Dr. Lee D. Kinzer

Dr. Lee D. Kinzer, 80 of Berne formerly of Markle and Upland passed away at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at his residence. He was born on April 11, 1932 in Wildwood, Pennsylvania, a son of Walter R. and Ruth M. (Detrude) Kinzer. Dr. Kinzer was united in marriage to Dawn Shumaker on September 18, 1954 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. As co-founder of the Markle Medical Center, Dr. Kinzer honored his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through his 34 years of medical service to the communities of Markle, Warren and Bluffton. A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and loyal friend, Dr. Kinzer fervently walked this earth with one simple goal: to love God and to love people. Survivors include his wife: Dawn Kinzer of Berne; his three sons: Mark (Jami) Kinzer of Saginaw, Michigan; Dr. Michael (Ellen) Kinzer of Fort Wayne; Matthew (Julie) Kinzer of Fort Wayne; his three daughters: Lea (Mike) Bergman of Noblesville; Laurel (Scott) Dean of Indianapolis; Lynne (Mike) Steiner of Leo; 19 grandchildren and four spouses; 1 great-grandchild; his two brothers: Ken (Terry) Kinzer and Chuck (Bobbi) Kinzer and two sisters: Ethel Jane (Dean) Weaver and Betty Lou (Russell) Miller. Three siblings preceded him in death. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 29, 2012 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Myers Funeral Home Markle Chapel, 415 N. Lee Street, Markle, Indiana. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the Markle United Methodist Church, 145 W. Morse Street, Markle, Indiana. Memorials may be made out to Markle United Methodist Church Missions, Berne Evangelical Church Missions or to Lee and Dawn Kinzer Taylor University Endowed Scholarship all in care of Myers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 403, Markle, IN 46770. "Playing in the Major League" By Leroy D. Kinzer Pittsburgh, Pa. My philosophy of life was "get everything you can with the least amount of effort." Two years have now passed since I became a Christian. Looking back, I see a castle of sand which crumbled at my feet, but in its place I have reality, the Lord Jesus Christ. When I was fourteen years old my one ambition was to play major league baseball. For four years all my energies and thoughts were di- rected toward this goal. It is some- times true if you want anything bad enough you can have it. After playing a season for five different teams the great opportunity knocked at the door. Among 192 young men I found myself waiting for the big tryout. Somehow I knew before I stepped on the diamond that I would he chosen. Five pitched balls was all it JOok. The scout handed me the contract. Five pitched balls and the world was at my feet! Five pitched balls and I started up the ladder of success! The ambition of many an American boy had become a reality. I was now officially signed up with the st. Louis Cardinals. Nights were spent in dreaming of the day when my name would be spread across the front page of the sports section of the newspapers. Behind the scenes of my worldly success God was working. God always works when Christians pray. There was a Christian sister and brother who knew my heart' could never rest until I found rest in Christ. The last tournament game of the season was being played. The score was two to one in favor of the other team. We needed at least two runs to win the game. I was on third base, and as the pitcher stretched for his last effort-to win the game I ran toward home with a sudden burst of speed, trying to tie the score and to be the hero of the tournament. As I slid into home the accident occurred and shattered my' ambitions. My back was seriously injured, though it was several weeks before I would consent to an examination. When the doctor finally examined me and gave his diagnosis my world fell apart. Seventeen days on my back and wearing a bracefor a year and a half were only part of the story. The verdict was "No more baseball." I became ·bitter and cynical toward myself and my friends. Why should success so easily achieved be swept away in a moment of time? Now I know the answer. God in His mercy and grace_was·takingfrom me corruptible and worthless fame to give me instead eternal life, peace and joy. Christian young people began to holcl,prayer meetings in my home. Some of them gave me tracts and literature to read. At first Iwas belligerent, but finally I consented to attend services at a Christian camp. It was there that my stubborn, willful, selfish heart was conquered by Jesus Christ: On July 16, 1952, I became a new creature in Christ. All the vain things that once filled my vision became meaningless. Now there is only one goal before me-to please and serve Christ. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil" (PROV. 3:5,6). It has been four years since my accident. God has graciously restored me to health again and the offer to play in the major leagues still stands. But now I'm on the Lord's side. More thrilling than seeing one's name on the spbrts page is to know that your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. My ambition now is to serve Christ in the Major League. My fiancee and I will soon be married and we shall be entering university to prepare for full-time Christian service. Activity Briefs Batesville, Ark. Two youth camps were held at Trail's End during July under the leadership of Rev. and Mrs. David' Carlson. Mrs. Carlson taught the daily Bible lessons .and Mrs. Helen Cedar represented Ecuador, South America. Because some public schools were in session many young people were unable to attend. Sixteen boys and girls were registered for the junior camp. Rev. Chester Damron was evangelist and Mrs. Damron gave daily object lessons. Seven professed to be saved during camp. Nineteen young people were registered for the senior camp which followed. Mrs. George Hall was the evangelist, and other speakers were Miss Martha Borland and Rev. George Hall. Three fellows and five girls gave their hearts to the Lord. It was a joy to note the interest in the study and memorization of the Word and the deepening in the spiritual lives of the Christian young people. Los Angeles, Calif. The young peo- 'pIe of the West Washington Community Church held a very successful Youth Night on the evening of July-25: "The Fourfold Gospel" ",'as the theme chosen for the' service, with a representative from each of the four participating age groups speaking on one of the topics. Speakers were Evelyn McGinnis, Bob Redmon, Bill Maize and Mrs. L. Holland. Special music consisted of solos and a girls quartet. A lively song and testimony service was led by Donna Rowell; the AYF president, Chrissie Cormack, was chairman. THE ALLIANCE ,"VEEKLY