7 UP's Men who passed our way in fellowship, sharing their suffering with their handicaps,
yet Blessing us every step of the way. June 7, 2010.

Eddie Chapman-Lung Cancer, Mel Benson, John Young -ALS, Ken Gettis-Lung Cancer, David Woodward-Brain Cancer, Rodney Wells-Stroke/Heart Attack, Collier Ross-Heart Attack and Leroy Gray-Stroke -Diabetes. Each with a story of faith that has given each of us a faith of no matter what, In Christ Jesus we are all one in Christ for all eternity. Each were an inspiration to all who prayed for, cared for and spent time with each from bringing one of them to our meeting, to visiting then and planning a day with them. I personally know that we have more prayers from them in Heaven and think of them in a special way, as Brothers in Christ.

We have met at Dunwoody Country Club since 1995 and established a place where all of these men passed thru and we continue to meet each Friday at 7:07 AM in the Tennis Facility -"Since we never not met." and Leave our guns at the door, just a simple -casual meeting with prayer, some study of God's Word but each sharing their thoughts with each other. Since 1997 we have also met on Wednesday's at St. Ignatius Retreat House and since 1997, some have come to both meetings and some only to St. Ignatius. Praise God, what a Blessing.

I like to feel they are there too. In summary I now know better than ever we are all handicapped at Least Spiritually and Need each Other in Faith and the Search for the truth in our lives and Share it-since it Glorifies God in some small way in each of our lives.

In God we trust and May we Praise Him in some way each and every day in whatever we do. Hopefully some of our efforts will be within His Will. In Christ Jess I pray.

Les Washington May 17,2010

Bryan Dechant was born with the disease called Cockayne Syndrome. It causes retardation of mind and body. Bryan is now 37 yrs. old. Normal life expectancy is early teens. His IQ is that of a 4 yr. old. We still take Bryan out for fun events and lunch monthly. His mother and dad really appreciate our involvement, he is a pleasure.
Three table brothers from 7UPs are now deceased. They are;
Ken Giddes-lung cancer
Collier Ross-heart attack
Bob Morell-cancer-brain tumor
John Patrick- We hope all is well with you.
Best Always. Charley Trense

Fred Follmer, added, Bob Morrell got brain cancer and was able to sell his home and be with his family his last days, God rest his soul.

John Patrick, I like this weeks scripture, Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5
Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. I have seen this in our men at 7ups who past our way in that their afflictions produced even stronger faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God, as Paul would suggest. Have a Blessed week.

Les 5/24/10

6/7/10 I also like what Ann Benson wrote about Mel and how he relates to 2nd Timothy 3 vs 10 thru 17 specifically 16& 17, All scripture is given for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God , of The Lord Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Mel Benson died August 15, 2004. He was ill since January 1997 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Throughout '97 Chemo treatments were given every three weeks. But while being treated and the remainder of that year, he went to 7 ups bible study whenever he could. The spiritual support of his 7 ups brothers helped sustain him during that year. After that year while in remission, it seemed God was not finished with his servant Mel. He chose him to take a more difficult road adding Parkinson's disease and diabetes to his already difficult burden. For six years he struggled with serious falls and endless medications that eventually took his speech and memory from him. The men of 7 ups were always there to visit him, take him to lunch (wheelchair and all) and let him know that they had not forgotten him. And on some level Mel knew they were God's own servants helping him on his way to heaven. Thank you 7 ups.