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    River Tales: The Life of Jonah Creek
    River Tales: The Life of Jonah Creek
    River Tales: The Life of Jonah Creek
    Ebook83 pages1 hour

    River Tales: The Life of Jonah Creek

    By Marvin McKenzie

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    About this ebook

     

    **Explore the Heart of the American West in *River Tales: The Life of Jonah Creek***

    Step into the life of Jonah Creek, shaped by the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. This collection of interconnected short stories captures Jonah's journey on the Columbia River and the rugged terrain of Douglas County, Washington. Through childhood joys and adult trials, these narratives explore resilience, faith, and the bonds of family.

    **A Journey Through Time**

    Set on a sprawling 16,000-acre cattle ranch, the stories transport readers through pivotal moments that shape Jonah's character. From learning the values of hard work as a boy to the challenges of adulthood, Jonah's experiences echo the spirit of the land.

    **Key Stories in the Collection:**

    1. **River and Range**: Jonah learns the ropes of ranch life along the Columbia River.

    2. **The Skyfall**: A plane crash ignites a fire, testing Jonah's resourcefulness.

    3. **Yellow Bag Fever**: At 14, Jonah rides the range, tracking sick and downed cattle.

    4. **The Cougar on the Path**: A cougar encounter teaches Jonah about courage.

    5. **Homecoming Heist**: A prank involving a fire during a football game leads to a lesson in accountability.

    6. **Under the Waves**: Jonah's Navy service aboard a submarine highlights sacrifice and friendship.

    7. **The Wallace Rally Incident**: Jonah narrowly escapes jeopardizing his military clearance.

    8. **Riding the Wild**: Returning home, Jonah learns humility through bronc riding.

    9. **Fast Tracks**: Jonah balances drag racing with ranch responsibilities.

    10. **Crossing the Divide**: As a ferry pilot, Jonah navigates a storm, solidifying his role as a protector.

    11. **Faith in the Wilderness**: Jonah reflects on his spiritual journey with childhood sweetheart Ruth.

    12. **The Great Wildfire of Omak**: A wildfire threatens Jonah's home, prompting neighbors to band together.

    13. **Inferno in Pateros**: Jonah's son and son-in-law battle the Carlton Complex Fire, facing the devastation of their hometown.

    14. **Legacy of the Land**: Jonah gathers his family for a reunion, sharing stories and wisdom about resilience.

    **Themes of Resilience and Community**

    *River Tales* celebrates the spirit of the American West through stories rich in emotion and adventure. Jonah's journey showcases values of resilience, faith, and community, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and connections.

    **A Tribute to Family**

    Though a work of fiction, *River Tales* draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of Larry and Joy Humborg and their family. The stories honor their resilience and connections formed in rural America.

    **Join Jonah on His Journey**

    Embark on this adventure with Jonah Creek as he navigates the challenges of ranch life and faith. Each story celebrates the beauty and struggles of life, reflecting the values that bind us all.

    **Available Now!**

    *River Tales: The Life of Jonah Creek* invites you to experience a captivating collection celebrating the enduring spirit of family and the land they call home.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMarvin McKenzie
    Release dateOct 26, 2024
    ISBN9798227310163
    River Tales: The Life of Jonah Creek
    Author

    Marvin McKenzie

    Pastor Marvin McKenzie was saved at the age of eighteen. He has planted and pastored churches in Washington and Oregon. Involved in planting 10 churches[1] Executive Vice President of Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College, San Dimas, CA[2] and then Heartland Baptist Bible College, OKC OK.  Pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Puyallup, WA 19 years (December 1999-present) Celebrated 35th anniversary of ordination December 29, 2018 Published 65 books relating to Bible Study, Baptist History and Devotionals   Marvin and Anita have two sons; both serve in Baptist churches in Washington State. [1] I was a founding member of two of them, the co-founder of one, founder of one and sent men out of our church to plant the others. [2] I negotiated the sale of the PCBBC campus previous to the college’s move to OKC. I served as the first EVP at Heartland.

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      Book preview

      River Tales - Marvin McKenzie

      River Tales:

      The Life of Jonah Creek

      Marvin McKenzie

      chatgpt

      Dedication

      To Larry and Joy Humborg , whose testimonies have shaped not only their lives but also the lives of their children. Your commitment to family and faith is truly an inspiration.

