Auto Industry Experiences Change
by Torrey H. Brinkley
Recent headlines have noted that the automobile industry in the USA is experiencing profund changes. Big pickup trucks and large SUV sales are plummeting, as customers search out newer economical alternatives in the wake of extremely high fuel prices. Overall sales of vehicles in the USA, will drop from a high of 19 million units a few years ago to perhaps under 15 million for 2008. Major manufacturers are wrestling with organizational and financial challenges to help turn a profit in these difficult times.
However, this is not the first time that the auto industry has had to shift gears, re-think their product mix, and move in a different direction from the recent successful past. Look at the historic record to see that automobile manufacturers rarely have had 5-6 consecutive years of continuous profits and smooth-sailing:
**DEPRESSED AUTO SALES. 1929 to 35 was the Great Depression, which wiped out many previously successful auto companies. Money was so tight, that average folk just could not afford to buy a car.
**BRIEF RECOVERY PERIOD. 1936-41 was a re-grouping period, when many cars became sleeker and more modern. Wealthier folk, who had money, did buy cars.
**TANKS NOT CARS. 1941-46, however, brought all auto manufacturing to a halt, as World War II saw U.S. car plants turned into war production facilities. The men went off to Europe & Asia to fight a bloody war, while women went to work on the assembly lines, wondering what the future of the world might be.
**PUTTING AMERICANS BACK ON THE ROAD. 1946-50 saw re-tooling of the postwar plants, with some new attempts to provide Americans with their first cars: Kaiser, Crosley, Frazier, Jeep, etc.
**TRYING TO GET MODERN.1951-54 saw the first major remodeling and restyling efforts, as cars became a major transportation mode west of the Mississippi, & especially on the West Coast.
***STYLED BOATS WITH FINS. 1955-61 brought bigger and wider cars, with growing tail fins, boat-sized bows, and even a few foreign entries coming on the scene (Volkswagen, Triumph, Mercedes, MG and Jaguar).
**FIRST SMALL CAR THRUST. 1960-64 saw some people desirous to get into a new batch of economy cars (not the greatest Falcons, Corvairs and Valiants) to combat the influx of foreign competition (which included Toyota, Datsun, Renault, Austin, Fiat, etc.). There was an explosion of choices in the marketplace, and gasoline cost just 25 to 30 cents a gallon.
**MUSCLE CAR ERA. 1964-72 brought out the horsepower wars, with Muscle Cars & Pony Cars from the domestic manufacturers, and an ever-expanding assortment of foreign sporty cars: Ferrari, Aston Martin, BMW, Pantera, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Jensen, etc.)
**REGULATIONS & POLLUTION CONCERNS. 1973-78 however, spelled the end of the car fun, as government regulations and a gas crisis, slowed everything down, while anti-smog devices choked off performance. Sales of pickup trucks blossomed, but convertibles all but disappeared.
**GOING SMALLER AGAIN. 1977-85 saw a transition from larger rear wheel drive machines to smaller front wheel drive models. Minivans sprung on the scene to haul families and their gear. These two factors helped saved Chrysler Corporation from sure bankruptcy and closure. Station wagons, however (big, heavy and gas-guzzling), fell by the wayside.
**DESIRE FOR VALUE SEDANS. 1985-90 saw the rise of mid-size sedans in the marketplace (the Ford Taurus and Honda Accord led the way) .
**A NEW THIRST FOR POWER & LUXURY. 1990-2007 saw a return slowly of muscular V-8s for sporty cars, and the introduction of luxury Asian nameplates: Acura, Lexus and Infiniti. Convertibles also came back, and some new smaller station wagons got re-introduced. Sales were almost evenly distributed between pickup trucks, minivans, general sedans, sport utilities and sporty cars.
**SPORT UTILITIES ON THE ROAD. 1998-2004 brought the number of new sport utility vehicles up to 90 offerings. There was a movement away from USA products, with customers increasingly buying Asian and some European cars (and, to a lesser extent, their truck products).
**CROSSOVER POPULARITY. 2004-08 saw the introduction of new crossover SUVs every few months, a growing interest in hybrid powered vehicles, improvements in the Korean vehicles, and Toyota becoming a top sales leader, in car sales particularly.
**DOWN GO THE TRUCKS. 2008 is here, and perhaps this is the first time in 30 years that the top selling vehicles in our land will not be the Ford F-150 pickup truck, followed by the Chevy Silverado. Folk are also quickly dumping their big, heavy gas-guzzling used SUVs, as gasoline costs shoot up to $4 a gallon (the price that Europeans were paying 35 years ago).
Rumors are spreading that some major US manufacturers might soon drop some nameplates and unpopular models. Over the last 50 years, many US auto lines (or captive imports) have been cancelled (AMC, Avanti, Buick's Opel, Bricklin, MOPAR's Colt, DeLorean, DeSoto, Eagle, Edsel, Excalibur, Frazier, Geo, Hudson, Imperial, Merkur, Nash, Oldsmobile, Packard, Plymouth, Rambler, Shelby-Olds, Studebaker, Stutz,etc.), but only Olds and Plymouth had ever been major sales successes.
How can planning departments hope to stay ahead of the potential changes that might come on the world scene? Will there be much response to the Chinese entries into the North American marketplace, with very low quality/reliability ratings so far? Might India also try to export some of its very cheap offerings to the USA? Will ever-higher fuel prices drive most consumers to consider alternative fuel vehicles, or move them into mass transit alternatives? Is technology ever going to get us into above-ground personal transport, as opposed to highway-based vehicles?
