redeemer's and Tobias's narratives, the challenge of perseverance during moments of adversity remains constant.
John Henry Newman, a poet seeking sainthood within the Catholic Faith, penned a hymn radiating hope. He said, "Lead kindly light, amidst the encircling gloom, Lead thou me on. The night is dark and distant from home, Lead thou me on..."
Hope, as Richard Crashaw eloquently expressed, is "earth's dowry and heaven's debt," and "Love's legacy under the lock of faith."
Through the "Dark Night of the Soul," it was my faith that guided me. This faith propelled me to establish a social impact organization, despite dire predictions of its failure. Embracing the spirit of charity in the Good Samaritan Parable, I assured our volunteers that they held the capacity to effect change in the lives of others—an endeavor reflective of the pride their forebears would feel. Despite facing discouragement, my resilience remained steadfast, and doors slammed shut did not deter me.
Furthermore, five years ago, I endured major heart surgery due to a critical heart condition. One night, I truly believed that I would breathe my final breath and depart this life. As I went into surgery, a Catholic priest administered last rites, and I didn't know if I would survive such an incredible ordeal. If I did survive, recovery would be so difficult that I doubted whether I could continue leading the Lettermen of the USA.
And yet, God was good to me. Not only did He save me from my unfortunate heart condition, but He has also led me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Reflecting on the past five years, I am reminded of the myriad endeavors undertaken by the LETTERMEN of the USA, and I contemplate their achievements. Could we have done more? Did our initiatives, such as the Cook and Serve Program, Clean the Shelter, Seed the Shelter, and "One Yard at a Time" speakers’ program, generate greater awareness for the Firehouse Shelter? Did our efforts genuinely aid Birmingham, Alabama's inner-city homeless population?
God also brought to mind different events that have transpired over the years. For example, in 2012, while presenting autographed college footballs from Auburn University, the University of Florida, and the University of Alabama to three wounded warrior heroes, an opportune sequence of events unfolded. This seemingly trivial act eventually led the LETTERMEN of the IRON BOWL to collaborate with the Semper Fi Community Task Force and Heroes Week.
Since 2012, the LETTERMEN of the USA have gifted 530 autographed footballs from various universities across the United States to Wounded Warriors. Institutions like the University of Oregon, Stanford University, the University of Utah, and many more have contributed to this endeavor.
Consequently, figures like Dave Rimington and Chris Goode lent their support, enhancing our outreach. The LETTERMEN's dedication extended to individuals such as Kevin Turner, James "Big O" Owens, David Gilmer, Joe King, Clyde Goode, Kerry Goode, and various causes across Alabama.
My aspiration is for this life-impacting organization to persist in growth, serving the inner-city homeless, veterans, wounded warriors, and former football players. Each day, I offer a prayer to the Lord and Redeemer, seeking assistance in reviving our homeless ministry.
In recent years, we've undertaken significant projects, including the 2022 Fisher House project, which further solidified our commitment to supporting veterans and their families. Yet, our latest and most ambitious endeavor is the "Heroes Village." This 44-acre project embodies the values of faith, love, and hope. It will feature 120 tiny homes, a chapel, a facility where veterans can learn to fish again, and an assisted care facility that will minister to Korean War and Vietnam veterans. "Heroes Village" represents the pinnacle of our mission to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
Additionally, I hope the LETTERMEN of the USA can replicate their success overseas in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It all began with a single autographed football for wounded warrior Josh Wetzel at the Birmingham Airport and expanded to touching wounded warriors across the United States. While my dream and long-term vision may appear ambitious, who would have foreseen its inception in October 2012, before an unexpected audience of passengers and United States Senator Richard "Dick" Shelby, as we celebrated his service to our nation?
I vividly remember the awe of that October morning, as Josh disembarked from the plane into his wheelchair. Yet, his gaze caught mine at the gate door, and he rose from his wheelchair to approach me on his new bionic legs. He received an autographed football from the LETTERMEN of the IRON BOWL. This experience reinforces my belief that anything is possible through faith. This notion, which began by honoring Alabama's returning wounded warriors, extended to regional veterans and ultimately encompassed wounded warriors and veterans from various wars across the nation.
Mr. Cormany, affectionately known as “Beefy,” once noted that I was "searching for truth" within my community projects. His observation rings true. Although I am less daring than an Austrian mountaineer who befriended the Dalai Lama amid Tibet's tumultuous times, I was financially, morally, and spiritually depleted. I had succumbed to the sins of lust, gluttony, avarice, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride.
The journey towards establishing a social impact organization faced substantial resistance.
Faith in Jesus Christ carried me through my dark night of the soul, empowering me to establish a social impact organization despite bleak forecasts of its failure. My unyielding inner faith has given me strength and prevented despondency. Guided by the Good Samaritan's ethics and attitude, I conveyed to volunteers their potential to foster societal change. Refusing to be disheartened, I didn't allow negative energy from closed doors to affect me.
May the Peace of the Lord be with you,
Darryl Fuhrman
Follower of the Nazarene
LETTERMEN of the USA
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