When BJ was in high school he was on the wrestling team. I cannot say that his desire arose from the wrestling matches we had as he grew up, but I suppose it is possible. We would go at it, and he would be pinned to the ground, but laugh and say "I'm taking it easy cause I don't want to hurt you old man."

His laugh was infectious, and the corner of his mouth would curl up. He would often taunt me, and try to draw me into scuffles. He loved the interaction, and fun. He had no care about beating me, or winning in general, for that matter, he just enjoyed the fellowship of having a riot with his dad.

When he wrestled in school, his lack of a killer instinct did not serve him well. However, he was a scrapper, and he put up a good fight. I remember when he was supposed to wrestle a girl from another team. He refused. Not because he could potentially get beat by a girl, but because he knew it was wrong for him to potentially be touching her in an inappropriate manner. His coach respected his decision to forfeit. So did I, though I admit, at the time, I questioned his motivation. We talked about it later, and I understood.

Of all the times he wrestled, none were as significant as the time he wrestled with
God. It was winter of 2005, he had been to Peru the previous summer. The following summer his desire was to go to Thailand. He was very excited about it. As he began to make plans, the Lord made clear His will for Beej to return to Peru.

He resisted, and encountered one of the darker periods of his young life. He did not want to return, as he felt he had been faithful, and wanted to move on to something more challenging. After a period of time, he relented, as he saw his way was bringing about disobedience, and unfruitfulness.

In doing so, his joy returned, and he was excited for his second summer in Peru. I know you have read of many of his encounters with gangs, policemen, headmasters, and others. In every case, the Lord used him to bring salvation to those he was willing to minister to.

That kind of joy is not imaginable without our obedience. BJ could have been disobedient, gone to Thailand, and would probably still be with us. That potential disobedience was stealing his communion with the Lord. He paid an incredible price to follow God in obedience, and look at the communion he has now.

The world would say he was a fool. He could have saved his life and won, by going where God did not want him. He was willing to lay it all down to bring glory to his Jesus. I believe he chose wisely. I know this was a wrestling match he faltered in early, but by losing his life, he won, eternally.

BJ was willing to "Die for You," Jesus. Thank you for the privilege of sharing in the life of a son who loved that deeply.

dad