Testimonies
ERNEST THE TEACHER
"When I think of Ernie I think of the greatest bible study teacher I have EVER had the pleasure of hearing. He has given me a much more in depth of understanding"
Frank Leonard
"Through Ernie’s teaching the Bible I know God better… and developed an increased hunger to study God’s Word"
Bill Ozment
"There were hours of work put into those study guides and we still have them for our reference. We saw his desire for all to have the Word placed in their hands, working as a Gideon and continuing to lead men to a personal relationship with Christ, by guiding them in studying God’s word. We heard about Ernie’s love for the men behind bars. His deepest desire was for them to know Christ."
Jack and Sandy Siddle
"Ernie had this amazing ability to captivate an audience and hold their attention. His smile lit up the room and you could feel his genuine love and concern for you. He would ask questions that made you think and you always left feeling encouraged and wanting to do better."
Renee Miller
"He is the most educated person of the Bible that I know"
Truman & Shirley Williams
"Ernest knows the Word of God and has the ability to share it in away easy for others to understand" Phil Baynes
"Ernest was physically weak before class but once he began teaching, Ernest was full of energy! ...God's hand was strongly on Ernie as he shared…"
Frank Leonard
"Ernest was an amazing teacher of the Bible. I learned so much and he certainly helped me in my Christian growth as he did for many men. Something I will always cherish."
Wayne Moore
"There is no one else that I trust more than you…Anita and I are so thankful for your Love and unselfish dedication to teaching me God's Word. We are so much richer having you and Cherryanna in our lives."
Keith Herring
"I met Ernie for the first time on April 21,2021. My friend was correct in his assessment of Ernie, this man was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and could teach to the level of everyman in the room."
Joe Petroski
"This is, I believe the hardest email I've ever tried to send (Sent 12:44 AM). It's taken several attempts... If someone would have told me less than two years ago…I would meet a man who in a short amount of time would greatly impact my life and change the way I studied Scripture, I would most likely have said, 'I doubt that.' Well, I would have been wrong. You've taught me things…which I desperately needed at the time and still do."
Mark Gupton
ERNEST THE MENTOR & FRIEND
"I was always amazed at his knowledge of the Scriptures and his ability to recall specific verses. I consider Ernie a mentor and a great friend and brother in Christ. My life was, is, and will continue to be blessed by Ernie's presence in my life."
Fred Liner
"Ernie has been such a great mentor to me. I just can’t imagine life without Ernie, my Howdy Partner!!! Praise God for sending Ernie into my life. I pray I can help someone like he helped me."
Bob Kliebenstein
"Besides family, Ernie was a constant in my life… We didn’t have the same blood flowing through us, but we were brothers in the truest sense of the word!"
Gary Safrit
"…I was led by the Spirit, to teach…so I prayed for guidance and God led me to Ernest, a Godly man, who had a heart and a desire for showing people God's Word... in my whole life I have never been around anyone like Ernie. You have been my mentor and Spiritual guide, the yardstick that I measure my walk too."
Keith Herring
"Ernest, thank you for helping me with Jesus."
Tom Burke
"…what a deep man of God Ernest is. Ernie had a way of seeing a person's gifts and encouraging them to use that gift in service to our Lord"
Fred Liner
"Ernie has challenged me to dig deeper into God’s Word, he has taught me so many things that I did not know and did so with a kind, caring, heart…Wednesday Bible Study was the highlight of my week"
Keith Kiser
"Since meeting and studying the bible with Ernie, Bible scriptures come off the pages in 3D format and I have a new understanding…"
Joe Petroski
ERNEST'S HEARTFELT MESSAGES INVESTED IN US
"How many times you reminded us that its God's program. Ernie you were not only teaching a bible class you were making an investment in us ( discipleship ). I thank and love you for that."
Frank Savino
"I have been selfishly praying day and night for that miracle. But (Ernie’s favorite word in the Bible) Ernie said many times it’s God’s plan and we should join it"
Bob Kliebenstein
"Gently, as is his nature, Ernest explained our purpose in life is…
- To know God
- To love God
- To serve God
- To live with God
That has become the blueprint for Cheryl and me as we strive to live out our purpose. I am thankful to call Ernie, friend, mentor, leader, Christian, brother, and God’s warrior."
Keith Kiser
"…after one of our Wednesday morning sessions…Ernie asked me the major question of life, 'What was my purpose in Life'. Of course, I provided every earthly answer I could offer and did not get an 'A'. Now I understand, it is to know, love and serve Jesus, and this answer is engraved into my heart as I continue to share this same message with men I meet."
