Everyday Hero #18

 November 2, 2022

In 1968 I met Earl Higley. He was a lanky farmer who felt God’s call upon his life and was living it out working for Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek, PA—a Christian kids camp birthed just a few years earlier out of the vision and hard work of Dale Linebaugh, graduate of Bible school and eventually PhD and president of a Bible college. But that was years in the future. 

Earl didn’t teach or lead groups; he was all-around help. As a former farmer, he understood all that went into keeping a stable of horses fed, housed, and healthy. I worked as boys counselor for two summers—68 and 69.

An interesting side note—about twenty years ago, I was introduced to a man at a graduation party. He looked at me quizzically and asked if I were the Jim Bailey who had worked at Miracle Mountain Ranch years ago, and didn’t I like peanut butter on my pancakes. When I affirmed that I indeed was that Jim Bailey, he rushed forward, gave me a big bear hug and said, “You are my spiritual father. You led me to Christ one night in the bunkhouse, and I’ve been looking for you ever since!” To say that I was surprised is an understatement! I remember counseling and talking with the boys one on one each night, but didn’t remember this particular encounter. You never know what impact you can have on a child if you’re just faithful to clearly share the Gospel and ask for a response.

Back to Earl Higley. After my second year at Miracle Mountain, Linda and I were married. We set up housekeeping in the tiny hamlet of Alma, NY, nestled in the foothills of the Alleghanies along the Pennsylvania border. 

One night, Earl showed up at our door. He came to talk, so we stood, leaning against the fender of his car, recalling camp stories and enjoying each other’s company. He told me that from his experience at Miracle Mountain, he had felt God calling him to start a Christian camp in Kentucky; a pretty significant step for a middle-aged former farmer. As the sun settled behind the mountains to our west and the stars started winking in the dark, Earl looked down, kicked the gravel by the side of the road, and quietly said, “Isn’t it amazing? God could raise up better servants from the stones beneath our feet, but he chose us.” 

Yes, Earl, it is amazing. You’ve long since gone to be with the Lord you served so well, but your wonder at the goodness and grace of God remains with me to this day, which is why you are another of my Everyday Heroes.