We are just 5 short days from celebrating Christ's birth. I know we all strive to make celebrating His presence a lifestyle. I know I often fail. Falling short, seems at times to come so very easily. What a priviledge and blessing to know and be known by a Savior who disregards our foolishness, as we strive to lay down our lives for Him.

Beej was no different. When I read his writings, I am often struck at how few times he writes of failure...though when he did, it was clear that he was pierced by it's presence... and how many times his writings were hope-filled, and nourishing. Both to him, and to me. As a father, I am so very greatful that he left such distinct pathways into his relationship with Christ. Especially now, I can enjoy how the Lord worked in his short life. Even though I knew he was unusual in life, I am moved each day at his depth, and embrace for the Savior.

I want to share Beej's call to ministry with you... in his own words. He was 12 when he wrote this. At home, I have an antique painting in a most unusual frame, which depicts Christ at the same age. How He actually looked is unknown to me, but his reflection comes through in Beej's testimony:

"A CALL TO MINISTRY"

"All my life I've felt the possibility of being called into ministry. Although I took it lightly, lately, I've had a burden to inform as many Christians and non-Christians about Christ and being like Him.

On Monday morning after I finished my "sealed orders" (devotionals) I let my mind wander to find out what God wanted to tell me. Almost immediately, my thoughts were on the ministry. So, responding, I prayed that God would affirm this inkling. Sometime during the week, a speaker said that God wanted to tell each individual at camp something. I immediately thought about the ministry. "Is God trying to call me into the ministry?" I thought, "Lord please show me if this is what you want to tell me this week.

On Thursday, the "Meat" side of "sealed orders" was titled "What's next?" It talked about what God wanted for us next: after we got home from camp. I concluded my "Sealed Orders" by asking myself what God wants for me next.

Once again my mind landed on the ministry. It was then that I realized that God was calling me into the ministry; but I didn't want to make the wrong choice, so once again I prayed for affirmation. That night, Big John talked about being called into the ministry. I finally realized that God was affirming me.

As that night wore on, I felt more and more sure about being called into the ministry. Then I prayed for courage, Christlikeness, and humility as I faced the profession that God is leading me to."

I cannot help but wonder if the painting of Jesus at 12, was to portray the time He was away from his parents, and in His Father's house. Much like Beej's time at camp was designed to be (okay, so Deanna and I were actually at camp too, but our interaction was virtually non-existant...by design).

Our children are often capable of more than we give them credit for. I Praise the Lord for men like Big John, who have helped shape my sons life. For those of you at the calling, he was the bearded man who directed, and at times interrupted (for our sakes) the flow of people there to share with us. For those who were not there, he has been in ministry for a lifetime. Serving behind the scenes, always making sure sound, lights, stages and people are ready at appropriate times. He brought us breakfast most everyday for the 6 weeks we were in the hospital. He stood by us closer than most could, because he knows how to play the "supporting role" better than any. He has been on virtually every youth mission trip ever taken at Northside Baptist. If credits ran at the end of the trip, his name would be found near the "key grip's" as he never seeks the limelight, but always meets needs. Things get done when Big John is around. He makes you want to serve, by his ministry approach.

He has shaped many young lives similarly. Too few are willing to serve in this way, or even understand how to. Every ministry needs a Big John. Every student needs a Big John. Praise God that He has Big John, and molds lives through him.

He and Beej, called each other "BJ". He invested much in my son. He financially contributed a lion's share, so that Beej could go to Peru, two years in a row. He has blessed our lives, and that of our children. Whitney lived with he and his family for her senior year of high school, so she could finish where she started, when God called us elsewhere. He has left his four-wheelers at our home for recreational use on many occassions, only to receive them back, wrecked. Never a cross word spoken to us as a result.

He knows what is important in life, and he helped make sure my son did too. Thank you Big John, you have blessed us, and we are most greatful!

brent (dad)

Tomorrow we head to Kentucky to be with family. We will be there until Friday. We are uncertain of computer access, but will try to share as we can. Tonight we intend to see MercyMe in their last Christmas concert. Please pray for them, as I am sure they are weary.