(This story will require at least 30 minutes, as it is sharing a life journey that cannot be abbreviated. Story will be available in audio form at a later date. Thank you for taking the time to read and share.)
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
1 Peter 2:6 (referring to the Book of Isaiah, chapter 28, verse 16)
Ralph Waldo Emerson, renowned American philosopher and poet, is often credited with some of the more famous quotes in our history. One of his most frequently quoted sayings that supposedly originated from him was:
“Life is about the journey, not the destination”. Some might agree. Others may take a different approach.
Had Mr. Emerson met a man whose life was truly built upon faith in his Lord and Savior, he may have diverted his path of pseudo-spiritual intellectualism, which birthed his transcendental philosophy. Chuck Cram is that man. Chuck would not have merely shown the famous philosopher that life is far more than such a simplistic platitude, but far greater than any one man can define.
In the case of Chuck Cram, he may view life as both a journey and destination. But he would have told Mr. Emerson that he forgot a couple of things. Clearly, the life of this man, through his own testimony, would start with two foundational truths of life: miracles, and faith in the author of miracles.
“I have seen some miracles that are so amazing that I could spend all day telling you about miracles,” Chuck shares.
And though, in his own words, he has witnessed many miracles and challenges that are unique to his own journey, friends and loved ones are now praying for a miracle for this man. Chuck has been diagnosed with one of the most debilitating diseases known to mankind: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or more commonly known as ALS. Often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”, after the Yankee slugger who had to suddenly retire when he was diagnosed with the mysterious disease on his 36th birthday. His battle with the disease, along with his famous retirement speech, raised awareness worldwide- and still does today through a special day in remembrance of baseball’s original “iron man”.
But, as the first case of ALS was with Gehrig, every case of ALS is unique. So is the journey of the person that lives with this disease. So let me tell you about this “iron man” named Chuck, and the dedication of Mr. Cram to his bride and family, the many challenges of their children, and the conviction of his own personal faith with His Savior. And how, through this difficult season, he continues trusting the one that has navigated him through every storm.
The Early years
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity”
1 Timothy 4:12
It all began 62 years ago in Owosso, Michigan, a small town in the center of the Lower Peninsula. Chuck was the youngest of three children. He had fond memories of riding on his grandpa’s tractor in this rural region, which was inhabited by a rather large extended family. In fact, the small Wesleyan church that he attended was comprised of over 60% of his extended family members.
But at the tender age of nine, mom and dad had heard from close friends that moved to Spokane, Washington from little Owosso, that there was a great Christian school out there. Chuck’s parents, being led by their faith in Christ, uprooted the family and moved to Spokane. They enrolled Chuck at Northwest Christian School. This is where Chuck would spend the rest of his school age years. He has fond memories of that time in his life. There were many takeaways for Chuck during those years. His personality and charisma as a classmate blossomed, as well.
When he wasn’t at school, Chuck talks about his dad and the lessons he learned. Reflecting on those years, Chuck remembers working with his dad on the rental properties he owned. He was learning valuable skills while working with dad doing basic repairs and up-keep on those houses. But probably the touchstone moment during those coming-of-age years in Spokane came when Chuck was with dad at one of his properties. Chuck would have been junior high age at the time.
“We were walking around the house and looking at the foundation as we (went),” he recalled. “As dad was checking for cracks and flaws, he stopped.” It was as if his dad saw this as a teachable moment for his youngest child. “He said ‘if the foundation is good, everything else can be fixed’…he wasn’t talking about just the house.” These words laid a foundation for Chuck that became a defining moment in his life. And when you speak to Chuck, he clearly thinks like a builder. So, it’s not a stretch to guess that he loved building things. But this was only one of many talents that he developed and used throughout his life.
He spoke about the foundation that was laid at Northwest Christian in the word of God, too. That biblical foundation, and his walk with Christ, led him and fellow classmate, Ryan Korver, to build upon what they learned. They decided to enroll at Multnomah School of the Bible after graduating from Northwest Christian. Ryan would share about their friendship, and Chuck’s ability to make him and other classmates laugh. Oh, and his friend’s innate ability for good-natured ribbing whenever the opportunity presented itself. “No one has made me laugh more than Chuck,” Ryan says. “He’s been the comedian of my life.” So, Ryan and his schoolmate drove together in Chuck’s Subaru to bible college in Portland, Oregon.
chuck meets his soulmate
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
Proverbs 31:10
When Chuck began his college years at Multnomah School of the Bible, he met a young lady at a gathering for incoming freshman. Little did he know that he would meet his future soulmate, Beth, at that meeting. And although Beth liked Chuck, she didn’t necessarily think they would be spending their lives together…at least, at first.