      This book, though a work of fiction, draws deeply from the essence of your family's journey—filled with adventure, and the beauty of the land you call home.

      To Cody, Tessa, and son-in-law Dylan Gamble, may your lives continue to reflect the values instilled by your parents. Your unique stories and experiences enrich this narrative, and it is my hope that you find pieces of yourselves within these pages.

      Additionally, a heartfelt recognition goes to your other children and grandchildren, whose laughter and love bring joy to your family gatherings. May the legacy of love and faith that you all carry forward serve as a reminder to cherish each moment and embrace the adventures that life offers. Thank you for being the inspiration behind these tales.

      Dedication

      Foreword

      River and Range

      The Skyfall

      Yellow Bag Fever

      The Cougar on the Path

      The Homecoming Blaze

      Under the Waves

      Freedom's Edge

      Riding the Wild

      Fast Tracks

      Crossing the Divide

      Ruth

      Faith in the Wilderness

      The Wildfire of ’92

      The Carlton Complex Fire

      Legacy of the Land

      Postscript

      Foreword

      In a world that often rushes past the beauty of our roots, the stories within these pages invite you to pause, reflect, and embrace the journey of life. River Tales: The Life of Jonah Creek" is a heartfelt collection that chronicles the experiences of Jonah Creek—a man whose life is interwoven with the land he loves, the family he cherishes, and the faith that guides him.

      From his humble beginnings on a cattle ranch to his adventures in the Navy, Jonah's journey encapsulates the trials and triumphs that shape us all. Each story serves as a window into a world where the simple joys of ranch life blend with the complexities of growing up, raising a family, and navigating the unexpected challenges that life throws our way. Through Jonah's eyes, we witness the raw beauty of nature, the camaraderie of community, and the importance of strength in the face of adversity.

      These tales are more than mere anecdotes; they are lessons in humility, courage, and the power of faith. Whether it’s battling a wildfire that threatens his home or reflecting on the lessons learned from family gatherings, Jonah’s experiences remind us of the fragile line between survival and disaster. Each chapter speaks to the heart of what it means to cultivate a life rooted in gratitude and love.

      As you turn the pages, you will meet the steadfast Ruth, Jonah's sweetheart, whose unwavering support and faith have been the bedrock of their family. You will witness the growth of their children and the legacy they pass down to their grandchildren—a legacy steeped in the rich tapestry of the land they call home.

      This collection is an homage to the values that bind us together: family, community, and the divine thread of faith that weaves through our lives. As Jonah reflects on his past, he invites us to consider our own journeys, encouraging us to cherish our roots while daring to dream of the future.

      May these stories inspire you as you build your own legacy, to cultivate resilience in the face of life’s storms, and to find joy in the simple moments that shape who we are.

      River and Range

      Jonah Creek sat in the back seat of the family’s dusty pickup, clutching the worn handle on the door as the truck rattled and bumped down the winding dirt road that led to his family’s new ranch. They’d left behind a small, tidy house and a few scrawny acres near town, heading deep into Douglas County toward a sprawling land his father had managed to buy by a miracle and hard work, as he put it. Jonah had never seen 16,000 acres of anything, let alone cattle range, and he had a mix of excitement and nerves churning in his stomach.

      The truck crested a rise, and Jonah’s breath caught in his throat. Before them stretched miles of open land, bordered by the shimmering Columbia River to the west and the rugged rise of the mountains to the east. Hills rolled out in waves, and tall grasses caught in the breeze made the ground seem alive, rippling and shifting.

      His father, John Creek, parked the truck and looked back at him. What do you think, son?

      It’s... it’s big, Jonah stammered, his eyes wide. 

      John chuckled, his own eyes twinkling with pride. That it is. Big enough for plenty of work. But you’re old enough now. Got hands strong enough to handle a little hard labor, don’t you think? He squeezed Jonah’s shoulder, a steadying grip that reminded Jonah of the trust his father had in him.

      Jonah nodded eagerly, though he felt unsure if he was truly ready. Yes, sir.

      They spent the first few days getting settled into the old farmhouse that had come with the land. It was rugged and drafty, with squeaky floorboards and narrow windows, but Jonah was enchanted by the sense of history woven into every corner. His room overlooked the hills, and each morning he’d wake to the sight of the vast range, feeling both small and exhilarated.

      By the end of that week, his father handed him a set of gloves and took him out to learn the ropes. The sun was still low in the sky,

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