GlocalNet

Last night, watching the news was surreal. The lead story was about a car wreck that claimed the life of one of the youth in our church who grew up down the road from me - he was 17. It was followed by a story involving another youth who grew up in our youth group who was auditioning for American Idol - he is 17.

I got up early yesterday to make sure the house was perfect for Nikki coming in from Vietnam. I ran early so I wouldn’t be sweaty when I picked Nikki and Jill up. As I was finishing my run, a family on my street were outside - the husband and wife sobbing. Police were there and had just told them of Micheal’s death. Craig has been battling cancer - this was a double blow. When Micheal was smaller he was a part of a car pool. He was always asking me questions about being a pastor. I brought him a rock from Mt. Everest when I once trekked to the base camp. From then on out the rest of the year, he’d ask me questions about it. He read about it, wanted to know about the thin air and everything else. I’ve watched him grow up - a good kid. This summer he’s been working at the church. I went in the auditorium one day last week and there he was, sitting down on the front row - I couldn’t tell who it was at first. His head was bowed, and he was praying. I love Micheal, his heart, his warmth - everything about him.

Brandon’s Dad has led many trips to Vietnam and his mom heads up our prayer ministry. Brandon has always been an exceptionally behaved young guy - he’s been to Vietnam with us a few times. He was a chunky little kid - the past few years, all that left and he’s grown very tall. His singing is exceptional - he comes by it honest on his mother’s side. He’s gifted and will do something significant with his life I am sure. He loves God. I freaked him out a couple of days ago - I heard of his audition and called him and said there’s a sweet little lady who has done a new arrangement of “How Great Thou Art” and he should sing that song. He tried to be respectful, I could tell - “Well, can I see it?” That kid had no intention of singing that song - I promise you!

Micheal had never been to Vietnam, but wanted to go on a trip with me - Brandon has been to Vietnam. At a time in life where the mission of both those young men were emerging - one’s mission is over, another is trying to find it. Our lives are on mission - we think we know what it is, often we prepare for it, sometimes it just engulfs us. God must be our mission - if he isn’t, then it may not get fulfilled. Activities, actions, projects, dreams - they’re all good - but God must be the mission, only he is eternal. Anything less is a false measurement. Everything else flows from the pursuit of God alone.

I love you Micheal, I love you Brandon - I’m proud of both of you. I grieve for one and weep, I celebrate for one and clap. For both of you - I’ve watched you pursue God - may that never stop.