“I was a tomboy, he was a weightlifter”, Beth recalled. “It took me awhile to warm up (to him)”, describing her youthful caution as feeling socially awkward, rather than simply introverted. That awkwardness made her ponder whether she was right for Chuck, and vice versa. “We did go out for awhile. Then I got cold feet and broke up. And it was fifteen months before we got back together.” Beth obviously had feelings for Chuck, but wanting to be sure, she shared some revealing thoughts: “Before we broke up, I thought to myself ‘if we ever got back together again that I would marry him’. I was in love with him. But I was fearful of relationships.” She would share these details with Chuck many years later.
So, they did, in fact, get back together. It was from there that Beth’s love for Chuck grew. When graduation was over in May 1988, they married two months later.
Preparing for family
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”
Proverbs 3:5,6
Chuck and Beth’s journey with family began with Chuck’s revelation to Beth about what he wanted for her, moving forward. Clearly, you see something providential in the wisdom that Chuck shared with Beth as they laid the groundwork for family.
“He said ‘the best insurance policy he could give me, (was) for me to have a profession- in case something happened to him- that I would be able to support our kids financially’,” Beth recalled, from the early days of their marriage. Even though her desire was to immediately start a family (a reasonable expectation), she looks back upon that wisdom that Chuck had in the moment.
“It was so good that I had a teaching certificate in hand before our first (child was born),” Beth shared, with a sense of relief in her voice. An emotional response to what came next. Great blessings? Absolutely! But the challenges ahead are what lead Chuck and Beth on a journey that was entirely unexpected. Beth met these challenges head-on as a mother, always wanting what was best for her children and family.
Reflecting back on the early days of marriage and starting a family, Beth was surprised to discover Chuck’s passion as an outdoorsman long before they met. “Chuck always felt closer to God in the mountains. He was always fascinated with the deer head on his grandpa’s wall (in Michigan).” Beth continued, “During Multnomah, there was no time to hunt with studies and (a nearly) full-time job at Costco.” So, an opportunity presented itself where Chuck could remain with Costco, yet return to the sprawling mountains where he could reunite with his roots as an avid hunter. His company had plans to open a new store in Missoula, Montana. Chuck was approved for a transfer. These were exciting times for The Cram’s. With Beth carrying their firstborn, The Cram’s moved to Missoula. The future looked bright for the young couple. But new challenges were waiting in their new destination on the journey…
montana, hunting, and the unexpected
“I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”
Psalm 13:6 (KJV)
It was seven months after arriving in Montana when Chuck and Beth’s first son, Jacob, was born. But with great joy came concerns about Jacob’s limitations and challenges. These challenges became evident during his one-year check-up (what is referred to in today’s terms as a well-child visit) with his pediatrician; an assessment that led the doctor to suspect that Jacob may be deaf. Their concerns were confirmed. Jacob was diagnosed as Deaf when he was only twenty-one months old, after undergoing an Audiotory Brainstem Response (ABR) Test. The audiologist described Jacob’s condition as “severe to profound hearing loss”. It was quite a blow for the young couple. The type of news that is life-altering. The kind of news that can test the strongest of foundations.
“We were shocked,” Beth recalled “when the pediatrician asked us at Jacob’s one year wellness check if he was talking or turning for his name when we called him.” Given Beth’s teaching background, she was taken aback to realize that he did not respond as a typical one year old would when called. Beth explained how Jacob would respond to his parents: “We lived in an older home with hardwood floors under carpet. We think Jacob felt the floor vibrate when we walked near him or behind him. He was super connected to both of us.”
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only challenge this young family was facing. As soon after the diagnosis, Chuck and Beth began to recognize a pattern of behavior that would raise concerns about the possibility that young Jacob was also autistic. Then, Beth shared a foreshadowing (of sorts) to the early signs of his potential autism. “He struggled with insomnia and always had a ‘faraway’ expression. He would get excited and shake…almost a tremble.”
