Tribulation Network

GONE FISHIN’

Jerri Tuck

Introduction by Doug Krieger

Twenty-two chapters await the reader of a book (yes, my sister beat me to it), nearly unique in Christendom – just try to find one – where true stories of souls being brought to Christ are recorded in a way that brings the gospel of the grace of God home to everyone.

From Hell’s Angel to God’s Messenger – Jerri Tuck broke free into the arms of Jesus Who rescued her from the brink of catastrophe to become His witness of life out of death, of eternal beauty for the ashes of this world.

We’re pleased to introduce these testimonials to you – to ignite the fires of evangelism within the Church…for we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe! This and many more such testimonies of rebirth will be found in our “Evangelism” section – it will be difficult to put them down because each story, each “newstrack” (another section under Evangelism) will call every believer to share their faith in belief that “some believed.”

Prophetic? Better believe this is precisely that! Prior to “Reaping the Grapes of Wrath” (Rev. 14:17-20) – God in His infinite mercy, will, through “One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle” – shall be commended by “another angel (who) came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, ‘Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe’” (Revelation 14:14-16).

We affirm these two harvests are utterly distinct in their import – one to everlasting life, the other to be thrust into “the great winepress of the wrath of God.” What you are about to read bespeaks of the former—everlasting life—of the Son of Man, the One with golden crown and a sharp sickle about to reap the harvest of the earth…for it is “ripe unto harvest.”

No, not all will listen, will believe, will sprout and thrive…for many are called, but few are chosen…nevertheless, “a sower went forth to sow…and some fell on good soil…and bear much fruit…some a hundredfold! “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men…”

Jerri’s Bio of Life

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach unless they are sent?”
Romans 10:14-15

For over fifty years Jerri Tuck has served her Lord with passion and fervor. Before accepting Christ as her Savior, she rode motorcycles with the notorious Hell's Angels in California. A dramatic encounter with Jesus in a home Bible study changed the direction of her life in 1957.

Jerri retired after 28 years in real estate and today she and her husband Charlie are actively spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in various ways. Jerri is the acting Chaplain at the Bleckley County Probation Center in Cochran, coordinating Bible studies and ministry outreaches to the inmates. She speaks at ladies retreats, writes a weekly column (Just Jerri) and has preached to thousands in overseas missionary engagements. When God said, "Who will go?" her response was immediate... "Here am I, Lord. Send me."

Although Jerri and Charlie are Senior Citizens, age is not a determining factor in their desire to spread the Gospel. If the Lord says "Go" they are ready! Currently they are planning their third trip into Mexico to help a mission work in Reynosa.

Jerri and Charlie have eight children, seventeen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They make their home in Cochran, Georgia, where they have been living since God led them there in 1974.

Chapter 1

To The Jew First

By Jerri Tuck

“The fruit of the uncompromisingly righteous is
a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human
lives for God as a fisher of men...he gathers and
receives them for eternity.”
Proverbs 11:30 (Amp.)

Watching the lone fisherman cast his line into the Sea of Galilee, I felt as though I were a part of history. The sun sank slowly in the Western sky and the slight chill of the early May evening caused me to walk a little faster. At a respectable distance I captured the scene with my camera and then decided to see if the hunched over man had caught anything.

Trying to appear casual, I walked by, looking quickly into his fish pail. It sure didn't look like he had caught anything. Venturing bravely over to his side, I asked him if the fish were biting. He just shrugged, shaking his head from side to side. With his back hunched over, he pulled his hat further down over his forehead as if to say, "Tourists! None of their business anyway." I got the hint and, being careful not to slip on the rocky bank, gingerly backed away, quickly snapping another picture, just to make sure I had captured the moment.

It was quite a sight. A solitary fisherman sitting on a rock, his line cast far out into the Sea of Galilee. Might even be a prize winning picture! I could just imagine one of the early disciples fishing in this same sea centuries ago.

