How God, My Wife, and the Military

Played a Big Part in My Life

Dimpsy Kelly Strickland

Meet Mr. Dimpsy Kelly Strickland, known as D.K. to his friends and family. Mr. Strickland would like to share his life story with you. He feels that he has truly been blessed in this life by the Lord, and he hopes that in sharing these blessings, someone might be encouraged to know that whatever the situation may be, God can change lives. There's not a problem that is too big for God.

Mr. Strickland was born in Columbus County, North Carolina on February 14th, 1934. His Father was James Harvley Strickland, and his Mother was Lela Mae Jolley Strickland. Presently, Mr. Strickland resides in Ozark, Alabama with his wife of 50 years, Joyce Evans Strickland. They were maried on October 10th, 1957. Mrs. Strickland was born in New York and moved to Ozark, Alabama when she was 3 years old. She was raised by her Aunt and Uncle. The Stricklands have one daughter, Darlene Strickland, and one son, Kelly Strickland. 

Childhood Experiences

Mr. Strickland had several hardships during his youth. He barely finished the 5th grade because he had to work on his family's farm. His Mother died when he was only 11 years old. Thus, he had to perform chores to help keep the family going. His family kept him out of school to help them work on the farm, and he simply never could catch up in school from the days missed.

When Mr. Strickland's Mother died, his Grandmother came to live with them. Since she was almost blind, she would ask D.K. to read the Bible to her. When he would struggle with the words, she would have him spell the word in question, explain its meaning to him, and teach him about the verses.

Military Experience

He was drafted into the Army when he was around 20 years old. He was married when he was about 23 years old. After the Army threatened to dismiss him for lack of educational abilities, he was forced to learn to read. His wife taught him the basics of reading, and he considers his wife's teachings a blessing. "Me and Jesus took it from there," Mr. Strickland says. The Lord surely opened a door for advancement. After Mr. Strickland learned to read, he asked the military officials if he could re-take the battery of tests given by the Army. He did very well on the tests and was approved to attend school. There were 50 students in the class when it began, but only 25 graduated. Mr. Strickland graduated with the third highest scores. In 1995 he wrote his first book, and continued to write a total of 5 or 6 books in his adult life, after he had spent a total of 14 years in the Army and was medically retired. His books are categorized as Christian Inspirational Reading.

Mr. Strickland's military experience included a couple of different stays in Korea, as well as being stationed in Europe two times. One of his main responsibilities in the Army was to help set up and maintain equipment. He also received a Good Conduct Award while serving his country.

One of the biggest triumphs Mr. Strickland experienced while in the Army was when the wall was torn down in Europe. He had desired to see the wall torn down and knew that God could perform this feat. One of his responsibilities was to coordinate information to Washington. He reported to Howell Heflin, representative to Ronald Reagan. A friend told him one day, "If they tear down the wall, they'll know He (God) is for real." Two weeks later in 1988 Gorbishef had the wall torn down. Mr. Strickland knew ahead of time about the decision before the announcement was made.

His Spiritual Walk with Jesus

Mr. Strickland had originally met Jesus and become a Christian when he was 13 years old. He had heard his cousin preach a sermon on How to be Born Again. Although Mr. Strickland had been raised in a Christian environment, he had never met Jesus personally. After hearing his cousin's sermon which was preached from his Uncle's porch, Mr. Strickland says, "It just came over me. 'Lord, I want what they are talking about. I don't know how to get it unless You give it.' He gave me the gift of eternal life." He felt an immediate change in his life. He said he had what was called "plow handle religion." He had so much energy and excitement from being saved that he could lift a 6-steel beam plow, which was very heavy.

However, eventually he drifted away from God. Even before his retirment from the Army, Mr. Strickland felt God's calling him to serve Him. One day after retirement, his son (who was 10 years old at that time) was with him in the barn. His son found a bottle of whiskey and said, "Daddy, I don't know what you will do to me, but I'm going to pour out this whiskey because I love you." Mr. Strickland, touched by his son's concern, replied, "Son, I love you, too." That afternoon, he surprised his wife by asking, "Do I have any clothes that I can wear to church?" She said, "Yes, would you like for me to get them for you?" He not only attended church that night, but also joined Campground Baptist Church and has never drunk alcohol since then. He still attends Campground Baptist Church in Ozark, Alabama.