Chuck describes this moment and the challenges ahead, as only he could:
“Well, I’ll tell you…having (doctors) tell you that your son is deaf and finding out that he’s autistic…” Chuck said, reflecting on many challenges that his family faced, which have yet to be shared. “We call these ‘bag-over-the-head punch-in-the-face’ moments,” as only Chuck can put in his unique, yet direct, vernacular. But in these moments, you also see the beacon of faith shine through the darkness. Listen to his humble response:
“I’ve learned not to ask God ‘why’, but (rather) ‘what do you want me to learn?”
Chuck Cram, when faced with difficult challenges throughout the course of his family’s journey, which includes his own diagnosis of ALS.
They began to make plans for the long-term for Jacob, while trusting God in lighting the path that would best provide for Jacobs needs. In the midst of the devastating revelations about Jacob, Chuck was able to decompress and process while returning to the natural beauty of the mountains, a place where Chuck felt closer to God. But before his outdoor life could resume, The Cram’s needed to formulate a plan to better care for Jacob’s diagnosis, which would eventually become a blended diagnosis.
Beth, as any loving mother would do, began to do a deep dive into intervention services within the State of Montana. She also began to search for hospitals that specialized in care for Deaf children. Her prayers were answered on both fronts. Beth discovered that every state has what is known as an infant-toddler program. These programs provide services and funding to assist children, ages birth to age three, with developmental disabilities. She also liked what she saw with one hospital in particular: the world-renowned John Tracy Clinic (JTC), on the campus of UCLA, in Los Angeles. By tapping into the state’s infant-toddler program, the Lord provided a way for Beth and Jacob to visit JTC. “The infant-toddler program used end-of-year funds,” Beth shared “to sponsor our trip to JTC that Summer (1994). It was a game-changer for sure!” So, mother and son flew to LA for further testing with some of the best specialists in the world.
A Little Levity from Chuck and “norman”
Long before Jacob and Mom went to JTC, Chuck took a hunting trip deep in the mountains of Montana. He was in his natural habitat, along with the big game he would track and hunt. Big game, indeed. Beth talks about a (sort of) new member of the family. The story of “Norman” and how he would come to reside in The Cram household:
“Chuck’s first ‘head and shoulder’ mount was a 1200-pound moose. Jacob and I were at JTC when the taxidermist had finished the mount (which can take up to 12 months). Chuck asked where a good place was (on the wall) for the mount. I told him ‘anywhere, except where my Norman Rockwell wall’. He said ‘yeah, that would be a perfect place. Haha!’…well, that didn’t happen. But he decided to name the moose ‘Norman’.” Beth went on to share how Jacob was weaned on moose meat that first year. Chuck had many more stories about his hunting days. But, on the Homefront, there were more pressing issues. Namely, where the best place for his family was to settle in order to meet the needs of his firstborn.
But there is something greater to this part of their family journey. Beth, desiring to meet her child’s needs as a devoted mother to Jacob, went back to school to learn American Sign Language (ASL). Just as it seemed as though The Cram’s had found the ideal niche for their young family, life took another unexpected turn shortly after their arrival.
trials and hardship lead to a new path
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
After settling in Missoula, Montana the last four years, Chuck and Beth knew they would need to relocate in order to meet the needs of their young son. Beth had discovered a school for the deaf that seemed like a good fit in providing more permanent care for young Jacob. But there were complexities to finding the care for his profound deafness, as well as significant autism, the degree of which had yet to be determined (though they would not have a formal diagnosis of Jacob’s autism until the age of five). In other words, they could not choose a school for the Deaf only. But a learning environment that could provide care for his autism as well.
After searching many a school from Great Falls to Los Angeles in order for Jacob to receive the care and development he required, God led them to the Bay Area of California. Through much prayer and trusting their Savior to guide them, they landed in Fremont, California. Not only was there a school for the deaf, which could meet Jacob’s needs, but a way for Chuck to stay with the company that provided for his family’s needs.
