Doers of the Word
When I think of today?s guest my mind goes directly to the
book of James. In James 1:22 we are told to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers. I
can assure you that this man is a doer! Gene ?The Carp Machine? Sparks and his beautiful
wife Betty have done more for others over the years by mistake than most of us have ever
done on purpose. You see, these two are very special folks. They work hard to serve God
and their fellow man and are quick to give God the glory, honor and praise for the
results. Gene retired as an assistant Fire Chief with the Atlanta Fire Dept several years
ago. He has battled many inner city fires. He knows what it?s like to feel the intense
heat of a situation. He has also fought and endured many of life?s Refiners? fires. Gene
was very involved with the Douglas County Retardation Association in the early years while
he and Betty raised their very special daughter, Susan. Gene has battled heart surgery and
has had other health related problems as well. Time after time he has been victorious in
these trials. But even in the midst of his own troubles he always seems to be more
concerned about others than himself. James says in Chapter 1:12 that a man who perseveres
under trials is blessed. My blessed guest today and one of my personal heroes is Mr. Gene
Sparks.
Gene and I have fished together before but never on the ALVA
D. Fishing on the ALVA D can be compared to eating on fine China after years of using
paper plates. It?s like drinking from Waterford Crystal after a lifetime of Dixie Cups. I
get plumb teary eyed just trying to put my feelings into words.
I was hoping that Gene?s expertise with flames would lead us
to some hot spots today. Did the Carp catch on fire? Did Gene put out the present King?
Did he extinguish the opposition? Did he set the board aflame? I thought you?d never
ask???
Our Story
Gene has fished for the better part of his sixty plus years.
He has trolled and caught Cobia, Kings and Spanish in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a snap
for him to bottom fish there for Grouper, Snapper and other denizens of the deep.
Today’s guest has pulled slab Crappie out of the tree tops at West Point Lake. He has
camped in the swamps of the Altamaha River tracking down Shellcrackers, Stumpknockers and
other Sunfish. But can he catch Carp? Are you kiddin’ me? I’m here to tell you
that Gene “The Carp Machine” put it on the Ol’ Captain today. Ten Carp were
boated and I caught three. You get out your own calculator and do the math! I am attaching
pictures of Gene’s 2 lb, 3oz best as well as my catch of the day. A 1 lb, 10 oz
Channel Cat.
The weather was great and the fellowship even better. I just
can’t wait to go again!
For Your Information
Many of you have stated that our fishing has declined lately
because of the hot "dog days" of summer. I have compiled some statistics for
your consideration. Draw your own conclusions:
ALVA D CARPSTISTICS 2003
Month
Trips Total / Carp Boated / Average per Trip
March
5
64
6.8
April
6
52
8.6
May
5
17
3.4
June
9
84
9.3
July
5
22
4.4
August
7
26
3.7
Totals through Aug
37
235
6.3
Life Lesson
Before you can be an effective doer you must first be a
hearer. In order to hear you must first be exposed to the message. Where might that
happen? I thought you’d never ask……Why not visit your local church
tomorrow?
Until next time, Keep on Carpin'
Captain Horace
“Be ye fishers of men…….You catch ‘em and He will clean
‘em.”
www.countylinebc.org
<-- My Church
www.Vic2Fish.com <-- My Friend and
Sponsor
If you know someone who would like to be added to our e-mail
list please let me know. If you would like to be removed please let me know. I will drop
you like a hot rock !
Current Standings (as of 8/13/03)
(Please note that the DRCFA will be awarding prizes to the
top 5 finishers after the Thanksgiving Day cut-off date.)
1.Cody LaFavor- 7 lbs, 10 ozs 8/04/03 (Current Carp King)
2.(Tied for second place)
Craig Brown- 6 lbs, 5 ozs 7/19/03
Chris Settle- 6 lbs, 5 ozs 8/16/03
3.Charlie Goff -5 lbs, 2 ozs 4/11/03
4. (Tied for fourth place)
Sam Marlow-3 lbs, 11 ozs 4/12/03
Brent Wolf-3 lbs, 11 ozs 5/10/03
5. Chuck Wolf- 3 lbs, 10 ozs 6/28/03
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