(Reprint of a Tri-County News article from Thursday, Nov. 28, 1976.) “What are you living for?” If 20 people were asked that question, they might give 20 different answers. “I’m living for: yesterday, today, tomorrow, a raise, Saturday night’s party, money, a new car, my child, my wife, a college education, fame, a career, adventure, the family farm, vacation, a new house, more clothes, cigarettes, food, alcohol.” Jim Mackereth believes that if you live for Jesus Christ, all other matters and priorities in your life will fit into their proper and necessary places. It has always interested me to glance at the “before” and the “after” photographs and vital statistics of people who have enrolled in a weight watching program. I am amazed at the differences in their total appearance, and their smiles of final success and self-acceptance are very evident. Jim has a “before” and an “after” also. He did not gain a new self image, but a new freedom, ability to love, awareness of others and a security about his future. He was born in 1953 to Dean and Betty Mackereth. As one of five children, Jim grew up on the family farm three miles south of Kimball. His childhood memories are fond ones, with particular emphasis on agriculture, the outdoors, high school sports and dramatics, and church on Sundays. However, life is not always the bed of roses we have worked so hard to plant. On Dec. 24, 1970, Jim suffered a slipped disc from a football injury and was operated on and forced to miss one-third of his senior year of high school. (Contrary to my assumption, Jim felt that being in the hospital at Christmas was one of the happiest times to be there.) Ten days after graduating from Kimball Area High School, Jim enrolled in an agricultural business course at Crookston. Having received an AA degree in two years, he returned home and began work at Malco Tools. That experience with its ensuing relationships made Jim realize that his future would not be in a factory and that his past life should be questioned. The logical step to take seemed in the direction of further education at the University of Minnesota. He arrived on campus the day before classes were to begin and Jim found himself homeless. As a last resort, Jim boarded at a fraternity house and, before he realized what had happened, he was a “pledge” and then a “brother” engaged in all the various fraternity activities. Two years later, Jim quit school and returned to the farm. He had been spending time with a Christian friend whom he had met while working at Malco and who had made him reconsider his present lifestyle and its meaning. Throughout all these years and changes, Jim said that his parents felt that “it has always been up to me to do what I think is right. My family has trusted me, and I certainly have made my share of mistakes.” Jim’s “after” followed his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Savior two years ago. As he looked back over his life, he realized God had a purpose in his back injury, which has prevented him from doing any heavy labor necessary in farming. He feels that the purpose behind the fraternity experience is the enabling of his understanding of and sensitivity to young people. He began teaching Sunday School, working with the Lutheran Church’s Youth Group, and witnessing with the Kennedy Evangelism Group. Jim still finds time for one of his favorite pasttimes – traveling on his motorcycle. He has journeyed to new Mexico, Colorado, Idaho and Canada. He occasionally is able to fit in a religious retreat sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ. Another enjoyable occupation for Jim is that of spectator at local high school events. While sister Julie is serving a volleyball, Jim may be serving a fellow fan some friendship or advice. In January, Jim Mackereth will commence his education at Concordia’s Teacher College in Seward, Neb. He is currently considering a degree in Christian education with mission work an alternate possibility. “After” does not mean “end.” I have described Jim’s religious rebirth as an “after” event, in comparison to his previous lifestyle not to signify the end of a certain way of living, but rather the beginning of a better way. It is exciting to fellowship with one who holds so much hope, faith and love. I hope that more of you will have this opportunity with Jim Mackereth before he leaves for college in January. ********** This is just the beginning of another “Once-in-a-Lifetime-Year” so keep a close watch on these “History Matters” columns and special events as 2008 unfolds its eighth year. Thank you for your ongoing support. It’s membership time, so we encourage you to renew or join us in continuing to tell and preserve the rich Kimball area story. ********** Good things to look forward to: New or renewed friendships through membership, 2008 meetings begin in late February (exact date to be announced), Kimball area Community and Business Expo late March (watch for announcements in this newspaper), April and June meetings (all regular meetings include a program or special speaker), with May, June and August summer events we sponsor. A 2008 landmark event will be the introduction of Kimball’s history city hall’s 100th birthday and the completion of its phase three (exterior) restoration. You won’t want to miss these and other special occasions and celebrations expected in the next 12 months. We look forward to meeting you there. Besides all the above, we offer year ’round visits to Kimball’s roots through keepsake cookbooks at Knaus Sausage House, souvenir gifts at the State Bank of Kimball and these history columns. ********** For more information, memberships, stories for this column, growing your genealogy, tax-deductible donations and memorials to the city hall restoration, or anything mentioned above, contact The Kimball Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 100, Kimball MN 55353, or phone (320) 398-5743 or (320) 398-5250 or toll-free (800) 252-2521. ********** Indexers return to record history at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, in Kimball City Hall. ********** “Your story is the greatest legacy you will leave.”
