Friends in High Places…Part One…Divine Appointments

As a part time writer for the Hope Prescott News, I recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Lester Sitzes of Hope, Arkansas, who is a close friend of Mike Huckabee, the United States Ambassador to Israel. Ambassador Huckabee, appointed by President Donald J. Trump, is one of Hope, Arkansas’s very own.

According to this childhood friend and confidant to Huckabee, Doctor Sitzes, the friendship started out in grade school with local kids playing a game of marbles. Sitzes, who isn’t a public political figure, talked freely with me about his friend Huckabee’s rise to the top and the very essence of who he is as a person and what his position means.

Listening to Sitzes special memories of this story of the former evangelist, former Arkansas Governor, Television Host, former Presidential Candidate, and now U.S. Ambassador to Israel, appointed under the Trump administration, one might wonder if divine appointments are real. Are there reasons behind all life’s failures and disappointments? Let facts answer for you.

 Ambassador Huckabee, according to Sitzes, had some low points on his rise to fame.  Sitzes said that from very early on he was “sort of a wingman” for Huckabee. Sitzes said he believes his trusted friend will not take his position lightly. “In the past with the ambassadors, it has been more of a social thing,” Sitzes said. But with Mike “it’s a real job.”

 With the current global conflicts in Israel rising to the forefront, the ambassadorship is more important now than ever before in U.S. history, according to Huckabee’s recent statements. Sitzes said that Huckabee had made numerous trips to Israel and already had crucial connections in place when he was appointed to the position. “I can’t imagine anyone else being better for this position.”  Huckabee expressed recently a description of what the ambassadorship means making it clear that he is the designated representative for America and the President in Israel. The President has made it clear that the United States will support Israel in the ongoing conflict with Iran. One of his pastoral jobs included preaching at Beech Street Baptist in Texarkana, Ark. Literature and biographical information about Huckabee says that he has always spoken openly about his faith.

In the Christian faith, Israel is significant for many reasons.  Israel is referenced in the Bible as, “the apple of God’s eye.” The Bible portrays Israel as a special people chosen by God, to whom He gave a land and made promises that will ultimately be fulfilled.

Sitzes said that Huckabee was “perfect” for the ambassadorship. “I don’t think we even know what all this position entails. I’d love to hear Mike talk about what he does sometime,” Sitzes said.

Christian Broadcasting Network reporter Raj Nair recently reported on this text from Huckabee to the President. Nair said President Trump shared a screenshot of the text.

The text read:  Mr. President God spared you in Butler, Penn., to be the most consequential President in a century-maybe ever. The decisions on your shoulder I would not want to be made by anyone else. You have many voices speaking to Sir., but there is only ONE voice that matters, HIS voice. I am your appointed servant in this land and am available for you, but I don’t get in your presence often because I trust your instincts. NO president in my lifetime has been in a position like yours. Not since Truman in 1945. I don’t reach out to persuade you-only to encourage you. I believe you will hear from heaven and that voice is far more important than mine or ANYONE else’s. You sent me to Israel to be your eyes, ears, and voice and to make sure our flag flies above the embassy. My job is to be the last one to leave. I will not abandon this post. Our flag will NOT come down! You did not seek this moment. It sought YOU. It is my honor to serve you.” Mike Huckabee

Hope Dentist Dr. Lester Sitzes enjoys a laugh with his lifelong friend, the United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee at the 2023 reunion for the Class of 1973 50-year Reunion in Prescott, Ark. Huckabee’s band Capital Offense provided the entertainment.  Mrs. Janet Huckabee, also a close friend with Dr. Lester Sitzes, photobombs while the friends celebrate 50 years as classmates and close friendships.