Thomas Wheeler - Second Wind: Sometimes All You Need To Do Is BREATHE!

SOMETIMES ALL YOU NEED
TO DO IS BREATHE

THOMAS ALAN
WHEELER

Second Wind shares the experience of a man who once was a very successful Apple Computer employee focused on what he received, to a new man transformed by Gods grace to someone focused more on what he gives - as a servant - to Gods least. Rather than talking about helping the poor, Tom moved in with them. This is consistent with Christian Community Development Associations (CCDA) philosophy of relocation, reconciliation and redistribution. Second Wind is inspiring, uplifting and encouraging. I recommend Second Wind to anyone seeking to know the truth of God and the reality of loving our neighbor as ourselves.

~ John Perkins, Founder & Chairman, Emeritus, CCDA, President of the John Perkins Foundation

Second Wind is a book that shows Tom Wheelers pilgrimage from being a skeptic to a totally devoted follower of Jesus. He covers in depth topics from the unseen world and its reality, to Christian apologetics, to what Christian character should look like, to what faith in Jesus really means, to why Christians should give their lives away to the most destitute. He challenges skeptics. He also challenges Christians to embrace fully what it means to follow Jesus. It is my privilege to recommend this book to all who desire to understand authentic Christianity.

~ David Chadwick, Sr. Pastor, Forest Hill Church, Charlotte, NC

I must commend my fellow soldier, Tom Wheeler, for writing a candid and compelling book about serving the lost. In his book, Second Wind, he gives voice to the stark realities and dysfunctions that assault the inner city and hold captive, men and women who are literally dying to be free. In the end, there is an answer and Tom makes that abundantly clear throughout the book, and each of us who dare to read this book are a vital part of that answer!

~ Colin Pinkney, Executive Director, The Urban Restoration Inc., 2012 Governors Gold Medallion Recipient for Mentoring Excellence and Chaplain, Charlotte Bobcats

Second Wind has come from Toms heart; the stories he tells come from his own life, and from among those people most of us cast out - or, at least, ignore. Tom is sold out to God and to Gods love for those in need. As you read Second Wind, may you also be challenged to choose Gods fast, to set the oppressed free and help the poor (Is. 58:6-7).

~ Kelvin Smith, Lead Pastor, Steele Creek Church of Charlotte

Second Wind is an inspiring book written by Tom Wheeler (no relation that we know of) who really has his priorities in the right places. Not only have I read his book, but I visited one of his facilities for men and was impressed most by the new hope the men have. Tom is selling hope at no cost and I know of no finer product on the market today. An amazing book by an amazing man.

~ A.(Humpy) Wheeler, noted NASCAR promoter and member of 12 halls of fame

Second Wind is a tremendous testimony to listening to God, getting the stones out of the path and counting on God to encourage and enrich and watch for transforming hearts to get the Second Wind.

~ Luke Witte, Director, Marketplace Chaplains, former NBA cavalier

Second Wind is an honest and powerful look at the reality of life and where hope is found. Tom weaves together his own experiences with the truth of Gods Word to stand in the gap when life comes unraveled. It is well worth the investment of your time to read and then give it to someone who needs hope.

~ Rev. Jim Kallam, Sr. Pastor, Church at Charlotte

As a physician volunteer at the monthly medical clinic at Hoskins Park, I am privileged to witness first- hand the Second Wind life changing experience the ministry is having on these men. Tom Wheeler does not just talk the talk he also walks the walk. Read Second Wind and then take your own step out in faith.

~ E Craig Evans MD, Surgical Oncologist, Surgical Specialist of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

What Tom Wheeler is doing at Hoskins Park Ministry is amazing. We are fortunate he is telling some of the stories that have evolved out of his ministry in his book Second Wind.

~ Cam Harris

If you read Second Wind and still do not understand what it means to be a Christian, you may never understand. Its simple and direct. The funny, sometimes sad and awful stories, Tom writes about in Second Wind are the reality he faced moving into the hood. If you really want to help the least and lost, I would encourage you to read Second Wind.

~ Steven Wile, Carpenter

Just as Tom quotes his partner and friend Johnny Allen, he has pursued the ministry God has given him by sacrificing what I considered to be productivity for the sake of the person, and in the process of touching each Man individually, has built one of the most effective missions to the homeless, one that comes along side of these men and, therefore, goes at their pace, and Gods pace, not ours. However you read Second Wind, please be sure to read all the Biblical passages contained therein - they are solid truth and touch on all the foundational elements of faith in Jesus and the life and hope Tom tries to instill into the hearts of his participants.

~ Tom Emmrich, President and CEO, Entegreat Inc.

Second Wind: Sometimes All You Need To Do Is Breathe!
by Thomas Alan Wheeler
Previously released as Bottom Fishing

Published by HigherLife Development Services, Inc.
400 Fontana Circle
Building 1Suite 105
Oviedo, Florida 32765
(407) 563-4806
www.ahigherlife.com

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Bible quotations are also taken from the New International Version (s) of the Bible Copyright 1984 by Tyndale House Publishers, The New Living Translation 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers and The Message 2002 by NavPress Publishing.

Copyright 2012 by Thomas Alan Wheeler
All rights reserved.

ISBN 13: 978-1-935245-55-1
ISBN 10: 1-935245-55-4

Cover Design: Rachel Lopez

First Edition
12 13 14 15 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed in the United States of America.

This book is dedicated to all those whose lives
have not worked out as expected,
but are still seeking, still hoping, still listening.

Go now to your countrymen in
exile and speak to them. Say to
them, This is what the Sovereign
Lord says, whether they listen or fail
to listen (Ezekiel 3:11).

Special thanks to: My wife, Kate. I love you so much, and I will forever. You are a testimony to Gods grace - I dont know what I would do without you.

To my mom, who has been an example of godly love all of my life. You are one-of-a-kind, mother God blessed me first, through you. I will always love you. To my late dad, who never let obstacles stop him teaching me to always creatively persevere, by his example.

To Rev. David Chadwick and Rev. Luke Witte, two godly men who God used as my mentors. Thank you both for your encouragement, support, and example. Thanks to Bryan Davies, Knox Sherer, Steve Wile, Tom Kakadelis, Karen Flynn, Margarita Guzman, John Parker and David Vaught as well, eight other people whose support over countless years has been more important than they will ever know.