Stay tuned; keep your hands on the wheel. Changes are inevitable
Friday, July 25, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Denver Hosts Democratic Convention
Democratic Convention in Denver in '08
by Torrey H. Brinkley
The Democrats rally in Denver, Colorado in the hot summer of '08. Politicians and their handlers bring a message of change to the mountain west, noting that this country represents more than just fancy elitist cities, with businessmen in 3-piece suits, cultural snobbery, majestic operas and artistic masterpieces. There are tall jagged mountains, harsh weather extremes, people working the soil, and rugged outdoorsmen. All this and more serves as a buffer "between" the powerful east coast interests and the glitz & glamor of the west coast experience.
Does this reflect today's scenario for the 2008 Democrats planning strategy for the fall election or was it the 1908 convention that chose to come to Denver, which only had 1/10 of its current population?
...Much of Denver's beautiful all-brick downtown district was built up in the period surounding the turn of the 20th century, with stately mansions and impressive government buildings on the major streets.
...Now, as we are fresh into the 21st century, we see another makeover of impressive high- rise towers for business and condo dwellers, nestled among our new sports and arts palaces, all in that same downtown Denver footprint. City leaders are also striving to move away the panhanders and give a fresh coat of paint for all the host of visitors to see.
Note some of the other eery similarities between these gatherings, some 100 years apart:
1) The Dems were putting forth a very eloquent and dynamic candidate in both eras: William Jennings Bryan and Barak Hussein Obama. Although Bryan was considered the most eloquent & dynamic orator of his time, historians note that he was not well-versed nor studied in any particular issue.
2) Each of the candidates seemed to be popular with the masses, with Bryan being called the Populist candidate, fighting against the wealthy East coast businessmen, & decrying the gold standard, while pushing for the silver interests & smaller businessmen to be heard. Obama has brought out scores of youthful supporters to huge crowds around the country, attacking big oil and big business. Yet, not all voters seem to be convinced, not in 1908, nor today.
3) Their speeches seem to be somewhat controversial. Bryan will be remembered in history as one opposing evolution ( the Scopes Monkey trial), while Obama has to keep dancing between words of his pastor, his wife and properly finding himself.
4) A religious tone had entered the debate. Bryan was almost considered a fiery preacher, while Obama has had to fire his pastor (Jeremiah Wright).
5) Democrats had suffered defeats in previous elections....and were hoping for better luck this time. Bryan was a nominee 2 times before. Recently, liberals have been very bitter about George Bush's last 2 election victories.
6) There were recent dramatic breakthroughs in technology. The automobile was very new to the transportation scene in 1908. So many other new inventions were coming on board (the radio and then the airplane, etc.).
...The world's scientific & technological advances today come at such a rapid pace. Even the thousands of miles of wiring necessary for setting up Denver's Pepsi Center is staggering, while individual folk with cell phones and i-Phones can personally shoot messages & photos around the world in seconds.
7) Candidates were from the midwest. Williams Jennings Bryan, Illinois born, actually stayed home during the 1908 convention because he wanted to do some farming back in Iowa. Obama is from Illinois, and earlier tried to help poor urban folk organize, so as not to lose labor jobs.
8) War had been fresh in people's minds to start the conventions. The Spanish American War took place in 1898, while the 9-11-2001 attack on New York City has spawned offensives in the Middle East (Afghanistan & Iraq) that America still fights right up to Convention gavel time.
9) There were some difficulties with Mexico back in 1908: violence, banditos, territorial issues, and shootings. Now, 100 years later, the USA still has major issues still to be resolved with Mexico (illegal immigration, drug trafficking, & people-smuggling).
10) The future of our country is somewhat in doubt, even with all its strength, glory and history. --Back in 1908, the USA was just 40 years removed from its bloody, divisive Civil War. We were just moving into the Industrial Age.
--Now in 2008, we look back some 40 years after the nasty, unruly Chicago Democractic Convention, bitterness of our Vietnam War participation, and the assasination of Bobby Kennedy.
Today we wonder how to confront the Islamic revolutionary movements, plus China's thrust into the global economy, and India's challenges in technology and science.Will this be a turning point election year for the USA, and will the Denver Convention be a time to remember?
Back in 1908 the only rowdy moments were caused by some occasional panhandlers and pickpockets. In 2008, scores of protesters plan to be in our city hoping their voices will be heard and controversy stirred.
The vote that came in after the 1908 convention did not produce a victory for Bryan or the Democrats.
-The popular Republican President, Teddy Roosevelt, had pushed for William H.Taft to be his successor......but that result spelled doom for the Republican party, soon quickly divided.
-Taft had really wanted to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (and he soon got his wish), after serving as U.S. President 1908-12.
-The Democrats finally gained the Presidency in 1912 with Woodrow Wilson, the progressive candidate, but our country was soon drawn in to World War I. Wilson preached peace, but he underestimated the sin and violence of mankind.
My father was proud of Williams Jennings Bryan, and for 40 years supported the college (in Tennesse) that bore his name. Interestingly, Bryan was later famous for speaking on the Chatauqua Circuit, where speakers and musicians fanned across the country in large open-air tents. One of the only remaining auditorium/tents for this association is in Boulder, CO, where we today can go and hear/see concerts and lecturers. Undoubtedly, Bryan spoke eloquently to the crowds here in Boulder 100 years ago, without the aid of microphones or any electronic aids.
In contrast, when Barak Obama gives his acceptance speech in the Denver Bronco's outdoor stadium, the acoustic challenges, Secret Service protection, parking & traffic nightmares, crowd control, and media coverage of the event is already giving planners severe headaches and potential ulcers.
And all this is just for political show!
by Torrey H. Brinkley
The Democrats rally in Denver, Colorado in the hot summer of '08. Politicians and their handlers bring a message of change to the mountain west, noting that this country represents more than just fancy elitist cities, with businessmen in 3-piece suits, cultural snobbery, majestic operas and artistic masterpieces. There are tall jagged mountains, harsh weather extremes, people working the soil, and rugged outdoorsmen. All this and more serves as a buffer "between" the powerful east coast interests and the glitz & glamor of the west coast experience.
