the Cross
"Colors for
the Cross
2005
Pastor Fred and Ester’s Visit
Dothan and Colors for the Cross Bikefest 2005
(Labor Day Weekend September 2-5, 2005)
At the Dothan airport Friday afternoon, Fred and Ester were met by approximately 25-30 bikers. Many were Bikers for Christ members from chapters in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, as well as our local Southeast Alabama chapter. In addition, we had other brothers and sisters in Christ join us. At their arrival I was the first to reach Pastor Fred and we exchanged big hugs (and kisses?). (Rom 16:16, 1Cor 16:20, 2Cor 13:12 NKJV ....It's Okay Bro! rl lol)
Let me tell you about the kiss. A week or so before their arrival, Fred and I spoke several times on the phone about the details of their trip, such as accommodations, meals, a bike for them to ride, event schedule etc. During one telephone conversation I said “Now brother Fred I’m going to warn you that southerners are big huggers.” Fred laughed and replied “That’s fine brother as long as you don’t kiss me, a brother in Michigan kissed me recently and it shocked me a little, then he told me it was okay for bikers to kiss each other”. Fred and I had a chuckle. Well at the airport…..when I approached and gave him a big southern hug, we exchanged verbal greetings and I said “Well, at least I didn’t kiss you”, about that time he kissed me on the cheek and we both got a big laugh.
Next of course we were able to greet one of Pastor Fred’s biggest blessings to date….Mrs. Zariczny (Ester of course. LOL) Wow, that even sounds odd calling her Mrs. Zariczny. I bet she doesn’t get that very often, at least not from bikers. She was a true pleasure all weekend. It is obvious to see that God has put these two together as life mates. Over the weekend some referred to Ester as the “First Lady of BFC”.
After all the greetings were exchanged several of us followed Fred to get their luggage. During our wait he was talking about their flight over Alabama was surprising as they couldn’t believe how green it was. Apparently it’s not so green in California, or at least their area. They were thrilled to be in the Peanut Capital of the World. (I guess in preparation for this trip they had read some info on Dothan. Or maybe they saw a sign at the airport. Either way, it sounded funny coming from Fred)
We retrieved the luggage and piled it into Hawk’s SUV. Then we all mounted up on our trusty steeds and rode through Dothan to Ryan’s Restaurant for a great meal and good time in fellowship. Fred and Ester are so active with BFC and Rushing Wind (their biker church) that they had much to share. We had much conversation and many laughs. Fred and I seem to have a similar sense of humor.
At Ryan’s restaurant Fred and I talked so long that we didn’t realize everyone else had left for the fairgrounds. We finished eating and rode over to fairgrounds where many more introductions and hugs were exchanged.
Fred and Ester seemed to be impressed at the size of Dothan, its businesses and accommodations, as well as the 300 acres of Peanut Festival Fairgrounds we have available for Colors for the Cross (http://www.nationalpeanutfestival.com/) . He did say early in his stay he didn’t know Dothan was so big. (Oceanside, CA is about 5 times larger, but they just didn’t know what to expect as they had never been to Alabama. And as is typical, most who haven’t visited Dothan before seem to think we live kinda’ like Lil’ Abner and Daisy Duke. Most seem surprised to learn that not only do we have electricity, and running water, but indoor plumbing, over 100 restaurants, dozens of hotels, a Lowes, Home Depot, not one but two Super Walmart stores, a nice stadium, civic center, a couple of large malls, two fairly large high schools etc. etc.) At least now Fred and Ester can go tell the masses about Dothan Alabama. Tell the truth and the truth will set us free Pastor Fred. LOL
They were both very happy at the hotel accommodations. They stated that although they love and appreciate staying in people’s homes, they feel more comfortable in their own hotel room. This way they don’t feel like they are imposing on any one. Coming to Alabama for the first time, they were afraid they would have to sleep on a hard, clay ground possibly in a tent in hot, humid weather. They didn’t say this exactly, but that’s what I picked up bit by bit. To say they were happy and relieved was an understatement. LOL
Pastor Fred did bring extra luggage with them which had tons of BFC goodies and other ministry materials. We provided several tables and chairs for them to sell and display their goods. Pastor Fred was our keynote speaker for the weekend. He shared a bit about his testimony and other topics God put on his heart. I know he, Curtis and some others took a break Saturday to ride to Harley Davidson of Dothan. (For several years Pastor Fred rode an older HD that was donated to him for BFC ministry use. After several years of riding this blessing, Ester offered to help him save and get a NEW HD. So after a couple of years of penny pinching, he now has a 2005 HD Deluxe. This is a very sweet machine. Can you imagine? Your wife offers to help you save and purchase a NEW motorcycle!)
Back to their visit……They were truly a joy to be around. The love and compassion we felt from the both of them all weekend was wonderful. Susan invited them to supper Sunday night and the 4 of us had a great time in fellowship. We viewed some videos about the ministry and other spiritual topics and shared some great moments in conversation. Fred and I have talked over the phone several times over the last 4 years, and we email fairly regularly, but it was such a blessing to get to know him and Ester in person. Susan felt the same way. She even stated, after the weekend was over, that she really enjoyed their company and wished they lived closer so we could spend more time with them. Ester shared some of her testimony and what God has done for her. She was quite frank about her daily challenges with strangers and co-workers. But she is obedient as God’s word states.
