The Captain Richard Bejcek SkyDive Fundraiser
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TO FACE EXTERNAL FORCES ~ AN INTERCHANGE IS NEEDED
As a child, Richard Bejcek watched his father methodically place small bookmarks in the
pages of their Church Hymnals. His father was preparing his hymnal for when everyone in the
pews would raise their voices in song during the worship services at San Gabriel Presbyterian
Church in California, and then later at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. With
a desire to prepare for worship, Richard too has marked his songs. In refl ection Richard offered,
“Those years were the foundation that formed my faith. As the challenges of life came along, I see
how God strengthened my faith and the ‘right thing to do’ would become clear. Even while raising
my children, I was receiving guidance and direction from God because I could not have handled
the challenges on my own, which increased my faith. While serving in the Church, I had so much
peace in the Lord which led to my understanding that eternal life is part of faith and whatever God
deemed appropriate, I would completely abide by.”
With a long career as a pilot, Richard, known as “Captain Dick” and “Papa Dick” to his
grandchildren, has had transformative moments from flying above the clouds. Despite his extensive
training and experience, God was present amidst fierce thunderstorms. Incredible circumstances
continually proved Captain Dick’s faith was grounded in the God who displayed His power in storms
and earthquakes, guiding him and his “precious cargo” safely home. As paraphrased from one of
Richard’s favorite poems by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
High Flight
“And many times as I flew high above the surly bounds of earth,
among the sun-split clouds, I felt like I could reach out and touch the face of GOD.”
What else would Richard’s faith require of him? A cancer diagnosis?
“When I was diagnosed, I knew my faith would be tested, but God helped me. Against all odds,
God provided not just 1 but 3 perfect donor matches for a bone marrow transplant. This happened
quickly, and within weeks, God led me toward a life-saving cure! I felt Him say, ‘Let’s climb through
this window and see what we can do with a Stem Cell Transplant.’
THE INTERCHANGE BEGAN!
POP Chaplain AnneMarie Wallace arrived at my hospital room, listened to my concerns,
and has prayed with my family throughout this incredible journey. Her presence provided spiritual
encouragement and hope. We also felt this abundant support from Bain Head, Mary Ella Price, Jan
and Bill Glasner, and their family who graciously opened their beautiful home and Carriage House
for us. God showed up BIG through POP in providing more than we could have imagined. I’m so
grateful for the relentless advocacy of my daughter, Bethany, along with the ongoing care and love
from my son, Terry, my daughter, Allison, and my precious grandchildren. Wonderful friends and
prayer warriors from my career, church and community far and wide are all praying for me.
Before this, just dealing with the medical, there was something lacking.
The addition of spiritual care has helped me believe in the good Lord guiding the great
medical teams; coordinating both the spiritual and the medical aspects of my care! We experienced
Physicians and Nurses embracing their spirituality in my hospital and clinic rooms, which was
a great source of healing for me. Last but certainly not least, my immense thanks go to the very
special transplant donor who willingly sacrifi ced so that I may live for a cure. Countless patients
deal with illness, nausea, weakness and anxiety – in the coordination of Spiritual Care and the
wisdom of the medical teams, God strengthens our mind, heart, soul and body!
‘NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!’”
Please join us in raising funds for PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (POP)
GOAL – $555,000!
500 represents the number of POP Volunteer Lay Chaplains!
50 represents the number of years POP has been serving patients and families!
5 represents the international locations!
THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL CARE IS GREAT!