Does this reflect today's scenario for the 2008 Democrats planning strategy for the fall election or was it the 1908 convention that chose to come to Denver, which only had 1/10 of its current population?
...Much of Denver's beautiful all-brick downtown district was built up in the period surounding the turn of the 20th century, with stately mansions and impressive government buildings on the major streets.
...Now, as we are fresh into the 21st century, we see another makeover of impressive high- rise towers for business and condo dwellers, nestled among our new sports and arts palaces, all in that same downtown Denver footprint. City leaders are also striving to move away the panhanders and give a fresh coat of paint for all the host of visitors to see.
Note some of the other eery similarities between these gatherings, some 100 years apart:
1) The Dems were putting forth a very eloquent and dynamic candidate in both eras: William Jennings Bryan and Barak Hussein Obama. Although Bryan was considered the most eloquent & dynamic orator of his time, historians note that he was not well-versed nor studied in any particular issue.
2) Each of the candidates seemed to be popular with the masses, with Bryan being called the Populist candidate, fighting against the wealthy East coast businessmen, & decrying the gold standard, while pushing for the silver interests & smaller businessmen to be heard. Obama has brought out scores of youthful supporters to huge crowds around the country, attacking big oil and big business. Yet, not all voters seem to be convinced, not in 1908, nor today.
3) Their speeches seem to be somewhat controversial. Bryan will be remembered in history as one opposing evolution ( the Scopes Monkey trial), while Obama has to keep dancing between words of his pastor, his wife and properly finding himself.
4) A religious tone had entered the debate. Bryan was almost considered a fiery preacher, while Obama has had to fire his pastor (Jeremiah Wright).
5) Democrats had suffered defeats in previous elections....and were hoping for better luck this time. Bryan was a nominee 2 times before. Recently, liberals have been very bitter about George Bush's last 2 election victories.
6) There were recent dramatic breakthroughs in technology. The automobile was very new to the transportation scene in 1908. So many other new inventions were coming on board (the radio and then the airplane, etc.).
...The world's scientific & technological advances today come at such a rapid pace. Even the thousands of miles of wiring necessary for setting up Denver's Pepsi Center is staggering, while individual folk with cell phones and i-Phones can personally shoot messages & photos around the world in seconds.
7) Candidates were from the midwest. Williams Jennings Bryan, Illinois born, actually stayed home during the 1908 convention because he wanted to do some farming back in Iowa. Obama is from Illinois, and earlier tried to help poor urban folk organize, so as not to lose labor jobs.
8) War had been fresh in people's minds to start the conventions. The Spanish American War took place in 1898, while the 9-11-2001 attack on New York City has spawned offensives in the Middle East (Afghanistan & Iraq) that America still fights right up to Convention gavel time.
9) There were some difficulties with Mexico back in 1908: violence, banditos, territorial issues, and shootings. Now, 100 years later, the USA still has major issues still to be resolved with Mexico (illegal immigration, drug trafficking, & people-smuggling).
10) The future of our country is somewhat in doubt, even with all its strength, glory and history. --Back in 1908, the USA was just 40 years removed from its bloody, divisive Civil War. We were just moving into the Industrial Age.
--Now in 2008, we look back some 40 years after the nasty, unruly Chicago Democractic Convention, bitterness of our Vietnam War participation, and the assasination of Bobby Kennedy.
Today we wonder how to confront the Islamic revolutionary movements, plus China's thrust into the global economy, and India's challenges in technology and science.Will this be a turning point election year for the USA, and will the Denver Convention be a time to remember?
Back in 1908 the only rowdy moments were caused by some occasional panhandlers and pickpockets. In 2008, scores of protesters plan to be in our city hoping their voices will be heard and controversy stirred.
The vote that came in after the 1908 convention did not produce a victory for Bryan or the Democrats.
-The popular Republican President, Teddy Roosevelt, had pushed for William H.Taft to be his successor......but that result spelled doom for the Republican party, soon quickly divided.
-Taft had really wanted to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (and he soon got his wish), after serving as U.S. President 1908-12.
-The Democrats finally gained the Presidency in 1912 with Woodrow Wilson, the progressive candidate, but our country was soon drawn in to World War I. Wilson preached peace, but he underestimated the sin and violence of mankind.
My father was proud of Williams Jennings Bryan, and for 40 years supported the college (in Tennesse) that bore his name. Interestingly, Bryan was later famous for speaking on the Chatauqua Circuit, where speakers and musicians fanned across the country in large open-air tents. One of the only remaining auditorium/tents for this association is in Boulder, CO, where we today can go and hear/see concerts and lecturers. Undoubtedly, Bryan spoke eloquently to the crowds here in Boulder 100 years ago, without the aid of microphones or any electronic aids.
In contrast, when Barak Obama gives his acceptance speech in the Denver Bronco's outdoor stadium, the acoustic challenges, Secret Service protection, parking & traffic nightmares, crowd control, and media coverage of the event is already giving planners severe headaches and potential ulcers.
And all this is just for political show!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Surprising USA Car Sales Trends
WHAT HAPPENED TO USA CAR SALES IN 20 YEARS?
as noted by Torrey H. Brinkley
A friend has done some good record-keeping based on auto & truck sales data gleaned from "Automotive News USA" . How revealing to look at sales charts for all models of vehicles sold in the USA for the last 20 years. Lots has changed in the automotive landscape, and now that gas prices are up to $4 a gallon in parts of California for premium fuel, more changes still might appear. After looking at model by model charts, this reader came away with a few observations:
1) Acura's 11 different models have had widely different years when sales peaked. Total sales were just 127,000 in 1988; dropping to 106,000 in 1997; but up to 178,000 in 2007 (thanks to strong sales of 2 different SUV models).
