Fireside Talkers
News 1/1/2022
We are now planning for a summer get-together.
This gathering will be an outdoor event. The event will be
on or around a private campground. We hope to get back to working again on state or federal lands. This process will all depend on the rules for gatherings under current restrictions. All programs are Christian-based, and Fireside Talks will be putting out more information about our Ministry. At this time, we are in the organization phase. After all fillings are complete, you will see more info. John Elden is finishing his Evangelistic training with the Graham program. Also, John is happy to announce his Ordination and continued work and training in the Christian faith.
John Elden Gibbons’ goal with this Ministry, Fireside Talkers, is to promote and secure as many outdoor Chaplains through Training, Support, and Programming as we can.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” -Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
What is a Chaplain?
“A chaplain is a certified clergy member who provides spiritual care for individuals in a non-religious organization, rather than a church congregation. Chaplains can work in government roles and serve members of the military in different locations. They can serve patients in healthcare or hospice facilities. Working in police departments, fire departments, and prisons is also common for chaplains”. These positions may have specific organization- defined education requirements not listed here
“And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers”;
–Ephesians 4:11(ASV)
While a disciple is a student, one who learns from a teacher,
an apostle is sent to deliver those teachings to others.
“Apostle” means messenger, he who is sent.
An apostle is sent to deliver or spread those teachings to others
Since Chaplains are ordained ministers, they can officiate ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. They can lead baptism services and provide final rites for patients who are passing away. Chaplains can also take on the role of a spiritual leader for individuals who do not belong to a specific religious community.
John has made it his mission to introduce 100,000 people to the out of doors and,
by so doing, give them the ability to live deliberately and have communion and fellowship with nature, and with the Author of that nature.”
This mission is inspired by the works of Henry David Thoreau quoted here, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.”
John’s devotion to nature and wilderness skills was further developed
at the side of his grandfather, Euell T. Gibbons, whose life works and writings have been likened to Thoreau. Euell wrote. “My love affair with nature is so deep that I am not satisfied with being a mere onlooker, or nature tourist. I crave a more real and meaningful relationship. The spicy teas and tasty delicacies I prepare from wild ingredients are the bread and wine in which I have communion and fellowship with nature, and with the Author of that nature.”
Fireside Talkers?
What page have you stumbled upon? If you are here, I can assure you that something greater than you or I has brought us together in this moment? Something stirs in your heart and soul. This page and this site are dedicated to Christian men of all ages and all walks of life who seek self-reliance. A love of the outdoors. Personal and Financial freedom.
Do you need to be a Christian or a man to gain valuable information and fellowship from this place? No, you do not. This site is open to all. However, to be clear, the focus of this site is: Thriving in God’s nature and the out of doors; Creating a freedom and self-reliance life; Deciding who I am and what my life is about; The Role of a Christian man in our culture and the out of doors; How to be faithful with everything entrusted to you; Finding a life partner or reaffirming the love and commitment to your wife.
Fireside Talkers Statement of Faith
- God is speaking to us as we enter Nature and the out-of-doors if we know how to listen.
- Listening to God’s Word happens by reducing the background noise.
- All noise becomes amplified by focusing on negativity.
- The golden rule is ultimately followed by committing to God and letting that commitment be reflected in our words, actions, choices, and daily commitments in all things. While We may fail at this, it is with God’s Grace that we will find our way.
- Fireside Talkers is nondenominational, built on Christianity and the New Testament that we call “The Good News.” and the Apostles’ Creed.
- All other texts or books of the Bible give a historical perspective for “The Good News.”
- All people are God’s children and equal before God.
- Meditation and Prayer can put us into direct communion with the Holy Spirit and God’s Grace.
Get All the Latest from Fireside Talkers
Why all of this for an Outdoor Self-Reliance Site? Because to succeed at anything, your mind, heart and soul matter. If you question everything – if you are unsure or wishy-washy in your heart, intention or commitments – then you will be doomed to keep making the same mistakes over and again. Ask me how I know!
