Who is "Nevada Steve?"

NEVADA STEVE…My Hero

"Nevada Steve" was my hero! There are many reasons why he captured my attention and heart; not simply because he was my father but because he was unique in so many ways. His life span of 84 years had taken him from the days of the horse and buggy, the untamed west into the space age. He was one of the last of the old-time cowboys. He found it difficult to catch up with modern times. He was reluctant to let go of the past, almost as though he knew that once the old west was gone, it would be gone forever. The old was a treasure from the past that he carried with him to share with those of us who face an uncertain future.

For thousands and thousands of people, “Nevada Steve" will be remembered as their only touch with the days of long ago."Nevada Steve" was a man of unusual contrast; on the one hand, he exhibited a strength of character and uncompromising conviction that commanded a respect wherever he went. He was a natural born leader. He was very cautious not to do or say anything that could be misunderstood to be weakness. On the other hand, he had warmth, a gentleness, a tenderness that is not often found in close combination with his kind of strength.

During leisure moments, Dad was seldom without a pencil in his hand. With it he would hastily sketch out a picture or write a poem on any piece of paper that was available and then give it away. This was Dad's way of communicating his warm thoughts of love, appreciation or acknowledgement which he could not express comfortably in other ways.

Dad truly loved people. He loved to be around them. He always saw them as someone for whom Christ died. He was anxious to witness to them of God's saving grace. As a result, seldom did he ever miss an opportunity to witness. It made no difference to him whether or not it was at the post office, gas station, restaurant, or to a stranger that he chanced to meet on the street; all were candidates for a gospel witness. However, his witness was at its best when he was behind a pulpit or witnessing to his beloved Indians. There he was at home! There is where he belonged! He was the most successful soul-winner that I have ever met. Dad's anxious desire to reach people for Christ took its toll. The many hours and miles he spent away from home seemed to demand that he spend time alone. He needed time, he would say, "to get my batteries recharged." He had a little room near the barn that he used as a studio. Here is where he would go early in the morning to read his Bible and pray. Here is where he could be alone with God. Here is where he would meditate as he spent a quiet hour working on an oil painting (he painted hundreds).

Here is where he could enjoy his horses. Here is where he planted the seeds of his ministry. Here is where he dreamed of souls being born again and lives changed. Here is where you would have heard his cry and seen his tears for the lost. Here is where you would have met my hero. Here is where you would have met that part of "Nevada Steve" that made him so different from the common man.

The "Nevada Steve" of the last 40 years of his life stands in stark contrast to the "Nevada Steve" of his first 40 years. "Nevada Steve" the cowboy, performer, man of the world, in pursuit of fame and fortune - through conversion to Christ (like Saul the persecutor of Christ became Paul the Apostle of Christ), became "Nevada Steve" the servant of Christ to the forgotten Navajo. If I did not believe in God or believe that God was the God of all grace for any other reason, I would believe it because of the great change that took place in my dad's life after his conversion to Christ.

"Nevada Steve" now "being dead yet speaketh" to us on this wise: his testimony was such that some will be inspired to follow his example of sacrifice, dedication, boldness and soul-winning. Dad once wrote, "Who will be my brother's keeper? Who will bring the light of the glorious gospel of grace to those who are lost in the darkness of sin? Beloved, don't you think we owe the “Red Man” much? Don't you think we should take him the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ? Could that person be you?

♦Picture Album of Nevada Steve♦