However, from the time they first arrived in the East Bay, it seemed as though their plan was about to collapse. After visiting California School for the Deaf in Fremont (CSDF) in Spring 1995, The Cram’s were convinced this was the place for Jacob. But there was a wrinkle to this plan that manifested itself after they enrolled Jacob later that summer. Beth shares the complexities of this move and the decision behind it after visiting CSDF:
“We made the decision to move to Fremont after we saw (CSDF’s) special needs wing. We were asked to bring Jacob to the school before school started that Fall…I had no idea that the administrative team was trying to invite us (so as) not to place him at CSDF as a result of the findings of those assessments”. This put Beth in a difficult situation as this was the reason for relocating. But there was no turning back for The Cram’s. Beth and Jacob moved ahead of Chuck, as he had to load up the house in Missoula and drive everything to the East Bay. His job had already transferred him to Fremont. It was a tremendous sacrifice, as they left behind a spacious 3-bedroom house in Montana to a single-wide trailer in the “concrete jungle” along the 880 Freeway, the main artery between Oakland and the South Bay, in the Silicon Valley.
But Beth, being steadfast in her decision to make the most of a difficult situation, offered perspective that only the mother of a special needs child could understand:
“I think they emphasized that he had more special needs than Deaf education was meant to handle,” Beth reflected on from those days. “But I was determined to stay where he could be exposed to fluent sign language like all the other Deaf kids.” But even though the direction of the administrators had changed, Beth was quick to recognize the staff and parents within the Deaf community she had made a connection with…some, even to this day. “The staff in the ECE (Early Childhood Education) department were amazing with Jacob!” And the families share a special bond that is inspired by a common goal in finding the best care available for their children.
But as often is the case with a faith-driven life, a closed door usually leads to another door opening. Beth was carrying their second child when The Cram’s arrived in Fremont. She also had resumed taking classes in ASL at Ohlone Community College. All the while, Chuck was working during the day and helping Beth provide care and support for Jacob.
Only a handful of weeks had passed when Micah was born. But after the experience and process of discovering Jacob’s challenges, Chuck and Beth knew that they should have Micah screened for hearing impairment shortly after his birth. “I knew before the screening,” Beth recalled, “that Micah would be referred for more testing. He never moved in his hospital crib with noise, but did the reaching reflex response when we accidentally bumped his bed…I knew.”
The realization that she now had two young boys that were profoundly deaf, along with the challenges of finding the best fit for them to meet their special needs, altered the life and career path of Beth Cram.
As a mother that wanted the best care and development she could provide, Beth was inspired to take her education to the next level. Thus, she chose to pursue a master’s degree in special education. “I felt the Lord leading me, “Beth said, “at that time, rather than continuing the path towards ASL interpreter to learn about what my profoundly Deaf son needed in the way of educational support at his young age.”
So, with Chuck’s blessing, she enrolled at California State University, Hayward (more recently known as CSU, East Bay). Though she was taking on a great deal of responsibility, she felt a calling to offer more to young Jacob and Micah.
This added a great deal of responsibility to Chuck’s daily life, as well. “Not only did Chuck work full time to provide for the family,” Beth said, “he took care of two Deaf kids while I went to night school. He washed hair and bathed them, cooked dinner, and kept them entertained…Often, he put them to bed before I got home from night classes. There is no way I could have finished my degree without him.” Chuck provided a stabilizing foundation for his family during a time that may have sent any other family reeling from the trials they were facing. “What an amazing provider he has been,” Beth shared, in reflecting on their family life.
And that family continued to grow. Beth had their third and final son, Joel, during her senior year. And what a relief to find out shortly after his birth that Baby Joel had no special needs! “What a blessing that the Lord (gave us Joel when he did). I tell him that ‘everyone should have a Joey at the caboose of their train,” Beth shared with such joy and gratitude. Not to take away from how Chuck and Beth felt towards all their children. But after what they had been through and not having to prepare for yet another challenging situation, you can sense the relief that they had when Joel arrived. And even into adulthood, you will see how this extraordinary young man became a blessing, both to his siblings and his parents, simply by sharing the gifts God gave him.
Once Joel was born, Beth could see her journey as a graduate student coming to an end. She could also see a future for her dear children that gave them a new beginning. And a school that would be a better fit for their needs, as well as provide the parents with a sense of peace about their care and development in a new environment.
a good placE TO call HOME
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
So, the next step for The Cram’s was about where God would lead them after their time in Fremont. The faith-driven life always led them back to seeking the wisdom of God to light the way home. And the path from there seemed to be lit, as their next stop has become a permanent stop on their journey of life.