Divine Healings

Mr. Strickland has seen the Lord move and answer many prayers in his life. One such example is when medical personnel diagnosed him with double pneumonia. This happened before his Mother died. The doctor said, "If God doesn't intervene, he will die." His Mother said, "Go get the man of God." This preacher asked some questions and had a silent prayer. He informed Mr. Strickland's Mother that later if he felt like going outside, to let him do so, or if he felt like eating, to allow him to eat. Soon afterwards the fever broke and he got up. He has never had pneumonia again!

Mr. Strickland later experienced another divine healing of his body. He had been working in the tobacco field when his brother-in-law accidentally scared the mule. This caused the lines to catch around Mr. Strickland's ankle, which made a terrible wound. They did not have enough money to see the doctor, so the wound did not heal properly. He went to church with his Aunt where the people believed in God's healing powers. They anointed his head and his Uncle prayed for him. Seven days later the scab fell off. His Uncle said, "Well, the Lord is wonderful and does great things."

God Cares About Things That Concern Us

(Casting All of Your Care Upon Him, for He Careth for You.)

Another time God answered prayer in Mr. Strickland's life as a child concerning a pet goat. He learned that God not only has the power to save, but also to heal. This was a special goat. He enjoyed playing with him on the farm. Then the goat contracted what was called "The Blind Staggers." The veterinarian said, "You'd better get another goat, because this one is going to die." Mr. Strickland had witnessed his Mother and Daddy praying, so he laid hands on the goat and prayed, "Lord, he's in Your hands. You're the Master of everything. You can heal him and hopefully You will. But if You don't, I give him to You." He then left the feed and water where his goat could reach it. The next morning when he went to check on him, the goat was standing up, eating and drinking. When he informed the vet of the goat's recovery, the vet surprisingly asked, "What did you do?" He said, "I just prayed for him."

He was happy to work the farm that year. However, he used too much fertilizer on the crops. Normally 1,000 pounds per acre were used. He, unknowingly, used 1,200 pounds per acre. The owner said they needed to pray because he was afraid the crops would be ruined and they would make no money. However, God blessed them in this situation. Where they normally made $1,000 per acre, they made $1,400 per acre. The farmer said, "You have God to thank." Mr. Strickland learned that God can turn our mistakes into blessings.

Mr. Strickland's Purposes in Life

Mr. Strickland considers his purpose in life to be a good father, husband, and to serve the Lord diligently. Mr. Strickland would like to remind you that God loves you with an everlasting love. However, in order to spend eternity with God, John 3:3 says "...no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again." In order to be born again, we must know Jesus, God's only Son, as our personal Savior. Our sins must be forgiven. Jesus is a friend Who sticks closer than a brother. Heaven is a beautiful place, and is prepared for all those who know Jesus. Revelation 3: 20 says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with Him, and he with Me." Another favorite verse is "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1: 7)." We can have a victorious, happy life knowing the One Who created us. There's no problem God can't solve. The only way to have real peace is by having a true personal relationship with Jesus.

It is with this prayer ever in his heart that D.K. Strickland seeks every opportunity afforded him to share with other the Good News - the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Outreach Opportunities

Mr. Strickland's efforts to share the Gospel include an opportunity to visit Mexico City on a Mission trip. He helped distribute 1,600 to 1,700 tracts and witnessed to various people. He also spent 15 days in the Ukraine, witnessing to those with whom he came in contact. Recently Mr. Strickland has felt an even greater burden to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost. He explains his zeal for Christian witness as he shared, "God helps us get through the day. If we have a Word from the Bible, it can help us get along better during the day. God chastises us when we do wrong. A lot of people are doing wrong because they don't want to change their lifestyle." Mr. Strickland desires for people to know the Lord and His faithfulness. He has recently begun a new project. He is mailing post cards to citizens, telling them of God's goodness. "The Lord laid it upon my heart to put together the salvation prayer with three Bible Scriptures included."   

Contact Mr. Strickland

If you would like to know more about becoming a Christian and knowing the Lord as your best friend, or maybe you'd like to submit a prayer request, you can write Mr. Strickland at the following address: 240 Evergreen Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360. You can also reach him via e-mail at dempsy@centurytel.net.