2) Audi sold only 23,000 cars in 1988 in USA ( suffering from that weird accelerator pedal issue); by 1997 sales crept up to 34,000 total. But lots of advertising hype, engineering advances and higher horsepower models have brought 71,000 sales in 2007.
3) BMW once caught Mercedes in USA sales, and are still significant for pricey vehicles. Some 295,000 BMW cars & SUVs sold in 2007. Only 130,000 were sold in 1998. In 1988 they only managed to sell 81,000 car models.
4) Buick has sold 15 different models since 1988. Peak sales years are different for each model. In 1988 total sales in USA were 500,000 units; by 2007 it was down to 183,000 sold, in spite of Tiger Woods' endorsements.
5) Cadillac had 3 different models (of 6 total) that had their best sales years in 1988. Likewise 3 separate models sold most ever in 2005 (out of 10 total). Caddy had 200,000 total sales in 2007 of cars & luxury SUVs; whereas they sold 267, 000 cars only in 1988.
6) Chrysler saw 1988 as its only year to have top sales for 3 unique models. Showrooms pushed out 531,000 sales by 2007 (with a wide variety of vehicle choices inherited from both Plymouth and Mercedes). This was much higher than the 250,000 they sold back in 1988, and only 254,000 back in 1997.
7) Dodge has had 20 different model names sold in the USA since 1988 that are no longer being marketed in 2007. Last year sales of the Ram pickup were off 90,000 from its peak sales year; Dakota was off 2/3 from best year; Caravan was down 120,000; Durango sales were down 3/4 from best year; Viper sales were down 3/4. Yet total sales last year were over 1 million units (including trucks & SUVs)!
8) Ford has 6 car models sold in 1988 that are no longer marketed . Only Mustang sales are still strong as they were in 1988 and 1997. Top sales years for their cars were 1988 and 1990. They make their money on trucks, which sold 1,450,000 in 2007, excluding their bigger trucks, F-250 & larger Super Duty models.
9) Honda saw 2006 and 2007 as best sales years for 5 different models. Accord and Civic are very long-running models in their lineup, still selling very well.
10) Nissan sales were down in all models for 2007, except for Altima and the new Versa. Too many of their vehicles look copied from their business partner, Renault (of France). Nissan still sold 910, 000 vehicles in USA.
11) Oldsmobile enjoyed 1988 with top sales for 6 different models. Evidently GM brass did not care, and decided to ax their lineup soon after that.
12) Pontiac had 2007 as a down year for every model in their lineup, while selling 356,000 total vehicles. They sold 725,000 vehicles back in 1988. Their foray into vans and SUVs has not proved successful, unlike many European and Asian marques.
13) Toyota had 9 different models with their best ever sales showing in 2006 or 2007. Only Avalon, Tacoma,Land Cruiser, 4 Runner and Sequoia were way off. Total sales for Toyota in '07 was double that of 1988, as they attempt to pass worldwide sales of MOPAR (done), then Ford (a year ago) and soon General Motors.
--In general, we see that:
++ Vehicle sales in the USA have radically increased by the Asian marques of Toyota and Honda, with their luxury nameplates catching some of that magic (Lexus and Acura).
++Loss of sales has been noted by almost all domestic manufacturers, most notibly with their sedan sales.
++Even though there are some 90+ SUV models on the market, not all have been successful on the sales floor. At least 21 have been dropped by manufacturers from across the spectrum.
++Pickup truck sales are generally strong when tied to work-related requirements, and much less so for recreational purposes than in years past (as small to mid-size pickup sales are dropping like a rock for every make).
++Consistent improvement in quality and engineering for long-running models has been more productive than simply introducing one new model after another.
++Even though station wagon sales are still not as strong as in the 1960s and 70s, the new cross-over wagon-SUV seems to be a very popular vehicle choice for families who wish to haul passengers & some cargo.
as noted by Torrey H. Brinkley
A friend has done some good record-keeping based on auto & truck sales data gleaned from "Automotive News USA" . How revealing to look at sales charts for all models of vehicles sold in the USA for the last 20 years. Lots has changed in the automotive landscape, and now that gas prices are up to $4 a gallon in parts of California for premium fuel, more changes still might appear. After looking at model by model charts, this reader came away with a few observations:
1) Acura's 11 different models have had widely different years when sales peaked. Total sales were just 127,000 in 1988; dropping to 106,000 in 1997; but up to 178,000 in 2007 (thanks to strong sales of 2 different SUV models).
2) Audi sold only 23,000 cars in 1988 in USA ( suffering from that weird accelerator pedal issue); by 1997 sales crept up to 34,000 total. But lots of advertising hype, engineering advances and higher horsepower models have brought 71,000 sales in 2007.
3) BMW once caught Mercedes in USA sales, and are still significant for pricey vehicles. Some 295,000 BMW cars & SUVs sold in 2007. Only 130,000 were sold in 1998. In 1988 they only managed to sell 81,000 car models.
4) Buick has sold 15 different models since 1988. Peak sales years are different for each model. In 1988 total sales in USA were 500,000 units; by 2007 it was down to 183,000 sold, in spite of Tiger Woods' endorsements.
5) Cadillac had 3 different models (of 6 total) that had their best sales years in 1988. Likewise 3 separate models sold most ever in 2005 (out of 10 total). Caddy had 200,000 total sales in 2007 of cars & luxury SUVs; whereas they sold 267, 000 cars only in 1988.
6) Chrysler saw 1988 as its only year to have top sales for 3 unique models. Showrooms pushed out 531,000 sales by 2007 (with a wide variety of vehicle choices inherited from both Plymouth and Mercedes). This was much higher than the 250,000 they sold back in 1988, and only 254,000 back in 1997.
