OPINION: Art’s legacy, C.A.S.T. for Kids, and a glimpse of the Kingdom

When Art died unexpectedly last fall, his wife Jennifer directed all memorial donations to C.A.S.T. for Kids.  Having not heard of the organization, I checked it out.  www.castforkids.org.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is about “enriching the lives of children with special needs through fishing.”  Through their events, kids with special needs come with their caretakers and join community volunteers for a day of fishing that they would not otherwise be able to enjoy.  In addition to enriching children, Jay Yelas, Executive Director and Bassmaster Elite Series Pro says the organization “supports their families and strengthens communities through the sport of fishing.  We empower families and communities to celebrate children with special needs, making these children feel valued and loved so they can overcome limitations and be successful.”

This year, C.A.S.T. for Kids will host over 100 events throughout the nation serving over 7,000 kids with special needs and their families.  They will involve nearly 4,000 community volunteers.  Indeed, C.A.S.T. for Kids is making a difference in the lives of special needs children.

A couple years ago, the good folks at Indian Lake in Cedar Grove, TN brought an event to West Tennessee.  Knowing Jennifer and being aware of Art’s love for C.A.S.T. for Kids, I had to see it myself. 

Saturday, I drove over to Indian Lake.  Signs and blue balloons directed the way.  Cars lined the road by the registration table.  It was only morning, but when I opened the door to get out of the car, I was immediately blasted by the West Tennessee humidity.

I talked to a gentleman there and heard how he worked to bring C.A.S.T. for Kids to this area.  He has a grandson with Autism, and he has a love for fishing.  He combined his passion for fishing and the need of his grandson.  This was the second year that the event has been hosted here in West Tennessee.

Kids were wearing their caps and lifejackets and carrying fishing poles and tackle boxes.  Adult volunteers were getting their gear ready and loading kids in boats.  Some kids were fishing off the dock.

I stood on the dock with a non-verbal Down Syndrome boy in a wheel chair and his parents.  He wasn’t able to communicate, but when he pulled a fish up out of the water his face lit up and his eyes got as big as saucers.  I don’t have the words to describe his inexpressible joy.  I’m glad a volunteer held on to his pole, because he immediately let go and started clapping ecstatically. 

Everyone ate bar-b-que together for lunch and enjoyed the award ceremony for all the kids and the fishing they had done that day.  Few things are more special than watching a kid with special needs go up front to receive their award at a ceremony.

Watching the kids I thought of Jesus words: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”  (Luke 18:16-17)   Seeing the volunteers I remembered what the Apostle Paul said.  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  (Philippians 2:3-4)

The sun was beating down on us all day.  There were lots of smiles.  Hundreds of pictures were being taken of happy kids.  Off and on throughout the day, I thought about Art.

As kids were fishing on Indian Lake last Saturday, I didn’t see anyone walking on water, but I’m pretty sure I saw Jesus.

Todd E. Brady serves as Staff Chaplain and Advanced Funeral Planner at Arrington Funeral Directors.  He and his wife, Amy have five sons.  You may write to him at tbrady@afgemail.net.