As I walked back up the beach to join my friends, my thoughts kept wandering back to the lone, seemingly unproductive, fisherman. Maybe he should change his bait or his location. Perhaps he was just being patient, knowing if he didn't give up, he would have something to take home to his family.

Fishing?

I never understood why people enjoyed it so much, until I experienced the thrill of catching my first catfish in a small, private pond in Georgia. You've never seen such hooping and hollering out of a grown woman. Up until that experience I had found fishing a rather boring activity. Just give me a good book and I'd be glad to leave the fishing to my husband, Charlie. However, even after the fun and excitement of catching my first fish, I have discovered that nothing can compare with the joy and lasting satisfaction of fishing for men. Now, that's fishing!

Over the years I have been amazed to learn how much similarity there is between fishing for fish and fishing for men! The need for fishing in just the right location, with the right bait. The requirement of patience and persistence. Being ready with the proper equipment and having our timing perfected as to when to cast out our line. Willing to try new methods and go into uncharted waters. Studying our fishing manuals to learn from the experts. And without a doubt, being willing to be uncomfortable, dirty and inconvenienced. And oh, yes, don't forget those pesky bugs and mosquitoes!

I first heard the call of Jesus to be a fisher of men back in the fifties. Up until that time, I had worked pretty hard for the devil. Riding with the Hell's Angels, living with a gangster, and generally kicking up my heels, I had caused a lot of problems for everyone, especially my family. I certainly didn't look like a candidate for fisherman of the month! But God has a great sense of humor.

When the Good News of the Gospel penetrated my heart, I traded my Harley for a fishing pole. I just had to get busy in my new vocation as a fisher of men. In fact, that first morning at work, after the Lord reeled me in, I kept thinking, “I’ve got to tell somebody. I’ve got to tell somebody.” At this embryonic stage of my Christian experience, my knowledge of the Bible was limited to only a few exciting truths. One: Daniel did not get eaten in the lions’ den and... Two: God is real and alive! Not exactly appetizing fish bait.

However, armed with the knowledge that God was now inside me, I entered the cafeteria, and sat down in the only available chair. Immediately the young woman sitting across from me volunteered, "You know, my father died this week and when I was at his graveside, I didn’t even know how to pray.”

If a candid camera had been recording her unsolicited comment to me, and my subsequent reaction, my face would have surely registered shock. Pray? That was the buzz word! Looking into her distressed face I burst out enthusiastically, "Oh, you need to come with me Thursday night to a Bible study I'm attending. They'll teach you how to pray!" (I hadn't yet learned about the Four Spiritual Laws.)

Although I was a novice at soul winning, and seemingly said all the wrong things, this young lady eventually gave her heart to Christ. Her name? Rachel Abraham, a Jewess.

God honored my first, faltering attempt at fishing. The Master Fisherman was so patient with this rookie angler. Little did I dream what an exciting life He was leading me into. Becoming a fisher of men has taken me into the strangest of waters, using the weirdest of bait, and I've seen the most amazing selection of fish.

There have been hookers, drunks and drug addicts. Children of all shapes, sizes and races. Family members have included in-laws and outlaws. Some have wanted to go back into the water, and I've had to try to reel them in again. Others, like the Galilean fisherman, mistake my concern for nosiness. Those rejecting my efforts to share the gospel with them have only driven me back into my prayer closet. In spite of setbacks and failures, I'm learning an important lesson. It's my job to catch 'em.....but God's job to clean 'em.

In the following chapters I want to share a few of my fishing experiences with you. I hope when you've finished reading about them, you'll grab your pole, pick up your bait and get busy. Ain't nothing like a good mess of fish!

Prayer for Today

Dear Lord,

With your help, I will heed the call to be a “fisher of men.”

In Jesus name,

Amen

Jerri Tuck –

JERRITUCK@aol.com

If clicking on the e-mail address does not launch your email program, then simply copy and paste the address into your e-mail program and add "Please Subscribe me" to the subject line.

Go to..... The Next Chapter . . . . Back to T.O.C.