7) Dodge has had 20 different model names sold in the USA since 1988 that are no longer being marketed in 2007. Last year sales of the Ram pickup were off 90,000 from its peak sales year; Dakota was off 2/3 from best year; Caravan was down 120,000; Durango sales were down 3/4 from best year; Viper sales were down 3/4. Yet total sales last year were over 1 million units (including trucks & SUVs)!
8) Ford has 6 car models sold in 1988 that are no longer marketed . Only Mustang sales are still strong as they were in 1988 and 1997. Top sales years for their cars were 1988 and 1990. They make their money on trucks, which sold 1,450,000 in 2007, excluding their bigger trucks, F-250 & larger Super Duty models.
9) Honda saw 2006 and 2007 as best sales years for 5 different models. Accord and Civic are very long-running models in their lineup, still selling very well.
10) Nissan sales were down in all models for 2007, except for Altima and the new Versa. Too many of their vehicles look copied from their business partner, Renault (of France). Nissan still sold 910, 000 vehicles in USA.
11) Oldsmobile enjoyed 1988 with top sales for 6 different models. Evidently GM brass did not care, and decided to ax their lineup soon after that.
12) Pontiac had 2007 as a down year for every model in their lineup, while selling 356,000 total vehicles. They sold 725,000 vehicles back in 1988. Their foray into vans and SUVs has not proved successful, unlike many European and Asian marques.
13) Toyota had 9 different models with their best ever sales showing in 2006 or 2007. Only Avalon, Tacoma,Land Cruiser, 4 Runner and Sequoia were way off. Total sales for Toyota in '07 was double that of 1988, as they attempt to pass worldwide sales of MOPAR (done), then Ford (a year ago) and soon General Motors.
--In general, we see that:
++ Vehicle sales in the USA have radically increased by the Asian marques of Toyota and Honda, with their luxury nameplates catching some of that magic (Lexus and Acura).
++Loss of sales has been noted by almost all domestic manufacturers, most notibly with their sedan sales.
++Even though there are some 90+ SUV models on the market, not all have been successful on the sales floor. At least 21 have been dropped by manufacturers from across the spectrum.
++Pickup truck sales are generally strong when tied to work-related requirements, and much less so for recreational purposes than in years past (as small to mid-size pickup sales are dropping like a rock for every make).
++Consistent improvement in quality and engineering for long-running models has been more productive than simply introducing one new model after another.
++Even though station wagon sales are still not as strong as in the 1960s and 70s, the new cross-over wagon-SUV seems to be a very popular vehicle choice for families who wish to haul passengers & some cargo.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Remembering Tennyson Mc Carty
"Remembering a Dear Friend and Servant"
Around ten years ago a young fellow at work, who was also finishing up his degree at that famous "party school", the University of Colorado, came to me after turning his life over to the Lord. He wanted someone to mentor him, so he asked if we could meet weekly and talk about a variety of spiritual topics. We picked out subjects that interested him, and I gave him assignments to read each week, which included prayer, fasting, Bible study, missions, witnessing, godly behaviour,etc.
Sometime during that year of studying together he wanted me to meet a classmate of his at CU, who was a football player. So I had breakfast with Tennyson McCarty, a tight end, who wasn't moving too quickly in the cast set around his leg and foot. Coach Bill McCartney, founder of Promise Keepers, had been a great influence in Tennyson's life, and this young man was thrilled that God loved him and wanted to use him to serve others. Interestingly, Tennyson had written out some thoughts about his life and said that he wanted to write a book about all that had happened to him. I advised him at that time to wait, because so much more could be said later on in the future. He was barely 21 years old at the time.
It was a special treat when my friend at work got married to a lovely gal, serving with a high school campus ministry. Tennyson stood by Brian at the wedding as his best man. Already 8-9 years or so ago, Tennyson began serving with a university campus ministry, and was going to many schools sharing of his love of Jesus. His experience as a college football player helped to get him access to locker rooms and dorm situations, but his love for Christ was what radiated brilliantly.
Then, a few years later, Tennyson decided to add "magic and illusion" to his repertoire, gaining even more access to college venues. He and his buddy Jim Monroe challenged collegians to ask "what is real?" They always pointed to Jesus Christ as the true and only answer for the deep issues that face questioning hearts. My wife and I were glad to support him financially & in prayer all these years, and he would call & say that he was praying for us and our family situation.
In just the last 6 weeks, these fellows with Maze Ministries visited:
--Tulane U. and Southeastern Louisiana State
--Morehead State in Kentucky
--Boise State University
--Baylor U in Texas
--University of Texas, San Antonio
--and Purdue Univ. in Indiana
Thousands of college students came to these events, and hundreds accepted Christ as their Saviour. More campuses were scheduled for this fall in several other states. www.mazeimpact.com
Sadly, though, Tennyson's body was found up in the foothills in a river above Boulder County, CO last Friday. A young pastor friend noted that Tennyson was always giving & ministering to others, and sometimes he had nothing left for himself.
Please join me in praying for his family (survived by his father and brothers) and co-workers. And do remember to "encourage one another" in the Lord, and all those who do the work of ministering to others.
May God strengthen & lift you up,
Torrey Brinkley
Around ten years ago a young fellow at work, who was also finishing up his degree at that famous "party school", the University of Colorado, came to me after turning his life over to the Lord. He wanted someone to mentor him, so he asked if we could meet weekly and talk about a variety of spiritual topics. We picked out subjects that interested him, and I gave him assignments to read each week, which included prayer, fasting, Bible study, missions, witnessing, godly behaviour,etc.
Sometime during that year of studying together he wanted me to meet a classmate of his at CU, who was a football player. So I had breakfast with Tennyson McCarty, a tight end, who wasn't moving too quickly in the cast set around his leg and foot. Coach Bill McCartney, founder of Promise Keepers, had been a great influence in Tennyson's life, and this young man was thrilled that God loved him and wanted to use him to serve others. Interestingly, Tennyson had written out some thoughts about his life and said that he wanted to write a book about all that had happened to him. I advised him at that time to wait, because so much more could be said later on in the future. He was barely 21 years old at the time.
