Every one said he was crazy and no one would buy it. After years of development he finally had the sound and design needed to compete with the popular pea whistle. But no one was interested in buying it. He spent all his time trying to get into the market. He was desperate and $150,000.00 in debt. Then one night it all turned around.
He was In Indianapolis for the Pan American games. He had trouble sleeping, thinking about the whistle. That’s when he decided to do something radical. He was staying in a dormitory with 400 other referees. At 2:00 AM he stood in the hallway and blew his Fox 40 whistle as loud as he could. Knowing that a lot of guys would be angry at him for waking them up, he had to get them to listen to the sound of this new pealess whistle. Much to his surprise, they were not angry, but said, “What is that, where can I get one?”
Ron sold 20,000 whistles over the next 4 days! Over the next two years the Fox 40 became the standard in whistles around the world.
Ron overcame set backs, obstacles and people who tried to discourage him. But He believed that if people could just hear the whistle they would want it.
As I listened to the story of Ron Foxcraft I couldn’t help but think, what if we as God’s people were as determined as Ron Foxcraft to get people to hear the gospel. Why do we let obstacles keep us from sharing something so important. Why are we so afraid that someone might get angry at us or reject us for sharing with them a life changing message? It seems we are more concerned about what we might lose, when we should be excited about what others might gain, eternal life. Is it fear of men or faith in God that drive us?
When is the last time you shared the gospel with someone?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also the Greek.” Romans 1:16
WARNING: I have a Fox 40 whistle and I’m not afraid to use it during a sermon!
Jerry Grimes