Parkway Place, a faith-based nonprofit senior living community, is proud to welcome James VanSteenhouse, the founder and CEO of Houston-based InterLinc Mortgage Services. Known as “The Bear Man,” VanSteenhouse is coming to speak to residents, invited guests and the public at the community (located at 1321 Park Bayou Drive) on Friday, August 30 at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP at 281-677-5955.
VanSteenhouse, an avid sportsman and adventurer, is most notable for surviving a grizzly bear attack in Canada in 2015. As a man of faith, he found that faith tested when one of the world’s largest predators attacked him. He survived, and he now shares his near-death experience in the hope that it will inspire others.
“They say everything can change in the blink of an eye, but I never fully understood this statement. I lived my life to the fullest. Always have,” said Vansteenhouse. “I thought when my time came and He called, I’d be ready. One overcast day in September 2015, I quickly learned I was wrong. As I wrestled an 850-pound boar grizzly bear – fighting for my life – everything changed in what seemed like a blink of an eye. People of faith know that God promises a safe landing; however, He does not promise a safe passage. As I share my life-changing experience with residents and guests of Parkway Place, my hope is that my scars can help spark some gratitude and appreciation for this life as people continue on their own journey – as you never know when your blink of an eye will come.”
“We are honored to have James speak at Parkway Place and share his story of survival,” said Susan Phelps, executive director. “James is a man of faith who had it tested in the most extreme way. He came out a stronger person, and we are thankful he is sharing his story with us. I hope it inspires others to live their life to the fullest. As James puts it, he became a grizzly attack survivor for a reason, not by accident. He is using his second chance at life to make a difference for others, and we are grateful to be a part of that. We are an organization that is built on faith. It is the core of what we do, and having James come speak at the community is truly a blessing.”