For the record, their stay here included drinking several gallons of SWEET tea. I had hoped to get Fred some boiled peanuts but honestly it slipped my mind. Ester had been looking around for an armadillo all weekend. Some how Ester had the idea there were tons of armadillos in Alabama. I did tell her that we DO have some, but I didn’t know where to go to look for one, as I usually saw them as “road kill” while riding. LOL
BFC offers quiet a few goodies for members and supporters. But Susan had a special request. She wanted a “fitted” t-shirt with BFC patch on it. Several weeks ago I had emailed to ask Pastor Fred if we bought some “fitted” t-shirts and shipped to him could he have the BFC back patch put on them the next time they ordered t-shirts? Well, guess what he showed up with? Yep, a lovely “fitted” t-shirt as a gift for Susan. She was tickled to receive it. And yes, she looks GREAT in it. LOL
Oh I almost forgot. We had a “Kodak” moment and failed to take advantage. On Sunday after CFC was closed up and everyone headed home, we had to take Hawk’s motorcycle back to his home. (Hawk had to work Sunday at the nuclear plant)
Now, understand that Hawk and his lovely bride, Barbara, sell motorcycle trailers. Cargo and camper trailers – the kind you tow behind a bike. Because of timing and logistics we ended up having Pastor Fred not only ride the 1500 Kawasaki Classic (with sweet custom paint job) to lunch but also about a 10 mile ride out in the country to return the bike. This was the bike Fred and Ester used all weekend.
Well here is the best part – picture this…a long haired, red-headed, tattooed biker riding not only a cool metric, but towing a cargo trailer behind on his FIRST trip to Alabama. At a traffic light on the way to lunch I looked over at Fred and started laughing my backside off and wondering just what he was thinking at this moment in time. He said “Man, my first trip to Alabama and I tow my first bike trailer, I just need a rockin’ chair to sit on top and then we can head for Beverly” The moment was too funny, we all started cracking up. (For the record this HD rider loved the big Kaw and was very appreciative for having use of it for the weekend.)
Monday Morning
Fred and Ester’s flight out of Dothan was scheduled for 10:20am. Fred was so concerned that we get to the airport a couple of hours early. Sunday night I, and others, kept reassuring him that an hour or so was more than enough time to arrive, check baggage, say our good byes, and make purchases at the gift shop. Some of us were laughing thinking of their travels though large airports. You must understand there are only a couple of flights out of Dothan each day. These are all “puddle jumper” type aircraft, those with actual propellers and everything.
I did arrive at the hotel room early and we had time for a cup of coffee and more time for sharing. It was great. We had a leisurely drive to the airport. We even had time for Ester to pick out a couple of souvenirs at the airport gift shop. We were on a mission to locate at least one cool refrigerator magnet in the shape of Alabama. She collects them from their travels. She found several items and everything was rosy.
Email of Thanks from Fred and Ester
Here are some of Fred’s exact words about their stay in Dothan and the entire experience:
“You should visit San Diego, then ya’ll might want to move closer…to the best coast (I mean west coast) LOL Tell Susan we were really honored to get to know both of you- as well as the kids. We really enjoyed the southern hospitality. You guys sure have that going on! Thanks so much for the warm reception, plane fare, accommodations, the ride through sweet home Alabama etc. It was all wonderful. We felt like royalty!!! We were also blessed to meet Roger, Rodger, Don, Tommy, Jason, Rob, Mark, Robert, Doug (the ladies) and the rest of the gang….very nice folks. Curtis is a neat bro’ too….we’re making him and Bruce honorary members, so don’t be surprised if you see them sporting small BFC patches on their vests…in the near future… BTW- Brother Ralph and Barbara were an awesome blessing Saturday. We love their 2 CDs” (Curtis and Bruce are officers with Heaven’s Saints M/M)
He went on to tell that on their return flight to San Diego, their schedule got messed up in Atlanta and they had a 4 hour lay over. So if we ever need to know anything about the shops and restaurants at the Atlanta airport they are now experts. On their return to the “park and ride” at the San Diego airport, their urban assault vehicle (the old, worn out, road-weary van) was waiting patiently for them.
This experience was a new one and a blessed one for Susan, I and many others. Pastor Fred and I have emailed several times since their departure. He probably hasn’t said anything to many people, but he is having serious back pains and other health related problems. The back problems stem from the accident he refers to in his testimony. (Bike accident with him hitting a stone wall at a high rate of speed as a young man.) Fred has also had problems with Hepatitis for several years.
So we’ll keep him and Ester in our prayers regularly. Thanks to everyone who made this event happen. May God ride with you daily.
Dale Bolling
Elder- Bikers for Christ M/M
Southeast Alabama Chapter