After leaving behind a potential permanent home in Missoula, Beth connected with a close friend from their prior landing spot. Chuck and Beth knew that they wanted to move back to the inner-mountain West. But always trusting the Savior with these decisions, it appears the outcome was obvious. “There was a gal that was very instrumental in my life from our church (in Missoula). Her cousin happened to be an instructor at the school for the deaf in Gooding (Idaho).” Ironically, this friend happened to be in the Bay Area visiting her son and grandchildren when Chuck and Beth were trying to decide the next move. “We decided to call her cousin (before visiting) the school for the deaf in Gooding.”
So, in the Fall of ’99, when Beth was completing her student teaching at Cal State Hayward, she went with her boys to visit the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind (ISDB), located in Gooding, Idaho. After witnessing how the staff interacted with her two Deaf boys, Beth was convinced in the first five minutes that this was where they needed to be. And, with what Cal State Hayward offered her, there was no doubt- all arrows pointed north. “Not only did the program at CSU Hayward help me with a special education certificate in the State of Idaho,” Beth recalled, “it was the perfect preparation to certify me in Idaho with multiple endorsements.”
Even greater affirmation came when Chuck and Beth found the most idyllic home for their family. And when they made an offer, it was accepted. This happened to be the very first house they found. Anyone who has tried to buy a home knows that this is a rare feat. Such a weight had been lifted for The Cram’s, knowing that their two oldest boys would be cared for in their new school, while securing an affordable home in Gooding. Costco remained loyal to Chuck in providing a transfer to his new location. They couldn’t say enough about what Costco meant in providing financial stability for their family.
The Cram Family settled into life in Gooding. The children had a quality school. Beth had started a new career in that school. And Chuck not only remained at Costco in their new town but also returned to the great outdoors and his passion for hunting. As the kids grew, Micah and Joel each got to experience the outdoors of the PNW with their father. The good life they sought for their growing family was found in little Gooding, Idaho. Certainly, the challenges of two special needs kids remained. And then the youngest adapting to the needs of his older siblings.
This is where the blessings of Joel’s life began to take shape. So, it’s not surprising that he began to develop his own form of “home-signs” at the age of three. Joel learned to read the gestures and body language of his older brother Micah. This sort of happened out of necessity, as siblings talk to each other about everyday things, but also like to fight with each other. Whether your Deaf or not, it’s part of our development from youth to do both. Home-signing is a non-formal signing that is unique to families in order to talk to each other in a language that they all understand.
Chuck and Beth are so proud of him for being a kind and caring young man. Beth was particularly touched when Joel produced this educational video on common words and phrases in sign language. In fact, new staff members that are at the group home where his oldest brother Jacob resides, still use this video to learn how to better communicate with the special needs kids and adults.
Finally, Gooding was where Beth would begin a career of working with special needs kids at the school that she sought out for Jacob to attend. The Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind (ISDB), which has since become known as iesdb.org.
POWER and faith: a new mission in life
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James 1:27
As Chuck was nearing the end of his career at Costco, a pastoral friend introduced him to POWER ministry. It was a men’s ministry that brought together Christian men from all over the country for short-term, purpose-driven missions. Chuck, along with dozens of Christian men from all walks of life, would come together along the southern border of Texas. It was here that these men would meet, fellowship, pray, organize and prepare for their mission. That mission was to bring relief to many souls just on the other side of the Rio Grande, in Mexico. Many of these villages were places that had been overrun by cartels.
And though every man had a separate skill to help the needy families, orphans, and villages, every hungry soul needs something that feeds that part. That was a common thread in which all of these men shared: the desire and passion to present the Gospel to every person. And they did just that.
“I got down there and rubbed elbows with some of the best guys on planet earth,” Chuck said. “There was a Marine pilot from the Gulf War, a guy who worked for the defense department, one that worked for Lockheed-Martin and built missiles that went under the wings on jet fighters…one that set the record for the highest parachute jump ever. He was in a space suit (when he jumped). These were the guys that made up POWER.” He would witness how men from such diverse walks of life came together and worked side-by-side with a common goal. Lifelong bonds were made between these men that probably would have never crossed paths had it not been for these mission trips.
The name of this ministry tells you what it truly is all about. POWER is an acronym meaning Purposeful Outreach With Eternal Results. Since Chuck went on his first mission trip in 2014, he has looked forward to those week long mission trips every year. Here is some background on POWER, their purpose, and a typical itinerary for the men that came together for this outreach to our neighbors along the southern border.