It was a special treat when my friend at work got married to a lovely gal, serving with a high school campus ministry. Tennyson stood by Brian at the wedding as his best man. Already 8-9 years or so ago, Tennyson began serving with a university campus ministry, and was going to many schools sharing of his love of Jesus. His experience as a college football player helped to get him access to locker rooms and dorm situations, but his love for Christ was what radiated brilliantly.
Then, a few years later, Tennyson decided to add "magic and illusion" to his repertoire, gaining even more access to college venues. He and his buddy Jim Monroe challenged collegians to ask "what is real?" They always pointed to Jesus Christ as the true and only answer for the deep issues that face questioning hearts. My wife and I were glad to support him financially & in prayer all these years, and he would call & say that he was praying for us and our family situation.
In just the last 6 weeks, these fellows with Maze Ministries visited:
--Tulane U. and Southeastern Louisiana State
--Morehead State in Kentucky
--Boise State University
--Baylor U in Texas
--University of Texas, San Antonio
--and Purdue Univ. in Indiana
Thousands of college students came to these events, and hundreds accepted Christ as their Saviour. More campuses were scheduled for this fall in several other states. www.mazeimpact.com
Sadly, though, Tennyson's body was found up in the foothills in a river above Boulder County, CO last Friday. A young pastor friend noted that Tennyson was always giving & ministering to others, and sometimes he had nothing left for himself.
Please join me in praying for his family (survived by his father and brothers) and co-workers. And do remember to "encourage one another" in the Lord, and all those who do the work of ministering to others.
May God strengthen & lift you up,
Torrey Brinkley
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Youth Ministry Work Trips
What Did You Do This Summer?
from Torrey H. Brinkley
Students are soon back in school for the fall semester. Many went on vacations, some went to camps, others tried sports activities, and a few were able to work at summer jobs.
Would you be surprised to hear that no less than 26,000 youth participated in summer 2007 work camp projects in the USA and abroad organized by Group Workcamps Foundation, based in Loveland, Colorado?
Junior and Senior High students went to serve in 37 different states or foreign countries doing projects such as interior & exterior painting, building or repairing porches or wheelchair ramps, constructing or fixing stairs/steps, and winterizing homes. Some went to assist the elderly, tutored needy students, served at food banks, or helped at children's day camps.
One of the young fellows in our local men's Bible study went along on one of the Group Work trips this summer, as he photographed the teens at work in West Virginia. Matt Wade noted that the 400+ youth were able to complete repairs on 71 homes during one week, plus sharing their Christian faith with many isolated and/or elderly residents in one poor community of the US. There are nightly inspirational chapel services for the youth, who come from a variety of churches around the country. The tech people put together a nightly audio-visual presentation each night that highlighted the work experiences of the teens that very same day.
This labor of love (in serving others) reflects an American phenomenon that has characterized our society for generations: volunteerism. Perhaps this comes from our Christian forefathers who taught, believed and practiced verses such as Colossians 3:23:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from from the Lord as a reward."
Interestingly, the impetus for serving others in need started back in 1976 when the Big Thompson (River) flood just outside of Loveland, Colorado devastated small towns with many homes caught in the onrushing floodwaters. There now have been over 1000 work camps since that time, where each group of young people serves from 20 to 80 homes/sites. Group Publishing reports that total participants have been 266, 350 persons in these last 30 years.
Each church that brings their teens to serve also has their own sponsors/parents/youth pastors to guide & minister to the needs of the youth during the work week. Some churches have chosen to participate in this ministry for over 20 years now, and one cook that served in West Virginia this summer has helped prepare meals for over 33 camps!
When one considers the selfishness and indifference of the stereotypical teen, how refreshing it is to see youth and their sponsors choose to give back to some of the poorest communities of America in such a noble and selfless manner! Each church should at least contemplate a visit to www.GroupWorkcamps.com. Take a look at the photos of all their efforts, and see if your church teens would like to sign up for next summer's projects (start planning now!).
This is the same spirit of Christian compassion that has helped re-build the US Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck back in 2005, as hundreds of churches have sent steady streams of workers with hammers & saws. Remember that Jesus was a carpenter by trade, not a philosopher in a rocking chair.
from Torrey H. Brinkley
Students are soon back in school for the fall semester. Many went on vacations, some went to camps, others tried sports activities, and a few were able to work at summer jobs.
Would you be surprised to hear that no less than 26,000 youth participated in summer 2007 work camp projects in the USA and abroad organized by Group Workcamps Foundation, based in Loveland, Colorado?
Junior and Senior High students went to serve in 37 different states or foreign countries doing projects such as interior & exterior painting, building or repairing porches or wheelchair ramps, constructing or fixing stairs/steps, and winterizing homes. Some went to assist the elderly, tutored needy students, served at food banks, or helped at children's day camps.
One of the young fellows in our local men's Bible study went along on one of the Group Work trips this summer, as he photographed the teens at work in West Virginia. Matt Wade noted that the 400+ youth were able to complete repairs on 71 homes during one week, plus sharing their Christian faith with many isolated and/or elderly residents in one poor community of the US. There are nightly inspirational chapel services for the youth, who come from a variety of churches around the country. The tech people put together a nightly audio-visual presentation each night that highlighted the work experiences of the teens that very same day.
This labor of love (in serving others) reflects an American phenomenon that has characterized our society for generations: volunteerism. Perhaps this comes from our Christian forefathers who taught, believed and practiced verses such as Colossians 3:23:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from from the Lord as a reward."
Interestingly, the impetus for serving others in need started back in 1976 when the Big Thompson (River) flood just outside of Loveland, Colorado devastated small towns with many homes caught in the onrushing floodwaters. There now have been over 1000 work camps since that time, where each group of young people serves from 20 to 80 homes/sites. Group Publishing reports that total participants have been 266, 350 persons in these last 30 years.