	GONE FISHIN’ by Jerri Tuck Introduction by Doug Krieger Twenty-two chapters await the reader of a book (yes, my sister beat me to it), nearly unique in Christendom – just try to find one – where true stories of souls being brought to Christ are recorded in a way that brings the gospel of the grace of God home to everyone. From Hell’s Angel to God’s Messenger – Jerri Tuck broke free into the arms of Jesus Who rescued her from the brink of catastrophe to become His witness of life out of death, of eternal beauty for the ashes of this world. We’re pleased to introduce these testimonials to you – to ignite the fires of evangelism within the Church…for we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe! This and many more such testimonies of rebirth will be found in our “Evangelism” section – it will be difficult to put them down because each story, each “newstrack” (another section under Evangelism) will call every believer to share their faith in belief that “some believed.” Prophetic? Better believe this is precisely that! Prior to “Reaping the Grapes of Wrath” (Rev. 14:17-20) – God in His infinite mercy, will, through “One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle” – shall be commended by “another angel (who) came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, ‘Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe’” (Revelation 14:14-16). We affirm these two harvests are utterly distinct in their import – one to everlasting life, the other to be thrust into “the great winepress of the wrath of God.” What you are about to read bespeaks of the former—everlasting life—of the Son of Man, the One with golden crown and a sharp sickle about to reap the harvest of the earth…for it is “ripe unto harvest.” No, not all will listen, will believe, will sprout and thrive…for many are called, but few are chosen…nevertheless, “a sower went forth to sow…and some fell on good soil…and bear much fruit…some a hundredfold! “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men…” Jerri’s Bio of Life “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” Romans 10:14-15 For over fifty years Jerri Tuck has served her Lord with passion and fervor. Before accepting Christ as her Savior, she rode motorcycles with the notorious Hell's Angels in California. A dramatic encounter with Jesus in a home Bible study changed the direction of her life in 1957. Jerri retired after 28 years in real estate and today she and her husband Charlie are actively spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in various ways. Jerri is the acting Chaplain at the Bleckley County Probation Center in Cochran, coordinating Bible studies and ministry outreaches to the inmates. She speaks at ladies retreats, writes a weekly column (Just Jerri) and has preached to thousands in overseas missionary engagements. When God said, "Who will go?" her response was immediate... "Here am I, Lord. Send me." Although Jerri and Charlie are Senior Citizens, age is not a determining factor in their desire to spread the Gospel. If the Lord says "Go" they are ready! Currently they are planning their third trip into Mexico to help a mission work in Reynosa. Jerri and Charlie have eight children, seventeen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They make their home in Cochran, Georgia, where they have been living since God led them there in 1974. Chapter 1 To The Jew First By Jerri Tuck “The fruit of the uncompromisingly righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives for God as a fisher of men...he gathers and receives them for eternity.” Proverbs 11:30 (Amp.) Watching the lone fisherman cast his line into the Sea of Galilee, I felt as though I were a part of history. The sun sank slowly in the Western sky and the slight chill of the early May evening caused me to walk a little faster. At a respectable distance I captured the scene with my camera and then decided to see if the hunched over man had caught anything. Trying to appear casual, I walked by, looking quickly into his fish pail. It sure didn't look like he had caught anything. Venturing bravely over to his side, I asked him if the fish were biting. He just shrugged, shaking his head from side to side. With his back hunched over, he pulled his hat further down over his forehead as if to say, "Tourists! None of their business anyway." I got the hint and, being careful not to slip on the rocky bank, gingerly backed away, quickly snapping another picture, just to make sure I had captured the moment. It was quite a sight. A solitary fisherman sitting on a rock, his line cast far out into the Sea of Galilee. Might even be a prize winning picture! I could just imagine one of the early disciples fishing in this same sea centuries ago. As I walked