Why I Care: Jim Stehle

For Future Generations
My father made a career of the military, which started me on my worldwide travels. I continued in his footsteps with a military career of my own. He was also an avid outdoorsman who lived his life hunting, fishing and camping. From as long back as I remember, he shared this part of his life with me and taught me many things about nature—most importantly, the respect for it. Interestingly the least favorite of his activities, camping, was for a long time my passion. Whereas he had to “bag” a bird or beast or catch a fish, I was content to sit for hours with pole in hand taking in my surroundings. Although I became an extremely accurate shot, my preference was always a camera over a gun.

I have witnessed first-hand in just my brief life (56 years) the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waterways change from crystal clear to dark and dank. I have seen the landscape of the world’s variety of aged, slow-growing hardwood trees replaced by fast-growing, softwood pines. I have hiked into clean, crisp regions, which today are asphalt-covered and litter-strewn. I have seen water-filled lakes and streams evaporate to low levels or cease to exist altogether. I have difficulty today observing birds and animals in areas where I watched them flitter or scamp about freely.

So when Pastor Joel C. Hunter invited me to become part of his vision and Northland’s Creation Care team and God told me that I was not too busy despite my misgivings, I said “Sure. I’d love to.” Another of God’s opportunities.

Plus I have a vested interest. I’m married to a supportive woman, Grace. I have a daughter, Heather, and Grace brought me a second daughter, Mary. We just adopted Kristina and Amanda. Finally, I have three grandsons – Justin, Adam and Erik. I need to do my part to protect this creation for them.

Jim Stehle