Each church that brings their teens to serve also has their own sponsors/parents/youth pastors to guide & minister to the needs of the youth during the work week. Some churches have chosen to participate in this ministry for over 20 years now, and one cook that served in West Virginia this summer has helped prepare meals for over 33 camps!
When one considers the selfishness and indifference of the stereotypical teen, how refreshing it is to see youth and their sponsors choose to give back to some of the poorest communities of America in such a noble and selfless manner! Each church should at least contemplate a visit to www.GroupWorkcamps.com. Take a look at the photos of all their efforts, and see if your church teens would like to sign up for next summer's projects (start planning now!).
This is the same spirit of Christian compassion that has helped re-build the US Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck back in 2005, as hundreds of churches have sent steady streams of workers with hammers & saws. Remember that Jesus was a carpenter by trade, not a philosopher in a rocking chair.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Developing Christian Character
"Men of Character, and How to Be One."
a study prepared by Torrey H. Brinkley
1) What is Character?
A dictionary definition of the word gives us the following sense: The combined moral or ethical structure of a person; moral or ethical strength; integrity; fortitude. Reputation, as a description of a person's attributes, traits or abilities.
Do you have your own definition of character?
2) How Does God View Character?
One could say that our character is that part of us which God desires to mold to be in conformity to His will. Rick Warren in "The Purpose Driven Life" notes on p. 173:
"God's ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up spiritually & become like Christ. God wants you to develop the kind of character described in the beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12) , the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), Paul's great chapter on love (I Corinthians 13), and Peter's list of the characteristics of an effective & productive life (2 Peter 1:5-8).
*** If you have a copy of Warren's book handy, it would be good to review the ways God helps grow our character for:
.....Day 24 " Transformed by Truth"
.....Day 25 "Transformed by Trouble"
.....Day 26 "Growing Through Temptation"
3) How Is Our Character Formed?
One could say that our character is measured by the way we act when no one else is around; for that is how God sees us (and deals with us).
J.I. Packer in his famous devotional book "Knowing God" states that:
"God wants us to feel that our way through life is rough & perplexing, so that we may learn thankfully to lean on Him.. Therefore He takes steps to drive us out of self-confidence to trust in Himself.....to 'wait on the Lord. It is striking to see how much of the Bible deals with men of God making mistakes, and God chastening them for it." (pp. 227-8).
4) How Does God Measure our Character?
Some Christians think that God measures our Christian charcter & committment to Christ by examining our checkbook and our datebook. While that does show a lot about a person, especially "an organized human", God looks more for real character. As Tom Hovestol, a Longmont pastor, states in his 1997 book "Extreme Righteousness" (p. 177)
"Time and money are neither the only nor the truest tests of the heart. Justice, mercy and faithfulness are."
5) What Lessons Can We learn about Character from Noah? Read the story of Noah in Genesis 5:29 to 9:29.
---What did God say about Noah's character, one man living in a wicked world?
(Gen. 6:8-9)
---Note Noah's age right before starting to build the ark (Gen. 5:32) and the age when the rains finally started (Gen. 7:6). Could you do a 100-yr. building project? How long did Noah live after the flood (Gen. 9:28)?
--See God's trust of Noah, in making covenants with him (Gen. 6:18; 8:15-22; 9: 1-17). How might that have built character in Noah's life?
--What can we learn about "character" in observing Noah's disgraceful time and the behaviour of his sons in Gen. 9:18-27? (Relate this to Packer's comment above.) What can we do to preserve godly character when living among "family"?
a study prepared by Torrey H. Brinkley
1) What is Character?
A dictionary definition of the word gives us the following sense: The combined moral or ethical structure of a person; moral or ethical strength; integrity; fortitude. Reputation, as a description of a person's attributes, traits or abilities.
Do you have your own definition of character?
2) How Does God View Character?
One could say that our character is that part of us which God desires to mold to be in conformity to His will. Rick Warren in "The Purpose Driven Life" notes on p. 173:
"God's ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up spiritually & become like Christ. God wants you to develop the kind of character described in the beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12) , the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), Paul's great chapter on love (I Corinthians 13), and Peter's list of the characteristics of an effective & productive life (2 Peter 1:5-8).
*** If you have a copy of Warren's book handy, it would be good to review the ways God helps grow our character for:
.....Day 24 " Transformed by Truth"
.....Day 25 "Transformed by Trouble"
.....Day 26 "Growing Through Temptation"
3) How Is Our Character Formed?
One could say that our character is measured by the way we act when no one else is around; for that is how God sees us (and deals with us).
J.I. Packer in his famous devotional book "Knowing God" states that:
"God wants us to feel that our way through life is rough & perplexing, so that we may learn thankfully to lean on Him.. Therefore He takes steps to drive us out of self-confidence to trust in Himself.....to 'wait on the Lord. It is striking to see how much of the Bible deals with men of God making mistakes, and God chastening them for it." (pp. 227-8).
4) How Does God Measure our Character?
Some Christians think that God measures our Christian charcter & committment to Christ by examining our checkbook and our datebook. While that does show a lot about a person, especially "an organized human", God looks more for real character. As Tom Hovestol, a Longmont pastor, states in his 1997 book "Extreme Righteousness" (p. 177)
"Time and money are neither the only nor the truest tests of the heart. Justice, mercy and faithfulness are."
5) What Lessons Can We learn about Character from Noah? Read the story of Noah in Genesis 5:29 to 9:29.
---What did God say about Noah's character, one man living in a wicked world?
(Gen. 6:8-9)
---Note Noah's age right before starting to build the ark (Gen. 5:32) and the age when the rains finally started (Gen. 7:6). Could you do a 100-yr. building project? How long did Noah live after the flood (Gen. 9:28)?
