National Hardwood Magazine - April 2024

FCL Hears How Prison
Ministry Changes Lives
Robust Walnut Activity
Discussed At AWMA Meeting
Provided by Eric Porter
The Fellowship of Christian Lumbermen (FCL) recently
learned how God has opened a door to ministry
for one member.
The remarks came at the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s
Association 2024 Convention in Indianapolis, IN.
The men participated in singing worship songs led by
Nate Phillips of G.L. Beaumont Lumber Co.
FCL Board member Rob McCarthy of NWH shared
his experiences working with Prison Fellowship Ministries.
He had been seeking an opportunity to serve God
and waited for a door to open. When none did, he started
“looking out the window” and saw the chance to participate
in Prison Fellowship.
McCarthy has been serving at a correctional facility
in Ohio for the past year leading inmates through a program
called Prison Fellowship Academy. The program
equips participants to prepare for life now and after their
incarceration.
He said it has taught him that Christian faith-based
programs help inmates develop skills to work through
their current situations and for the future. McCarthy said
the first group of men has completed the phase one and
lives have been changed.
The FCL attendees gave donations to the Prison Fellowship
Ministry and spent time in prayer before the
meeting was adjourned.
The FCL holds these events at many of the Hardwood
conventions and meetings and would welcome anyone
to participate. n
For more information go to: christianlumbermen.wordpress.com.
Provided By AWMA
Members of the American Walnut Manufacturers Association
(AWMA) met in Indianapolis, IN, at the Indiana
Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association’s Convention recently
to conduct business on behalf of the Association.
Tony Pescaglia, MO PAC Lumber Co., Fayette, MO; Matt Yest,
Kendrick Forest Products Inc., Edgewood, IA; and Rob Kukowski,
Kamps Hardwoods Inc., Dutton, MI
Photos By Terry Miller
Members reported that the Walnut business – green
lumber, KD lumber and logs – is robust and most products
are steadily moving. Competition for logs is stiff and
priced accordingly. Log exports remain very strong and
new competition for them seems to be steadily arriving
across the United States.
The Association elected Rob Kukowski, Kamps Hardwoods,
as President, Coby Short, Hartzell Hardwoods,
as Vice President, and Bill Long will serve as Immediate
Past President. n
Learn more at
www.walnutassociation.org.
FCL Board member Rob McCarthy of NWH shared with attendees
his experience working with Prison Fellowship Ministries.
Brian Brookshire, Executive Director, American Walnut Manufacturers
Association, Jefferson City, MO; Phillip Smith, Stoltzfus Forest
Products LLC, Peach Bottom, PA; and Darrell Gruver, D & D
Hardwood LLC, Racine, MO
Terry Miller, National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN; Dathan
Gruver, D & D Hardwood LLC, Racine, MO; and Bucky Pescaglia,
MO PAC Lumber Co., Fayette, MO
FCL Board member Tony Honeycutt, of Mullican Flooring, addresses
attendees during the meeting of the association at the
recent 2024 IHLA Convention in Indianapolis.
Sage Maiers, Kendrick Forest Products Inc., Edgewood, IA; Bill
Long, Midwest Hardwood Company LLC, Maple Grove, MN; Greg
Beaumont, G.L. Beaumont Lumber Co., Ramsey, IL; and Thomas
Braun, HOLZ BRAUN GmbH and Co. KG, Reutlingen, Germany
Nate Phillips of G.L. Beaumont Lumber Co. leads FCL worship
service in song.
Kirk Bachman, Missouri Walnut LLC, Neosho, MO; and Steve
Bruggeman and Vic Boeding, Bruggeman Lumber Inc., Sand
Springs, IA
56 APRIL 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry
www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry
APRIL 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 57