Chuck, with Beth transcribing, shared a few of the miracles witnessed on these trips throughout the years. You can also connect with the people and stories of these mission trips over their 25 year history by visiting their Facebook page. But POWER would play a significant role in the journey of Chuck’s diagnosis with ALS. A trip that was more than a typical mission to help others in need.
The fallen hunter stays the course
” I love the LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. “
Psalm 116:1-2
After thirty years of service to Costco, Chuck decided to retire. But being a man that never truly retires from everything, Chuck took a job with North Canyon Medical Center in his hometown of Gooding. It was a great fit for Chuck in sharing his personality- and innate ability to make people laugh- along with working in part to maintain the property. Chuck combined both his gift of gab along with his love for working outdoors to maintain the landscape around the hospital through his story about “limb amputations”.
“I would tell the patients I was transporting that I performed a number of amputations without anesthesia. After their initial “shocked” response, I admitted that is was limbs from the trees.” One malady that no patient was safe from was “Chuckisms”. He did, however, enjoy every minute of his time at NCMC. So did his neighbors that would ride with Chuck. Many of the doctors and staff loved Chuck, as well.
So, I suppose it’s fitting that Chuck had discovered his diagnosis as a result of a hunting trip with his podiatrist. At the time of the trip, Chuck had been dealing with “drop foot“; a condition that can be a sign of other underlying nerve or muscle disorders, if it doesn’t go away in short order. Chuck had been contending with drop foot for the better part of two years in his right foot. But during the hunting trip, Chuck had a ‘slip and fall’ that caused serious bodily harm. This unfortunate accident is what lead to his diagnosis.
Chuck recalled that moment in which the accident occurred while walking with his podiatrist back to his truck. “He assured me that you probably have a rolled ankle…but it looks like you may (also) have a spiral fracture.” Chuck braved the drive back to Gooding, even though he had a bad left leg from the accident, and a drop foot on his right foot. But Chuck told the doc to go back and hunt, and he would make it. Well, Chuck did make it back. He did, however, need assistance to get out of his truck and into the ER on that very busy Saturday afternoon.
Fortunately, he knew all the staff at NCMC. Then they got him in for treatment and x-rays. Sure enough, he did have exactly what his podiatrist had said. But on top of the spiral fracture in his left ankle, he had torn the ligaments as well! After doc did surgery on Chuck’s left leg, they performed a strength test on it. Turns out the left leg was stronger than the right, the side that had the issue known as “drop foot”. This was a big concern for Chuck and his medical team.
Chuck was then referred to a neurologist in Boise. After an initial exam, the specialist strongly suspected that Chuck had ALS. But he needed to be sure. So, the doctor ordered a nerve conduction study on Chuck. The results did confirm that Chuck did, in fact, have ALS. The official diagnosis was March 5, 2024. Needless to say, the news was devastating.
Yet, God used the timing of this diagnosis to interrupt Chuck and Beth’s life with something that had been planned months ahead of time: a final mission trip for POWER. The trip, ironically, was scheduled for March 6th as their day of departure to Texas. They didn’t realize that when they planned for this trip that it would be Chuck’s final trip. In fact, given the timing of the diagnosis, some thought that Chuck should not take this trip, given the news. Beth took a different approach to it. She explains the moment she heard about his diagnosis:
“I didn’t really know what ALS was…it was daunting when it was described, and then as it unfolded what this was going to mean for Chuck…then my thought turned to (the trip). My initial thought was that ‘should you go’? But then, it immediately shifted to ‘you need to go, you need to go.’ The times in the past he (had taken the mission trips) has benefitted our entire family.” The trip was a great memory for father and son, as Joel went with dad on his final trip.
“I had no doubt in my mind that I knew that is where Chuck needed to be…to process the new information. And that there would be many, many men praying for Chuck, for our family, and for what we needed from the Lord…and it gave me freedom to process what had happened.” Chuck told his friend Ryan, after he shared the diagnosis and wondered if Chuck should go on this mission trip, that “he needed to be about his Father’s business”. When he expressed it that way, Ryan agreed. So, Chuck and Joel departed on March 6th with the family’s blessing.
a miracle awaits
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Luke 18:27
Upon returning to Gooding from his memorable mission trip, Chuck and Beth prepared for the road ahead. Their faith in God has carried them through many a difficult season. Chuck remained the same person he was before ALS; cracking jokes when you least expect it, and a great attitude about the challenges he would face. After a lifetime of dealing with the challenges within his family, he never forgot the foundation of faith that was laid in his youth.