--See God's trust of Noah, in making covenants with him (Gen. 6:18; 8:15-22; 9: 1-17). How might that have built character in Noah's life?
--What can we learn about "character" in observing Noah's disgraceful time and the behaviour of his sons in Gen. 9:18-27? (Relate this to Packer's comment above.) What can we do to preserve godly character when living among "family"?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Shooting Stars In The Night Sky
Making Your Mark in the Sky
by Torrey H. Brinkley
Have you ever seen a shooting star, and wondered where it comes from, or what composes such a celestial object? How come the shower of meteors burn up so suddenly? This week was one of the weeks to catch another glimpse of the Perseid Meteor Showers across the US skies. In certain localities it is possible to see up to 75 meteors per hour on a dark August night.
These meteors are named for the constellation of Persius, and the shower comes from the comet Swift-Tuttle, which visits our solar system every 130 years. Our earth passes through the dust of the comet, and they leave behind trails that are thousands of miles long, composed of very small particles of ice & dust. The particles burn up in our atmosphere, as their average speed is 160,000 mph (a speeding bullet goes 2240 mph).
When one thinks of space junk that the various nations have launched up in orbit, and which eventually come crashing down to earth, we recall hearing of car-sized parts of satellites, that could cause serious damage upon impact. How big do you think meteor shower pieces are? Surprsingly, we are told that they are typically smaller than a grain of sand. What we generally see as a bright flash of light in the sky is actually the "air" that is compressed and heated to 3000 degrees F by the meteor particle at supersonic speeds.
It takes a lot of patience, waiting, and undistracted gazing to actually see the shooting stars, whether one is alone or in a group, simply because the night sky is so big and vast, and full of other interesting stars, constellations and even airplanes & satellites. This waiting gives rise to some questions and life aplications:
a) A meteor is actually very small & insignificant in size relative to other objects, but look at the brilliant light that it gives off.
---We, too, may seem to be just one insignificant creature among billions on the planet, but our lives are singularly important to God, and hopefully, to others as well.
b) You have to turn off all the bright lights in your yard, house and neighborhood to effectively see stars & meteors in the night sky, but then the objects all glisten in the heavens.
---In our personal lives, we sometimes need to turn off all the distractions (radio, TV, electronic games, sports, investments, possessions,etc.) to fully appreciate important lessons about: truth, value, integrity, purpose, destiny, love & devotion.
c) A very brilliant meteor racing across the entire sky might last just a second or two, so don't miss it.
---God's working in one's life may also be swift and obscure to to "happy pagans". But the Word of God cautions us to always be alert, to pay attention and to be vigilant. (I Thess. 5:6)
d) A meteor shower only comes during a very few days of the summer, so one must plan one's calendar accordingly, or you'll miss it.
---Deep meaningful interaction with others or encounters with the Lord require planning, prayer & committment.
e) One grain of sand will rarely ever get noticed, but if it flies high in the night sky at blazing speed, it can attract lots of attention.
---One small action, word or deed can be very significant, when hooked up to God's eternal purposes.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ....For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." --I Corinthians 10: 31, 33 (the Apostle Paul)
by Torrey H. Brinkley
Have you ever seen a shooting star, and wondered where it comes from, or what composes such a celestial object? How come the shower of meteors burn up so suddenly? This week was one of the weeks to catch another glimpse of the Perseid Meteor Showers across the US skies. In certain localities it is possible to see up to 75 meteors per hour on a dark August night.
These meteors are named for the constellation of Persius, and the shower comes from the comet Swift-Tuttle, which visits our solar system every 130 years. Our earth passes through the dust of the comet, and they leave behind trails that are thousands of miles long, composed of very small particles of ice & dust. The particles burn up in our atmosphere, as their average speed is 160,000 mph (a speeding bullet goes 2240 mph).
When one thinks of space junk that the various nations have launched up in orbit, and which eventually come crashing down to earth, we recall hearing of car-sized parts of satellites, that could cause serious damage upon impact. How big do you think meteor shower pieces are? Surprsingly, we are told that they are typically smaller than a grain of sand. What we generally see as a bright flash of light in the sky is actually the "air" that is compressed and heated to 3000 degrees F by the meteor particle at supersonic speeds.
It takes a lot of patience, waiting, and undistracted gazing to actually see the shooting stars, whether one is alone or in a group, simply because the night sky is so big and vast, and full of other interesting stars, constellations and even airplanes & satellites. This waiting gives rise to some questions and life aplications:
a) A meteor is actually very small & insignificant in size relative to other objects, but look at the brilliant light that it gives off.
---We, too, may seem to be just one insignificant creature among billions on the planet, but our lives are singularly important to God, and hopefully, to others as well.
b) You have to turn off all the bright lights in your yard, house and neighborhood to effectively see stars & meteors in the night sky, but then the objects all glisten in the heavens.
---In our personal lives, we sometimes need to turn off all the distractions (radio, TV, electronic games, sports, investments, possessions,etc.) to fully appreciate important lessons about: truth, value, integrity, purpose, destiny, love & devotion.
c) A very brilliant meteor racing across the entire sky might last just a second or two, so don't miss it.
---God's working in one's life may also be swift and obscure to to "happy pagans". But the Word of God cautions us to always be alert, to pay attention and to be vigilant. (I Thess. 5:6)
d) A meteor shower only comes during a very few days of the summer, so one must plan one's calendar accordingly, or you'll miss it.
---Deep meaningful interaction with others or encounters with the Lord require planning, prayer & committment.
e) One grain of sand will rarely ever get noticed, but if it flies high in the night sky at blazing speed, it can attract lots of attention.
---One small action, word or deed can be very significant, when hooked up to God's eternal purposes.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ....For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." --I Corinthians 10: 31, 33 (the Apostle Paul)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)