Episode 48: Don Long, Bootstraps Theology

One80

Losing both parents at 12, Don Long quickly figured out how to navigate the world in what he calls, “bootstraps theology,” figuring life out on his own and taking no punches. But Don’s theology only got him into trouble, even a knife fight. A loving step mother and caring mentors guided Don to the only source to really pull him out of his bootstraps–Jesus Christ.
Don never thought he would make it past 18. But a kind mentor brought him to church. Don said of his early church days, "I literally would slip and sit in the back row. And then before the 'men' was done with 'amen,' I was out of there." God answered Don's desperate prayer to be able to read and understand the Bible, and from that moment, his life was changed. Don is now a pastor at Valley Church in West Des Moines, Iowa, where he heads up Valley Global missions.
Helpful links:
Transcript of the show
Don's Church, Valley Church, West Des Moines, IA
John 10:10
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble," Bible verse
Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, WI
"My sheep hear my voice," Bible verse
"For such a time as this," book of Esther, meaning
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise," Bible verse

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1. Episode 48: Don Long, Bootstraps Theology (00:00:00)

2. Mom gets diagnosed with cancer (00:02:30)

3. Dad was underemployed (00:04:45)

4. Stealing cigarettes (00:05:59)

5. Growing up in a rough trailer park (00:08:10)

6. Father dies, now an orphan (00:08:27)

7. Remembering father's illness (00:10:50)

8. Getting angry at God (00:13:07)

9. Stepmom wants to set Don straight (00:17:30)

10. Coming to church for sports (00:20:10)

11. "I can do this Christian thing." (00:21:30)

12. Confusing Christian terms (00:23:34)

13. Getting a Bible (00:25:50)

14. "I'm a father to the fatherless." (00:29:20)

15. Getting baptized (00:32:10)

16. Purdue Christian men doing life together (00:34:30)

17. "Me, a pastor?" (00:36:40)

18. Shooting star from God (00:38:10)

19. Last Question (00:38:45)

20. Sendoff, Blind Tony (00:41:25)