Press Service International's Mark Tronson sourced this interview with Dave Frick and this is his story.
Dave Frick's Background
I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. Following high school, I attended Penn State earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. I held various positions in Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, New York, Chicago, Houston, and Fort Worth. While working in Chicago, I successfully undertook a Masters Degree in Business, attending evening and Saturday school. I received my Professional Engineering License while working in Texas and I retired from Lockheed Martin in 1997 following the death of my wife.
Your passionate about 'volunteerism'
Yes, wherever we lived, I became involved with some volunteer organisation and became an active team member. Some of these were the Centre County Chairman of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Drive; Co-chair of the Miss-Pennsylvania Pageant in Williamsport; and Chairman of the Trier Germany Committee with Fort Worth Sister Cities International, and my service to the Lord with Lay Witnesses for Christ International
Family life
Rebecca Reynolds and I married shortly after graduating from Penn State. We raised our four children; all of whom are now married with a total of 11 grandchildren. Two years after the loss of my wife, I met Jean Graham (a retired professional musician and teacher) while volunteering at the Oktoberfest in Fort Worth. After a 2 year relationship, we were married by Dr. Sam Mings. Our family life was based on a connection with a church and Sunday School. While living in Hanover Park, a suburb of Chicago, I was ordained as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. Today, Jean and I are members of University Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas (USA).
My ministry with Lay Witnesses for Christ International
I was recruited to photograph the semi-finalists at the 1998 LWCFI Young Christian Athlete of the Year Awards Banquet, and I've continued this task since then. When I heard of the plans for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, I expressed an interest in joining the group. I was appointed International Media Director for the event, and Jean was appointed Hospitality Coordinator. We were part of the planning group that visited Sydney in March and returned with the Lay Witnesses group in September to work throughout the entire Olympic Games.
Following the end of the Olympic Games, Jean and I stayed for the Paralympics, held two weeks later. With press credentials, we took many stunning pictures of these amazing athletes. Using these pictures as a base, newspaper articles were written and published and a power-point developed. This was shown in San Diego, Chicago, and numerous places in Fort Worth.
Based on our experience with LWFCI with "Reach Out 2000" and the exposure to the Paralympics, we have been asked to spearhead an extension of the "Bridging the Gap" into the 2012 Paralympics in London.
The Lord's hand on my life
My parents lost their first born and as a result, we were not encouraged to attend Sunday School, but somehow they arranged my baptism in that local Presbyterian Church. In my teenage years I became involved with a youth program but was not committed to Jesus Christ at all. During my years in college, I began attending an occasional church service, but I did not feel I was a true Christian, but somehow knew that something was missing in my life.
I married shortly after completing college, and began to more seriously consider my relationship with the Lord through a local church. The major breakthrough was while living in Hanover Park, a suburb of Chicago. With four children to support, my life was turned upside down when I lost my job during an economic downturn.
We had recently joined a small church in Hanover Park, and the support received from the other members was overwhelming. After a number of talks with the Minister, and a small group of fellow members, I realized I could not continue without a deep spiritual commitment to the Lord.
I prayed that Jesus would take me under his arm and guide me during this turbulent time in my life. I subsequently was elected and ordained as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and helped in the building of a new church building. Shortly thereafter, I received a job offer in Houston, and our family moved to Texas. I must admit that during this time I reverted back to the "I can do it alone" attitude.
My wife died in 1997 after Huntington's disease took over her body. This was a low point in my life and I was at a point where I really did not care. I retired from my job, and did mostly nothing for the next year. That was to change after meeting Dr. Sam Mings and Lay Witnesses for Christ International.
Ministry in Photography
I was asked by Avon Langston to photograph the LWFCI Young Christian Athlete of the Year banquet in 1998, which I did. Sometime later while attending a rally prior to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia I felt a need to utilize my skill as a photographer in support of this organization. I realized this skill was a blessing, and a way to serve Christ. Dr. Mings was my mentor, my coach, and confidant. With his help and guidance, I rededicated my life to serve the Lord. During the next few years my life changed radically.
Jean and I were married by Dr. Mings prior to a planning trip to Sydney. Since that time our lives have been nonstop adventure. We give a prayer of thanks every day for the life He has prepared for us. We are so thankful He led us to the Paralympics in Sydney, and has given us the chance to proclaim His glory in London. This will be done first, with photographs of the LWFCI activities during the regular Olympics; and second, administrating activities during the Paralympics. Both Jean and I consider our tasks as truly awesome. We know however, that He will not give us a load that is too heavy to carry. We look forward to the opportunity to serve Him.
For more information, visit www.lwfci.com