Our business was founded in 1999—Rising Son Print/ Web Design. I had been printer for more than 25 years and I could see publishing needs changing. Jesus was my CEO and business partner, helping to train me in web design and bringing me all the resources, business ideas and customers I needed. The business was truly founded and created by Him...and He has helped my company grow to what is is today.

This business has been a powerful tool in God's hand. He has used it to shape and change me, and customers all across the country. No matter what the background or walk of life, my customers and I seem to form comfortable, good-working relationships. Often, these relationships become good friendships, and out of these special bonds, we are able to help each other in some very difficult situations.

My situation came up November 20, 2004. My son Jerrad and I set out for our hunting trip on Friday night. Little did I know that in the next 24 hours, my life would change in very drastic way. Jerrad and I were best hunting buddies, hunting together from the time he was 12 years old. He was killed Saturday morning on the opening day of the season—his 24th birthday.

I was hunting in the swamp about 1/4 mile away. As I settled into my stand I heard a rooster crow—unusual, since the public land we hunted on was deep in the midst of a National forest, with no farm land in sight. (I realize now that it was a sign of what was to come. Like the disciple, Peter, I was about to deny Christ.) It was gloomy, wet and cold that morning. I couldn't' hear much movement on the ground because it was so wet. I had heard shots early that morning, one that seemed to come from his direction, but I was not really sure, since we hunt along ridges. I got out of my stand to make a drive in the swamp to see if i could push any deer Jerrad's way.

When I was getting down out of my stand with my sling, my rifle was swinging in front of my face—not something I usually allow to happen, but never the less a mistake. As I was going through the swamp, I had to cross over some wind falls. As I did, again, my rifle barrel crossed in front of my face. This time, I realized the safety was off. I got so scared at what had just happened all I wanted to do was get my boy and go have breakfast.

I got out of the swamp and made my way to Jerrad's stand. I walked up and noticed he was not in the stand, but lying at the bottom. I thought he was asleep. I went over to him and then it hit me that he was shot. I can't describe to you the crushing pain and agony that overtook me. Then, I went ballistic. I began to crying out and demanding of GOD. "How could you allow this to happen?" I knew Jerrad was dead. He was shot in the head. I cursed and yelled at GOD for allowing this to happen. I hit and screamed and almost took my own life. I cried and held on to him.

Then GOD, in His mercy proceeded to give me the lesson of life. He spoke a question that both pierced and calmed my heart. "Where would you rather have him be...with you or with me?" I told him that was not a fair question. Of course, my deepest desire was to have my son home in heaven for eternity, to know that he had run the race and made it to the finish line. God spoke again to my heart. "Now you know how it felt when I gave my son up for you."

Did Jerrad take his life? Did he make a fatal hunting mistake as I almost did? I think it is a gift of God that I do not have the answer to that question. What I do know, without question, is that my son is in heaven with the Lord Jesus. I know that because he recommitted his life to Christ just two weeks before he died. That morning, after I had my encounter with God on the ridge, I went back to hunting camp. Numb and nearly overcome by my emotion and pain, I turned to my bible reading for the day. As I read, the Lord explained that some are taken from this life to spare them early death. God knew what was best for my son. I got down on my knees and asked his forgiveness for the cursing and anger that I had unleashed. By now, my wife had been notified of the morning's tragic events. She was enroute to our camp, asking the same questions that I was...why, God, why? The answer came to her from God's word, the bible: The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart devout men are taken away,and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. (Isaiah 57:3 for you bible readers out there)

My prayer is that my family and friends all come and go to Christ...that is the only way to 'walk uprightly' in God's eyes. I share this story for anyone looking for a reason for life. There is only one life and that is in Christ. I live in Christ—for the love he has for me. I can see the beauty of my wife and the love of my other children. So many can not get by the day's events that have so little meaning. Love and he will teach you to love if you trust in Jesus.

If you have not given your life to him, I pray that you do. It is simple. He did not make this a rocket science. Know that you are a sinner and you were born in sin. That is what keeps us from a Holy GOD. Jesus gave his life to be a sacrifice to GOD for our sins. There is no work you can do apart from Jesus to have your sins forgiven. We have been given a way to be with a Holy GOD and that is through what Jesus did for us. No other name can save you from hell. You can try any other way, but it will be away from the way GOD sent it up, and it will not be good for you.

Think of HELL— it will be worse than your worst day on earth FOREVER! I know that the pain that I felt when I found Jerrad. HELL will be more painful. So I beg you, please ask to be forgiven of your sins and accept Jesus as your LORD and Savior. Find yourself a good bible teaching church. Not one that makes GOD out to be this never-talk-back-to-me Dad. He is not that at all. He wants to show us a better way of living. Which one of you would not give food to his child if he were hungry? GOD is a Father. He wants to feed us with truth that will last forever, instead of chasing after empty things that never will fill our desire for love. Our appetites and desires will only be filled in HIM. Read the word and apply it to your life. The stories in the bible are real stories to help us see. GOD takes back people who fall off the wagon for whatever reason. Check out the prodigal son. GOD is always waiting for us to turn back. Do not be fooled by thinking you can do it yourself. You may end up with nothing but yourself and that could be your hell. Make him your Dad and give him your life today.

GOD bless

Tony Gutierrez