Two-and-a-half years ago, my friend, George Vatter, invited John McKnight to our 6:15 Friday morning men’s Bible sharing group at the Cornerstone Café. I had seen John over the years and knew he was married to Ann Schexnayder, but that was the extent of our relationship. He began attending the meetings regularly, and it was then that I got to know John McKnight.

He shared with the group that

he was battling cancer. He was

still employed by Shell, but shortly after that, six months to be exact,

he retired. For the past 14 months, he has been treated with chemotherapy.

Every Friday that he could manage to attend the meeting, John was there. He never complained and did not only talk about having faith, he lived it. I told the group that John has more faith than all of us put together.

His treatments have prevented him from attending the meetings for the last two months.

Two weeks ago, I asked the group (with John’s permission) if they would mind having a mid-week meeting at John’s house. They were all in agreement, so Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 10:30 a.m., 18 men gathered at John’s house for the meeting.

He had invited his best friend, Larry Usry. John is not originally from LaPlace. He was born in Michigan, raised in Ohio and Indiana and moved here in 1970 at the age of 16. He shared that his first friend was Larry.

The meeting was the most spiritual gathering I’ve ever attended. To try and explain it would be impossible. It lasted exactly one hour. Tears were shed and the joy of the Lord, which is our strength, was evident. If laughter is the best medicine, we all had an overdose.

John was so thankful and excited that there were so many people who loved and cared for him. He told me the next day that he wouldn’t trade that day for all the money in the world.

The thing that confused the group is that they thought the meeting was for John. The truth is we needed it more than he did.

I’ve grown to know and love John. I’ve seen a bumper sticker that says “Real Men Love Jesus.” I don’t know many real men, but I guarantee that John is one.

This morning, in a daily reading, it says that when your name is mentioned, no one should have any doubts as to your level of commitment to Jesus. John’s commitment is never in question.

Last Sunday, the day after the LSU/Alabama game, I called John and talked about how exciting the game was. John said, “Yea, it was OK, but the best thing is I had my wife and two sons, Jeremy and Andrew, with me.” That response of John was proof to me of his obedience to God. His priorities are in order. I thank God that He allowed John to cross my path. What a blessing!

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.