Dr. John Spore Receives Fay Boozman Award

Dr. John Spore, left, of Mountain Home receives this year’s Fay Boozman Award from Family Council President Jerry Cox.

Dr. John Spore of Mountain Home was the recipient of the 2018 Fay Boozman Award, given annually by the Arkansas Physicians Resource Council division of Family Council. In honor of the late Dr. Fay Boozman, this award honors Christian physicians who live as Dr. Boozman lived—striving to honor and glorify God by cherishing his family, and serving well in his medical practice, in his ministry to church, community and world missions, and as a leader in his state.

Dr. Fay Boozman (1946-2005) was an ophthalmologist in Rogers, Arkansas. He served in the Arkansas Senate from 1995-1998. He directed the Arkansas Department of Health from 1999-2005 until his sudden death as a result of a farming accident.

Dr. Spore was honored with the award at a surprise dinner with family, friends and colleagues on Saturday, February 26 at Gaston’s Restaurant. Nominated by Dr. Lonnie Robinson, Dr. Spore was selected by a panel which reviews nominations from across the state and interviews the nominees’ families and friends. A graduate of Sterling College and The University Kansas Medical School, Dr. Spore moved to Mountain Home in 1988 and joined Ozark Surgical Group. He loves Mountain Home—its beauty and its people. It is apparent that the community has a mutual affection for him.

In nominating Dr. Spore, Dr. Robinson said, “John is known as a Christ-follower by his patients, colleagues and other staff members. His faith is evident to those around him, whether he is on the hospital floors, in the operating room, or busy in clinic. His interactions with nursing and operating room staff reflect his commitment as a Christ-follower, and he regularly shares this faith with patients and others that come across his path.”

Through his church, Dr. Spore became involved in several medical missions in Brazil for a number of years. After a local group returned from a trip to Brazil one year, two local churches joined together to start the Mountain Home Christian Clinic. Dr. Spore served on the Board of Directors for the Mountain Home Christian Clinic for many years. He has provided care to many in the Mountain Home area regardless of their financial circumstances.

For the last several years, Dr. Spore and his wife Cheryl have been very involved with and passionate about the Hope Rising Children’s Home in Haiti. He has regularly led multiple teams of physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other volunteers on mission trips to the orphanage. They are most excited that a medical clinic is now being built on the Hope Rising property.

John and Cheryl have been married for 38 years and have raised four children. They continue to be a tight-knit family now that they have grandchildren. Their marriage is known to be one that displays Christ, and they are an encouragement to many other married couples in their circle of influence.

Dr. Spore’s life and actions show a clear, committed heart of service at home and in Haiti. Dr. Spore says simply that he is blessed beyond measure.

Ten Commandments Monument to Return this Spring

According to UALR Public Radio, a new monument of the Ten Commandments will be built on the Capitol lawn sometime this spring:

A new Ten Commandments monument will likely be placed at the Arkansas State Capitol in April. It’s a replacement for one destroyed last June, less than 24 hours after it was unveiled, by a driver who intentionally crashed his car into it.

Chris Powell, a spokesman for the Secretary of State’s office, says they’ve decided to wait until after the legislature wraps up the fiscal session, then a special session, so that the grounds won’t be as busy and heavy equipment can be brought in.

You may recall the Arkansas Legislature authorized the monument in 2015.

Many expect the replacement monument to include some sort of barricade or other feature to prevent it from being destroyed by another vehicle.

Meanwhile the ACLU has said it plans to file a lawsuit against the State of Arkansas as soon as the monument is built — despite the fact courts have ruled an identical monument in Texas constitutional.

Family Council Saddened at the Passing of Billy Graham

Little Rock, Ark. – On Wednesday, the Reverend Billy Graham passed away. Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Reverend Billy Graham. He was one of the most respected Christian leaders in the world. I had the opportunity to attend one of his revival meetings at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock in the late 1980’s. No one knows how many lives he touched.”

Cox said part of what set Billy Graham apart was his care for elected officials. “I’ve always admired the way Billy Graham could minister to everyday people and presidents alike. He believed our elected leaders needed God’s wisdom and our prayers. That’s something I really appreciate.”

Cox said Billy Graham was like no one else. “Maybe once in a lifetime a person steps onto the stage, and they make such an impact that no one can take their place. Billy Graham was such a person—a man without peer who simply loved God and followed Him as best he could.”

Family Council is a conservative education and research organization based in Little Rock.

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