My name is Rich Bassett and I live in Louisville, KY. I am the husband, father, and kitty papa of Laura Lea, Connelly, Carrigan, and Grace respectively.
In a former life, I was a Harley ridin’ machinist who was having a pretty good time with life. Not that I’m not having fun now, but things sure were different then.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I found nothing wrong with the rust-belt and figured that was the place I would live out my days. God, as I have come to understand Him, had different plans for me.
After 30 years of a relatively good life (for the most part), I found myself leaving my seat in the nosebleeds of the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium and responding to a call by Billy Graham to come and die. That message was implied, as I came to find out, knowing now that many people don’t respond to an offer like that. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” That was June 1994.
Sensing a call to the ministry, after 7 years in a small Southern Baptist Church, I turned my car south on I-71 and headed to Louisville, KY. It was then that I wondered if Hee Haw was a depiction of real life south of the Ohio River.
I, like many before me, went to work at UPS from midnight to 4am to put myself through school. Exhausted, I graduated from Boyce Bible College then from Southern Seminary, both of which are in Louisville, KY.
Throughout this amazing journey, I have accumulated 2 degrees, 1 wife, 2 daughters, 1 cat, and a group of friends I never would have had the privilege of knowing had I never left Cleveland. God has truly been good to me and I can honestly say that I like my life.
thecornfedpastor 
After reading this testimony, I can honestly say that I know God has brought you a long way! I knew the “Old” Rich who was a party man. LOL Its Cindy who worked with you at Value City. Remeber those old days??? God has also brought me a long way. I am married to a licensed minister (United Penecostal Church) and we live in Florida. Take care and e-mail me with any updates of others we worked with. God Bless.
Thanks Cindy. VC was a long time ago; perhaps another life. Glad to hear that God has done a wonderful work in your life and can only hope for the same for all of our old co-workers.
Blessings to you and your family in Florida.
1994 I was in Germany for the first time on a ONG AT the war in Yogoslavia was on the holocost 2 hours away several years latter I found myself in AA and your right you do not know what GOD has planed now working as a Equipment operator in AZ never thought I would end up in Tucson but here I am and by the grace of GOD played a roll in a family issue and get this “I WAS THE CALM IN THE STORM” not the cause for a change only possible as of a new path based in spirtuality I took 7 years earler. gald to see yor passion grow with the LORD Rich god bless.
Thanks Ron, I am glad you are doing well in AZ. Glad to hear that you were not the cause of family strife (for once) and hope the issue has been resolved. I would love to make it out your way some day, I hear it’s beautiful. May God richly bless you and your family.
Hi Rich
I just got finished reading your testamoniy.and I think that God has a purpose for all of us.thank you for allowing everyone to read of what God has done in your life.Have a Bless new year barb
Thanks Barb, God certainly does have a plan. You and Bill also have a testimony and may that story of the redeeming love of God be used for His glory and your good. Blessings to both of you as you serve Him.
Hello, my name is Leandro and I’m from Santos – Brazil.
I have a blog who talk about of the Word of God and try to make the difference in the world like you.
I like to know if you do same partnership with others blogs / sites.
Will be a pleasure to have you as a partner..
Thanks and God bless you…
Rich! I’m so glad that we’ve reconnected after all these years. We shared some great times in the Army all those years ago in Germany. You always had a great heart and it warms mine to know that you are doing so well and enjoying life to the fullest of God’s grace. The last time I saw you was many years ago as I was passing through Cleveland. We’ve both come a long way since then, haven’t we? I enjoy your blog – as I read each new post I feel as though I’m having a chat with an old friend. Take care and God Bless… Bill
Rich, this is the first time I’ve visited your blog! I get the links on the newsletters from church but now I’m following directly. Thanks for your faithfulness in all you do for God’s kingdom.
Thanks Tatum, I appreciate your words. I look forward to reading your musings.
Hi rich. I don’t know if you will get this message but. I am glad all is well for you..I wish you the best who knows some day we may talk…good luck
HEY RICH, I AM GLAD I FOUND YOU AGAIN.I WAS LOOKING UP MYSELF ON GOOGLE,TO MAKE SURE WHATS ON THERE ABOUT ME. AND I FOUND YOU AGAIN. I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IS GREAT, AND YOU GUYS HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY, I HOPE SOMEDAY WE CAN TALK, I AM WAITING FOR 1/10/15 THERE IS A COMBAT FIGHTING SCHOOL OPENING IN BEDFORD, SIMILAR TO ISRAELI KRAV MAGA, THE SCHOOL IS CALLED STREET COMBATIVES..MY EMAIL IS tracywacker36@gmail.com, IF YOU TALK TO RON, PLEASE GIVE HIM MY EMAIL ADDRESS, I CANT FIND HIS,,BUT AGAIN YOU GUYS HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY..
HI,RICH, JUST AT WORK AND WANTED TO SAY HIGH, I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, AND IF I DONT TILL THEN HAVE A GREAT EASTER,,TALK YO YA LATER…