The Umpire

Tim Hewitt and Tom Black were young teenagers who loved to play baseball. Their playing was limited to sand-lot baseball games in Vineland, New Jersey, because they couldn't afford the fees and travel expenses of an organized team. The two boys were introduced to a spectator, who eventually became a self-proclaimed umpire. The umpire was John Roberts, a retired US Army colonel. The umpire did not call balls and strikes. Rather, he called good and bad, and as a mentor, he guided the boys in life decisions.The two friends accepted leadership roles on their baseball teams, in their community with Holocaust survivors, and in helping military veterans. The boys were chosen for training as support persons to veterans who were offered a wilderness experience in Alaska.Tim's experiences in Alaska led to his obtaining a pilot's license and eventually marrying an Alaskan, Cheryl Moore. The couple was led into becoming aviation missionaries with Frontier Missions. Tim was involved in several emergency rescues. Tim eventually became identified as an umpire by some Alaskan indigenous people. He then, like his mentor, guided others in making positive life decisions.

-- E. James DuBois