Born as James Franklin Calder (a.k.a. Skipper) to James and Alberta Calder, August 15, 1952 in Wauchula, FL. Skipper
was raised on a ranch and learned the hard way of the cowboy's life. Up to the point of writing his biography in 2006, Skipper
has broken about 33 bones, loving every minute of the cowboy life. In the arena, he has one 7 Team Roping Saddles and many buckles.

At age 22, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior
after the deah of his neighbor. The change in his life from that
day forth was described as a "whirlwind". Soon everything changed for Skipper and his family. They searched for a church they could call home. In 1988, Skipper helped for The Lord's Church of Wauchula under the direction of Mike Graham.
There he provided leadership, adult and children's teaching, and
discipleship to a congregation of 300+.

In 1993, life got rough and Skipper found himself divorced and without a home. With the loving care of his sisters, a couple of local churches and a few friends, Skipper was able to get his life back together. In 1995, he married Kathy and they began to rebuild their lives.

In 2001, Skipper and Kathy found Reality Ranch, a ministry directed by Randy Johnson and family. Here the couple found a refuge, healing, and a ministry they could relate to, HORSES. Skipper and Kathy led the Adult Sunday School class. Skipper would assist with preaching when Randy was on the road and Kathy led the lady's ministry. Skipper's children assisted with Children's Church. It was here that God revealed to Skipper he could preach from a horse. In the summer of a 2002, they
started New Beginnings Ministries (N.B.M.)

In December of 2003, Randy Johnson approached Skipper
about becoming an Ordained Minister. After much prayer, Skipper accepted the call and on December 28, 2003, Skipper was ordained by Randy in front of his family and friends. His journey has led him to assist many in training their horses for
safety and competition. During this time, he learned to apply
God's Word to his training techniques.

In December of 2005, God directed Skipper to put together a ministry team and form a non-profit corporation. Skipper serves as Founder and President of New Beginnings Ministries of Hardee County, Inc. Skipper's brother-in-law, Edward Stevens, serves as Vice-President and soundman. Skipper's wife, Kathy, serves as Corporation Secretary/Treasurer. God has blessed Skipper in many ways, one of which was with a portable sound system given to him by one of his cowboy friends, Duke Platt. Skipper's last 6 horses have been given to him. God is soo good. It was the desire of Skipper and Kathy to run their ministries out of their own pockets. God has richly blessed them with donations they did not anticipate.

In the Spring of 2006, Skipper started Cowboy Up Ministry which is sponsored by New Beginning's Ministries. This ministry is designed to reach the horse lovers in this area with God's Word, the love of Jesus Christ and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Skipper and Kathy, as New Beginning Ministries, hold Thursday Night Home Studies.

They not only actively pursue their ministries, they also actively assist with the production of "The Story of Jesus", an annual re-enactment of the life of Christ held at the Hardee County Cattlemen's Arena in Wauchula every Spring. Skipper rides horseback and depicts a Roman soldier, a royal servant, and Jesus as the Second Coming King returning on a white horse. Kathy assists with the directing. Both of Skipper's adult children are active in the play as well. His son Jess rides horseback as a Roman soldier and a royal servant. His daughter Paige plays many parts as well as assists with the makeup artistry. The entire family has been involved in this ministry from its inception in 1988.

Skipper and Kathy have a desire to have the heart of Jesus Christ. They believe God has called them to influence people to mature in their walk with Jesus through Bible Study, to influence people to surrender their will to God's Will for their life, and to influence people to serve one another. Above all, Skipper and Kathy believe their purpose is to be controled by the Holy Spirit to be God's hands, feet and voice to the people around them.