The first time Joe Don Flack Mayes and I met was in a Wednesday morning Bible study for men. It was the usual early morning men’s study common in churches across America. Joe Don was new to the area and to the small Bible church. He knew that if you want to see how strong a church is, find out what their men’s ministry is like.
That Wednesday morning seemed at first it would be same as usual. Some guy tell us what he knows about the bible and what he thinks it means. On this particular day, the first sign of my heart (TJ Greaney) coming alive showed up: I said, “Bull Shi#.” From there the conversation turned real and raw. I was looking for life answers and I just blurted out what I felt deep down in my heart. I was sick of the religious answers and instructions we were hearing. I wanted to know, “But how, when I leave here, do I apply that to my life? That is a really nice lesson, lots of references to Scripture, but when I leave here, drive out of this parking lot, how do I love my wife better, talk to my son, or hear Jesus talk to me?” Turns out lots of the guys wondered the same thing. They longed as I did from deep in their hearts to know, feel, hear Jesus. Joe Don knew he was in the right place.
Since those early days in that Wednesday morning Bible study, we have realized the desperate need for men to get real, heartfelt answers to their questions. We have learned that Jesus does speak to us, guide us, and help us along the way. We have been influenced by incredible men of God. We have fought battles with Satan himself as we learned what brings a man to life in Christ.
When we ask Christ into our hearts, it all changes. You, the guy who does not have Scripture memorized and has on occasion messed up, like yesterday, or this morning. You are not disqualified. Jesus was intentional in choosing men like Joe Don, me, and you. You have the same authority the most famous preacher has in this walk with Jesus. You matter. But that is not enough. We also need something to “ride or die” for. Our families, yes, but something that as a man we can stand back and look at and say, yes, that was a fight worth having—a battle, a rescue mission—and I was part of it. Something that reaches and moves you to the core. You were created for that.
Satan wants to create false fronts, the “Poser” John Eldredge calls it. Satan wants men to stay quiet, unengaged, distracted by work, sports, hunting, money, porn. But our hope and prayer for you as you step into this book is to come alive. To step into a life of meaning. To engage in a life that inspires you and the men around you. You are truly important and worthy; the front lines are calling you up. You can call “B.S.” when Satan is trying to keep you out of the fight. Calling B.S. may just change your life; it did ours.
A West Texas boy growing up hunting horny toads and lizards with my BB gun. Grew up in a big family with 7 kids but no Jesus.
Met Jesus and Joann (wife) in 1973 and both became the loves of my life.
Don Discoe’s prized nickname is Beefsteak. Beef was part of the development of the original Basecamp in S. Austin, Texas.
Along with his passion for Basecamp his mission is clear, reach out to kids and get them involved in the outdoors as much as possible.
TJ Greaney is a well-known and award-winning outdoor communicator.
Greaney has been collecting awards for his writing, photography, television, and radio programs for years. He is Past President of the Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association and a member of the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries and Fatherhood Commission.
In 2007 Greaney formally began the Kids Outdoor Zone Youth Outdoor Adventure Ministry, (KOZ). This national ministry provides men in churches with the training and monthly curriculum to come alongside fatherless boys/father and sons mentoring them to become Godly young men through outdoor adventure. www.
Greaney loves Jesus, his wife, grandkids, kids, his church, teaching kids about life and the outdoors while hanging out at the ranch, any ranch.
A West Texas boy growing up hunting horny toads and lizards with my BB gun. Grew up in a big family with 7 kids but no Jesus. Met Jesus and Joann (wife) in 1973 and both became the loves of my life. Senior Pastored in Denver, Colorado for 25 years and moved back to Texas in 2008. Over 40 years in the ministry and now enjoying the Sage season of life. Most excited seeing Jesus transform lives and families. Devoted family man with a wife I have loved for 45 years and 2 grown children and their mates and 4 incredible grandkids.
Watching my kids and now grandkids play sports, all sports especially football and basketball. I love riding my bike and long walks (since I am too old to run anymore). I am committed to Kids Outdoor Zone (KOZ) and spending time mentoring little boys who don’t have dads. Of course, I also love leading and teaching (especially men). My true passion – my daily quiet times alone with God and my Bible and my journal.
Don Discoe’s prized nickname is Beefsteak. Beef was part of the development of the original Basecamp in S. Austin, Texas. Along with his passion for Basecamp his mission is clear, reach out to kids and get them involved in the outdoors as much as possible. He knows getting kids into the outdoors is one of the best things he can do to counteract “hunter-deficit disorder” commonly found in kids of today, helping them to lead a new life of character and dependability.
Certified TYHP Huntmaster, Texas Parks & Wildlife Certified Hunters Education Instructor, Vanguard Award-winning KOZ Leader (Kids Outdoor Zone), Ordained Deacon Jesus freak, long-distance motorcycle rider and Farmboy Strong. Along with a self-reported ability to hyperfocus – uniquely able to postpone eating, sleeping, and other personal needs and stay absorbed in the “urgent task” for an extended time.
If you want to know more about the notorious outlaw “Beefsteak Discoe” you’ll just have to find a copy of the western movie “Firebrands of Arizona” (1944 -Republic Pictures) to fully understand how deep it really goes…