The World Economic Forum has identified the top 10 concerns across the globe. The same questions are asked by Christian men for the safety and future of their families:
Food security
Inclusive growth
Future of work/unemployment
Climate change
Financial crisis
Future of the internet/Fourth Industrial Revolution
Gender equality
Global trade and investment and regulatory frameworks
Long-term investment/Investment strategy
Future healthcare
With that
• 8 out of 10 (83%) Christian men are dissatisfied with their jobs
• 5 out of 10 (52%) have experienced or are getting a divorce
• 6 out of 10 (62%) are struggling financially
Because along the way, we (yes, including me – John Elden) have failed our families, ourselves, and our God. But I have “Good News.”
That stops NOW.
Some of you are just getting started on life’s journey, and others feel it is all too little too late.
It is never too late.
DO YOU DRAW BREATH? Yes? Read On!
Who is Outdoorsman, Adventurer, Anthropological Writer, Chaplain
John Elden Gibbons?
Join us on this adventure we call life, as we choose to live deliberately.
I have made it my mission to introduce 100,000 people to the out-of-doors. It is my greatest hope that by showing you the way, I can give back to all those to whom I owe so much of my knowledge and help to set anyone on the road to self-sufficient living.
We all strive to find the things we need in life. The truth is that they are always right in front of us. The answer is to abide and not strive in Gods grace. For years, I had a calling but never acted. Then one day, I took the step. I became ordained and answered the call of The Great Commission. It was only a first step. I have continued my training and questioning by studying with great organizations. most recently the International Evangelistic Program. It is only by studying others that we can solidify our own beliefs, yet I have never felt entirely comfortable with the titles and associations. My calling is to God and the out-of-doors, and my title is Chaplain.
It all starts by learning to help yourself and your family. The out-of-doors is open to all in the USA. If you live in a city or on a farm, you have the exact same needs: Shelter, Water, Food, Power, Safety, Security, Income, Community, and Love.
It may seem that life is overwhelming, and hope is fleeting. I assure you your best days can be before you.
-John Elden Gibbons
“A chaplain is, traditionally, a cleric (such as a minister, priest, pastor), or a lay representative of a religious tradition, attached to a secular institution (such as a hospital, prison, military unit,intelligence agency, embassy, school, labor union, business, police department, fire department, university, sports club),
or a private chapel”.
It is not his intention to ever teach someone how to live poor but rather, As Henry David Thoreau said, to “Live Deliberately.”
John Elden and his family decided to get off the treadmill and live deliberately. Reduce their expenses and increase their income.
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
- – Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)
An Outdoorsman Talks with God
I woke to a satellite phone call in the Adirondack woods.
I knew it was not going to be good news. The WCA was holding the phone.
I just looked up from my sleeping bag and said,
“My father just died?”
“I’m sorry, man,” came the response.
My father, a retired Air Force Tstg., had served several tours in Vietnam and Thailand,
TDYs into Nha Trang from the Philippines in the 60’s supporting OV-1 aircraft.
Later Air America Trips departing from NKP and Phuket Thailand. Only God knows what he was doing there.
He had survived the Tet offensive while in Saigon. He had seen the beginning of the war to the end.
It took 30 years, but Vietnam and agent orange had finally killed him.
At 14, I had given my life to Christ. I knew the words and I knew my Bible. I prayed and I tried.
I failed over and again in God’s plan. Sure, I had plenty of things and people in my life.
But still, I failed to hear and I was failing to live up to God’s plan.
It wasn’t until much, much later on that mountain when I was broken and exhausted – it was at that moment that I felt God’s power and learned how to listen. I wish I could tell you that it turned my life around immediately.
But that came even later…
For more information about – Rockbottom Survival Skills
Create a self-sufficient lifestyle. A life lived on their own terms. The joy of a close relationship with the land. All done without eliminating or scrimping on the joys of life. Time for travel, food, fun and adventure. Safety and Security have been on top of the list for them and their children.