Fred being ordained at Eastpoint Christian Church
I often say, the most important thing a man or woman can do is be a good Father or Mother. Raising your children, impressing upon them the importance of family builds a great foundation for their lives.
My wife Dee Dee and I had the great privilege to raise four amazing children. They are all four now adults and making their way in the world. We are proud of them and how they live their lives.
Being an involved parent brings many benefits. One of the best is to watch their friends grow up with them and then see them as adults. It is a privilege that only comes by being involved and present in your own child’s life.
I first met Fred Thompson when he was a freshman at Westbrook High School. My oldest son, Tripp, was a senior that year. Tripp and Fred ran track together and Fred was a fierce competitor, even as a freshman.
My wife, Dee Dee, is quite the photographer and she took literally thousands of pictures each year of our kids’ events along with their teammates and then posted them on Facebook. You could see, in the photos, the determination on Fred’s face as he competed. Even then, it was obvious that Fred Thompson was driven to do something special with his life.
Recently, we had the privilege to see Fred ordained into the ministry of Jesus Christ. It was a touching moment, remembering this young man back when he was still in his early teens.
I caught up with Fred recently and mentioned that we would like to do a small profile on his path to the ministry. As he shared his story, I couldn’t help but think about how the impact of caring people has on all of us.
Q: Did you grow up going to Church? When did you know that you wanted to love and serve Jesus Christ? Tell me about high school and how going to Eastpoint influenced your life. Going off to college with your friends, when did you know you wanted to be a Pastor?
A: When I was a kid, I went to Camp Sebago, a Christian camp in Maine. I did not grow up in a Christian home. Camp is where I learned about Jesus. Every summer, I heard the gospel and was surrounded by the community of God’s people and grew more attracted to the gospel of Christ.
When I was in high school, I wanted to work at Camp Sebago, but needed a pastor’s reference to apply. I asked one of the kids in my class, Graham Strondak, whose father was a pastor, if I could attend church with them. Becoming a part of the local church and coming to know Jesus as my personal Savior and friend, radically changed my life. I got involved with the youth ministry at church and was discipled by one of the pastors. It was in those years of my youth, that I heard my calling into youth ministry to become a pastor, knowing that I wanted to make the same impact in students’ lives, as God did for me, using His faithful people.
After high school, I went to Johnson University to pursue a degree in biblical studies, preaching, and youth ministry. It was there that I really grew in my faith and in my relationship with God. After graduating, I did an internship at Eastpoint Christian Church with the youth ministry. I met my wife, Sarah, at church. The internship at Eastpoint led to two more years working as the Middle School Director. In these last few years, I have grown deeper and deeper in love with the Lord and am amazed at the work God is doing in the Greater Portland area, and am so grateful to be able to be a part of it.
Q: Tell me about your wife and how she influences and supports your ministry:
A: Sarah is a huge blessing to me in so many ways! Sarah has served as a youth leader and has a real heart for high school girls. She led the high school girl’s bible study at Eastpoint for three years and they saw amazing things happen within that group. That being said, Sarah knows the value first hand of the importance and impact youth ministry has on a student’s life, and always encourages and supports me and gives me wise counsel when I need it or she will be a safe person that I can bounce ideas off, and get second opinions. Many times, she has volunteered for camp trips, all-nighters, or even being the check-in lady at the door if needed. She is always ready and willing to help and fill in any gaps that we may need help with.
Q: Why did you choose to serve at Eastpoint?
A: I chose to serve at Eastpoint because it was my home church. Eastpoint was the first church I started attending back in 2011. I fell in love with the community, the people, and the leadership. It was where I really came to know Christ personally. So, when the opportunity to intern at Eastpoint presented itself after I finished college, I jumped on it, and I have been able to learn, grow, and explore my calling there.
Q: How has being a Christian shaped the course of your life in a personal manner:
A: Being a Christian has radically shaped the course of my life. In high school, I was very performance-based. I found my worth in achieving the gold, winning the race, getting the awards at school. And when I got those things, I felt good about myself. But those feelings were only temporary, and when I lost, I would be angry and upset. But when I accepted Jesus into my life, I found that my identity is in Him… not in medals, and my worth is in Jesus, not in praise from people when I did something well. I cannot earn God’s acceptance, but it is freely given to me; I am fully accepted and loved, because of the sacrifice Jesus made for me. This is something that I need to pray and give to Jesus every day and it isn’t always easy, but that relationship with Jesus has really set me free.
Q: Give me a little background on your track career (its how I met you) – big races your won, did you run all four years and so on:
A: Running indoor and outdoor track for Westbrook High School were some of my best memories that I can remember in high school. Senior year, I was Captain of the team with one of my best friends, Magnes Lewis. I ran all four years in high school competing in the 400, 800, shotput, discuses, 4×4 relay, and 4×8 relay and went to state all four years for the 800. I truly loved competing. There was nothing more satisfying or rewarding then pushing your body beyond the limits you thought you could do, running what seemed to be lighting speed and knowing that all the training every day was worth it, when you crossed the finish line and setting a new personal record or the first time your coach comes up to you and says “you just qualified for state.”
Q: Tell me anything else you want the readers to know about your life, your faith and your ministry
A: I would encourage anyone who’s reading this if you are searching for community, or you are in a place where you just wanted to be freed of all the garage of this world that wants to keep you captive, then I want you to know that Jesus paid a price for you to be set free and has a purpose for your life. I would encourage you to find a church home and get connected within its community and become part of the church family. We were not meant to do this life alone, and we are better together walking through life together.
Ray Richardson is the host of the Ray Richardson Show on WLOB Radio. He has authored three books, written a newspaper column for over a decade and is a contributor to Richardson Magazine.
Ray lives with his wife of 34 years, Dee Dee, in Westbrook Maine. They have four grown children (8 when you count the spouses), and blessed with one granddaughter.