Joe Petroski
"Ernie, I also count it a privilege to do Bible Study with you at J Rueben Long. You have made a big difference in our lives and in the lives of so many others. Thank you for your faithful service to the Lord.
Jesus loves you and so do we."
Tony and Marty
"I am one Ernie's biggest fans. Ernie was the first to always say 'God loves you, and so do I'. "
Greg Rowles
"We never met anyone who loved Jesus more than your Dad!! His memory will stay with us the rest of our lives, and we can’t wait to see him in Heaven!...In honor of Ernie - “God loves you, and so do I!"
Mark & Cindy Bissette
ERNIE'S PERSONALITY
"…always Happy and Glad to see you. He went out of his way to speak and shake my hand"
Andrew Courtney
"Ernie was an excellent example of a man of faith and a champion in the race of life…he went out of his way to make us feel welcomed…He talked about how his mother was so faithful in teaching him the Scriptures, and he passed those words on to everyone he met…We watched Ernie fight through the many treatments for his arthritis… He never complained of the thorn in his side but went on serving his Lord and Master."
"Ernie talked about how his mother was so faithful in teaching him the Scriptures, and he passed those words on to everyone he met. "
Jack and Sandy Siddle
"Remembering your Dad, Ernest, in so many wonderful ways…. Such an amazing, humble, servant of our Lord"
Michael Bolick
"I do not remember a time that I felt so much sorrow for a friend that I had only known for about 6 weeks… I am so glad that I took the time to tell Ernie that I felt blessed that he was among us. Ernie's only response was a raised hand with his index finger pointing to the heavens… By the hand of God, Ernie touch the hearts of all who knew him…"
Dr. James H. Benson, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)
"The finest example of The Christian Life lived out I have ever seen! God Bless Ernie B, friend, mentor, teacher, brother in Christ! Amen! It is well with my soul and a sincere privilege to celebrate his life!"
Bob Edwards
"We saw the love he had for his bride, Cherryanna. He had great joy that his family knew the Lord personally. He loved his grandchildren, (Daniel, Emma Grace, and Anna) and would periodically put their pictures on the front page of a weekly Bible study guide."
Jack and Sandy Siddle
"We never met anyone who loved Jesus more than your Dad, Ernest!! His memory will stay with us the rest of our lives, and we can’t wait to see him in Heaven!"
Mark & Cindy Bissette
"Ernie is one of two men in my life that I know, without a doubt, are God’s Saints... It comforts my soul knowing that there is a special place in heaven for Ernie"
Keith Kiser
"…love your sense of humor…{You spent} the better part of an afternoon texting with me hilarious comebacks"
Mark Gupton
"…always made me laugh when you would read a scripture that starts with truly, truly. You would say this means, 'Ernest listen up dumb butt this is important…pay attention'."
Frank Savino
"Praise God for being a teacher, mentor, and person I could go to when I need to understand God’s word."
Keith Kiser
"Thank You for the encouragement you’ve given me over the years. I’ve truly been 'Touched by an Angel' I love you my friend."
Charles Odom
"When Ernest would ask a question…and one of us answered correctly his face would light up like you won first prize at a bull riding rodeo. I think he was thinking, 'they get it'."
Frank Savino
"Ernest, you call it a privilege to be with us and share God’s Word with us. I want you to know the privilege has been all mine to sit under your inspired leadership and teaching. I’m going to greatly miss your smiling face and gentle voice…"
Dusty Dodd
"I do not remember a time that I felt so much sorrow for a friend that I had only known for about 6 weeks… I am so glad that I took the time to tell Ernie that I felt blessed that he was among us. Ernie's only response was a raised hand with his index finger pointing to the heavens… By the hand of God, Ernie touch the hearts of all who knew him…"
Dr. James H. Benson, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
"Thank you God for letting us have Dad as long as we did. He is being received in Heaven by a host of Angels, with his new heavenly body, and welcomed as a faithful servant by our God. He is being adorned with his rewards as we speak. I can envision Dad in the Lord’s presence, being surrounded by his glory and in complete peace and thankfulness. We will all see him again one day !!!"
Anissa Basinger LaPorte
"I cannot even imagine how radiant and at peace your dad is, being in awe of His Majesty.
Anita Painter
"A true warrior for Christ is receiving his rewards"
Fred J. Ferguson Jr.
"Ernie’s biggest legacy is the love he has…Ernie was so excited to lead others to the throne. Now will be his moment of Victory….wow what a moment that will be."
Greg Rowles
From the Basinger Family to Yours
"God Loves You and So Do I"
Deuteronomy 7:9 "the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations"
Exodus 20:5-6 "...showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."
Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.”
Proverbs 13:22 “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” This verse keeps our life goals, vision and legacy front and center when choosing how we live our life.