As they reflected on all the seasons and all the challenges they have faced, the partial list looked like this:
- Jacob diagnosed as totally deaf and autistic.
- Micah diagnosed with total deafness
- Micah being diagnosed later on with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and undergoing extensive chemotherapy.
- Beth has surgery to remove lumps on two separate occasions
- The numerous moves and searches for Jacob to find the proper care, and eventually a group home which he has resided in since he was 14 years old. (It became unsafe for him and for Beth for him to remain at home).
- Many numerous challenges that are personal to The Cram Family.
All of this led to Chuck’s final reflection during our interview:
“I’ve learned not to ask God ‘why’, but (rather) ‘what do you want me to learn?”
“He (Jesus) has been there every time. We’ve seen His hand move a lot. And I’m totally expecting to see it move again…As a follower of Jesus Christ, and after many tests of faith, where else would you turn?”
Beth, always composed, had a moment in which the emotions overwhelmed her, “It has been different than all the other diagnoses…but…we’ve always had each other. Whatever the things that God has brought us through…It has knit our hearts together.”
Final thoughts
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 1:6,7
When people are faced with adversity in today’s world, it is often followed by emotions that reflect the suffering. Anger, frustration, lashing out at others, or perhaps withdrawing from others in a loathsome manner. Adversity, in short, reveals our character. But to those that put their trust in Christ, there is no less suffering or pain. In fact, often it is greater than what many would face. The difference in the faith-driven life that often is misunderstood by the world is that each of us knows that God requires testing for us to hone our faith- to truly depend on Him under every circumstance. That is a faith that will last forever.
But it is also a faith that God uses to build the faith of others. Here is what the great theologian C.S. Spurgeon wrote in regard to the testing of faith*:
YOUR FAITH WILL BE TRIED SURELY. You may rest assured of that. A man may have faith, and be for the present without trial; but no man ever had faith, and was all his life without trial. That could not— must not be; for faith, in the very nature of it, implies a degree of trial. I believe the promise of God. So far my faith is tried in believing the promise, in waiting for the fulfilment of the promise, in holding on to an assurance of that promise while it is delayed, and in continuing to expect the promise, and to act upon it until it is in all points fulfilled to me.
Chuck’s journey has inspired me in a season of trials. That is one of the many purposes of these trials of faith. And as this journey has not arrived at its final destination, Chuck has remained true to the faith that was built upon Christ as the chief cornerstone. Listen:
“Well, I know that God is capable of healing me without nothing more than a thought. I also know that He is sovereign. So whatever he does will be for His glory.”
And in regard to the miracles?
“I’m not going to be disappointed if His last miracle lands me in heaven, or if it puts me back on my feet again so I can serve Him more.”
His embrace of a miracle is infectious and real, as he shares this parting shot for the many healthcare providers that have helped him through this season.
“I can’t wait to visit a bunch of doctors and look at their faces (when I am healed).”
For Chuck Cram, the journey continues as he has not arrived at the destination. But he has filled in the blanks where Ralph Waldo Emerson would be dumbfounded. That is, the journey must have a good foundation. And if Christ is the chief cornerstone that you build upon, not only is the destination assured, but the journey will inspire and produce fruit that will result in others following a journey of salvation that never leaves them wanting…and always expecting a miracle.
(Christopher Gaines is an author, editor for standandkneel.com and patriotgaines.com, and a content provider for social media and podcasts. You can connect with Chris at standandkneel@proton.me)
(Many thanks to Beth Cram and her tireless contributions to this story. None of this would have been possible without her support for her husband and sharing his thoughts when he was not always able in this battle. Their faith has inspired my faith journey.)
*C.S. Spurgeon excerpts from spurgeon.org, sermon entitled The Trial of Your Faith, 12.2.1888
(Disclaimer: all content on this site is my own and is protected by intellectual property laws of the United States of America. No ASI assistance was used in producing the content provided on this site. It is uniquely human.)
[Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.]
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