Upon my arrival to Port Arthur almost six years ago, one of the very first people I had the pleasure of meeting was News columnist Chester Moore. An initial meeting about continuing his contribution to the readers of the Port Arthur News ultimately grew into a friendship garnering much respect from both sides.
Fans of Chester know he has been submitting his “Moore Outdoors” column every week to the Port Arthur News and the Orange Leader for 20 years. In doing so, he has also gained quite a following amongst outdoor enthusiasts. Many seek him out with questions of their own.
Not only does Chester share his love for the outdoors through writing in different publications, he also is a fantastic public speaker full of energy and excitement on the topic. I remember having him come talk to the Rotary Club I was a part of and how engaging he was. I, as well as a number of other club members, remarked on his presentation being the best we had seen in a setting such as that.
But as much as he loves the outdoors and writing for the many readers who look for his column each week, he has a love for something else that is much stronger. It’s a love for something that is more of a calling than an interest or hobby.
Chester and his wife run a youth ministry outreach for orphaned, terminally ill and abused/neglected children. They use wildlife encounters to break through barriers and begin the process of initiating emotional healing. They both love children and love wildlife. The ministry they have created is a beautiful combination of the two.
Last year this calling became full time for the both of them. And as you can probably imagine, spreading your time between a full time calling to help children and writing regularly for publications about a subject you also love can begin to spread one quite thin. And that is exactly what has happened to Chester Moore.
A decision needed to be made. And was.
Sunday, Oct. 29 will be the last regular weekly submission for “Moore Outdoors” in The Port Arthur News and Orange Leader. Chester has let me know that he will send submissions in from time to time, but just not as regular as has been the case.
Not one person can question this decision. To give of your time for another, especially children in need, says so much about a person. Although it saddened me to see him move on, we are so very proud of Chester and his family for being the true meaning of love, life and happiness. And we are blessed he shared this part of his life with all of us for as long as he did.
Godspeed my friend, you are a true gift to the Golden Triangle.

 

Rich Macke is publisher of The Port Arthur News. Contact him at rich.macke@panews.com.