I need to give thank to some people for where I am today!
At Ozark I heard someone (either Matt Proctor or Bob Russell) mention that they had a list of 10 of their heroes in the faith. I think that is a fantastic idea, and would like to take the time to thank some of the most important people in my life. I haven't been a Christian for too terribly long, nor have I been in one place for that time span, so I will give you my top 5.
Sam Landis-
I met him at another friend's house after third grade was over. We hit it off (it was easy, we live one street from each other) and have been best friends since that day. I had to have been incredibly frustrating because he worked on me for 6 years without ceasing.
He always pushed me to be more like Christ, even before I knew what that meant. He never gave up, and he brought me to Christ. He is the example of long-term faithfulness because of his persistent love and care for me. I literally owe my life to this man.
We have butted heads many a time, but that's what brothers do. I know that he would do anything for me, and I am so grateful that he never gave up.
Eric Semjenow-
We both agree: we don't remember meeting. He was the first friend I made at youth group. We have spent countless hours doing some random, stupid, crazy, fun stuff. But we have also had some of the best conversations on God and his world. I miss him like crazy, and I don't miss many people in my life more.
His faith has been so steady, and his faith truly, deeply inspires me. Unlike Sam and I, who are expected to behave, he is pursuing godliness like a savage. He inspires me more than he will ever know.
For his friendship, his brotherhood, his persistent faith, and for his genuine desire to see God's kingdom come, I am thankful!
Jim Landis-
I was just Sam's chunky friend, but Jim (and the whole Landis family for that matter) adopted me and all my weirdness. Had he not been the presiding minister, he would've been in my wedding party. He has been a spiritual older brother, but he is just brother to me.
He recognized my youthful ignorance and has pushed me to challenge my knowledge. He has made me a better student of the Word, and he is invested in my future. Thank you Jimbo!
Gary Semjenow-
What a guy. He took me in as well. I must have seemed like a street rat to him, always sitting at their dinner table. He was my first small group leader ("The Body Builders" we were called) and he forged a strong group of faithful believers (Sam, Eric, and I). He knew that I didn't have a father to teach me Christ-likeness, so he subtly adopted me as his son. I can see in his eyes that he has a genuine love for me. He has invested in my future like few others, and my heart leaps when I see him again. I'm thankful for a faith father like him.
Bill Westling-
Last, but certainly not least. In fact, I'm sure he would want to be last on this list, because he is one of the most genuinely humble men on earth. He took over as my small group leader and invested countless hours into my brothers and I. He would work hard all day, then come home late and jump immediately into discipling us. Bill and Tracey have genuine love for everyone they discipled and continue to encourage us all. Everyone who knows them has agreed that every church could use more Weslings. I praise God for Bill and the amazing heart that God has molded in him. I'm sure they are blushing as they read this...just accept it Bill, you folks are one of a kind! I am thankful for their care.
I am filled with memories and love when I think about these people. I've been blessed lavishly by these people. The part that stings is that I am in the same place as only 1 of my heroes now. I miss my heroes so incredibly much, and I cherish the times when we re-unite.
I love you all, and I thank you a million times for saving my life. God undoubtedly used you to take me away from a life that would've led to death. I praise God because of you. Thank you also to every person in between that has loved me as their own. I'm eager for the time when we all celebrate in heaven.
With Love, your son.
At Ozark I heard someone (either Matt Proctor or Bob Russell) mention that they had a list of 10 of their heroes in the faith. I think that is a fantastic idea, and would like to take the time to thank some of the most important people in my life. I haven't been a Christian for too terribly long, nor have I been in one place for that time span, so I will give you my top 5.
Sam Landis-
I met him at another friend's house after third grade was over. We hit it off (it was easy, we live one street from each other) and have been best friends since that day. I had to have been incredibly frustrating because he worked on me for 6 years without ceasing.
He always pushed me to be more like Christ, even before I knew what that meant. He never gave up, and he brought me to Christ. He is the example of long-term faithfulness because of his persistent love and care for me. I literally owe my life to this man.
We have butted heads many a time, but that's what brothers do. I know that he would do anything for me, and I am so grateful that he never gave up.
Eric Semjenow-
We both agree: we don't remember meeting. He was the first friend I made at youth group. We have spent countless hours doing some random, stupid, crazy, fun stuff. But we have also had some of the best conversations on God and his world. I miss him like crazy, and I don't miss many people in my life more.
His faith has been so steady, and his faith truly, deeply inspires me. Unlike Sam and I, who are expected to behave, he is pursuing godliness like a savage. He inspires me more than he will ever know.
For his friendship, his brotherhood, his persistent faith, and for his genuine desire to see God's kingdom come, I am thankful!
Jim Landis-
I was just Sam's chunky friend, but Jim (and the whole Landis family for that matter) adopted me and all my weirdness. Had he not been the presiding minister, he would've been in my wedding party. He has been a spiritual older brother, but he is just brother to me.
He recognized my youthful ignorance and has pushed me to challenge my knowledge. He has made me a better student of the Word, and he is invested in my future. Thank you Jimbo!
Gary Semjenow-
What a guy. He took me in as well. I must have seemed like a street rat to him, always sitting at their dinner table. He was my first small group leader ("The Body Builders" we were called) and he forged a strong group of faithful believers (Sam, Eric, and I). He knew that I didn't have a father to teach me Christ-likeness, so he subtly adopted me as his son. I can see in his eyes that he has a genuine love for me. He has invested in my future like few others, and my heart leaps when I see him again. I'm thankful for a faith father like him.
Bill Westling-
Last, but certainly not least. In fact, I'm sure he would want to be last on this list, because he is one of the most genuinely humble men on earth. He took over as my small group leader and invested countless hours into my brothers and I. He would work hard all day, then come home late and jump immediately into discipling us. Bill and Tracey have genuine love for everyone they discipled and continue to encourage us all. Everyone who knows them has agreed that every church could use more Weslings. I praise God for Bill and the amazing heart that God has molded in him. I'm sure they are blushing as they read this...just accept it Bill, you folks are one of a kind! I am thankful for their care.
I am filled with memories and love when I think about these people. I've been blessed lavishly by these people. The part that stings is that I am in the same place as only 1 of my heroes now. I miss my heroes so incredibly much, and I cherish the times when we re-unite.
I love you all, and I thank you a million times for saving my life. God undoubtedly used you to take me away from a life that would've led to death. I praise God because of you. Thank you also to every person in between that has loved me as their own. I'm eager for the time when we all celebrate in heaven.
With Love, your son.
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