back up the beach to join my friends, my thoughts kept wandering back to the lone, seemingly unproductive, fisherman. Maybe he should change his bait or his location. Perhaps he was just being patient, knowing if he didn't give up, he would have something to take home to his family. Fishing? I never understood why people enjoyed it so much, until I experienced the thrill of catching my first catfish in a small, private pond in Georgia. You've never seen such hooping and hollering out of a grown woman. Up until that experience I had found fishing a rather boring activity. Just give me a good book and I'd be glad to leave the fishing to my husband, Charlie. However, even after the fun and excitement of catching my first fish, I have discovered that nothing can compare with the joy and lasting satisfaction of fishing for men. Now, that's fishing! Over the years I have been amazed to learn how much similarity there is between fishing for fish and fishing for men! The need for fishing in just the right location, with the right bait. The requirement of patience and persistence. Being ready with the proper equipment and having our timing perfected as to when to cast out our line. Willing to try new methods and go into uncharted waters. Studying our fishing manuals to learn from the experts. And without a doubt, being willing to be uncomfortable, dirty and inconvenienced. And oh, yes, don't forget those pesky bugs and mosquitoes! I first heard the call of Jesus to be a fisher of men back in the fifties. Up until that time, I had worked pretty hard for the devil. Riding with the Hell's Angels, living with a gangster, and generally kicking up my heels, I had caused a lot of problems for everyone, especially my family. I certainly didn't look like a candidate for fisherman of the month! But God has a great sense of humor. When the Good News of the Gospel penetrated my heart, I traded my Harley for a fishing pole. I just had to get busy in my new vocation as a fisher of men. In fact, that first morning at work, after the Lord reeled me in, I kept thinking, “I’ve got to tell somebody. I’ve got to tell somebody.” At this embryonic stage of my Christian experience, my knowledge of the Bible was limited to only a few exciting truths. One: Daniel did not get eaten in the lions’ den and... Two: God is real and alive! Not exactly appetizing fish bait. However, armed with the knowledge that God was now inside me, I entered the cafeteria, and sat down in the only available chair. Immediately the young woman sitting across from me volunteered, "You know, my father died this week and when I was at his graveside, I didn’t even know how to pray.” If a candid camera had been recording her unsolicited comment to me, and my subsequent reaction, my face would have surely registered shock. Pray? That was the buzz word! Looking into her distressed face I burst out enthusiastically, "Oh, you need to come with me Thursday night to a Bible study I'm attending. They'll teach you how to pray!" (I hadn't yet learned about the Four Spiritual Laws.) Although I was a novice at soul winning, and seemingly said all the wrong things, this young lady eventually gave her heart to Christ. Her name? Rachel Abraham, a Jewess. God honored my first, faltering attempt at fishing. The Master Fisherman was so patient with this rookie angler. Little did I dream what an exciting life He was leading me into. Becoming a fisher of men has taken me into the strangest of waters, using the weirdest of bait, and I've seen the most amazing selection of fish. There have been hookers, drunks and drug addicts. Children of all shapes, sizes and races. Family members have included in-laws and outlaws. Some have wanted to go back into the water, and I've had to try to reel them in again. Others, like the Galilean fisherman, mistake my concern for nosiness. Those rejecting my efforts to share the gospel with them have only driven me back into my prayer closet. In spite of setbacks and failures, I'm learning an important lesson. It's my job to catch 'em.....but God's job to clean 'em. In the following chapters I want to share a few of my fishing experiences with you. I hope when you've finished reading about them, you'll grab your pole, pick up your bait and get busy. Ain't nothing like a good mess of fish! Prayer for Today Dear Lord, With your help, I will heed the call to be a “fisher of men.” In Jesus name, Amen Jerri Tuck – JERRITUCK@aol.com Sign up for weekly articles for *JUST JERRI* - just ask Jerri (JERRITUCK@aol.com) If clicking on the e-mail address does not launch your email program, then simply copy and paste the address into your e-mail program and add "Please Subscribe me" to the subject line. Go to..... The Next Chapter . . . . Back to T.O.C.