


I apologize that I did not have the opportunity to post last week. I was out of the country all week for a conference and while away did not have internet access. So after a week of not posting, I am at it again...
"You are here for a reason." Those are the words my pastor spoke as he looked at the four high school students who were about to be baptized. As he spoke those words to the students I could not help but feel as though they held more than one meaning. Our pastor was encouraging them and reminding them of the reason for their existence and their importance to God. He was celebrating with them as they were publicly declaring their faith for all to see.
Without intending to, I felt as though he was speaking to me and reminding me that I am here (in Germany) for a reason. One of the main reasons for me being here is to help the high school students I interact with grow closer in their personal relationship with Jesus.
On November 13 there were four students who were baptized. As part of the way baptisms are conducted here, the individual being baptized has the opportunity to ask a few family/friends/mentors to stand with them on stage, and pray over them. When David decided he wanted to be baptized, I was blown away and honored as he asked me to be a part of his baptism. It truly was one of the greatest moments of my time here at BFA. It was something I will always cherish and something I will never forget.
David, a senior this year, is a phenomenal young man of; faith, integrity, joy, compassion, and character. He grew up on the field in China, but shortly after starting junior-high he lost his father. The tragic loss of his father created a sadness within his heart he did not understand nor could he figure out how to fill. Unbeknown to his mother David turned to alcohol thinking this would fill the void. However the empty bottle was no match for an empty heart. Something inside of him knew he had to change, and he knew he wanted to change. But in order for that to happen he needed a change of scenery.
So David came to Germany in his Sophomore year, and he landed on my hall. He needed a change of scenery. A new school. New friends. A new David. At first he was quiet, reserved, and hesitant. I could tell there was a lot going on inside of him, he was just hiding it. Over time he slowly started to open up and slowly started to break. It took close to 18 months, but I still remember the day he told me his story. He didn't leave out any details. He talked of the pain, talked of his decisions, and where he was now headed with his life, and the role he wanted God to play in his life. He had changed.
Now if I were to describe David as quiet, reserved and hesitant, everyone would laugh. He is lively. Full of energy, laughter, constantly smiling. He has a huge smile, but also has a goofy little grin that is, well, it is absolutely precious and adorable.
Last year David was needing a little education about the NFL. So I took it upon myself to educate him. He wanted to know a good player to follow and to be a fan of. I chose Clay Matthews. Numerous times we would sit down and watch highlights of Clay destroying the opposition. This turned into a "trademark hug" between David and me. If you have ever seen Clay Matthews get a sack, you may have noticed him flexing his biceps afterward. Whenever I see David, I raise my arms and flex my biceps (which are almost as big as Clay's), as does David, sometimes we'll each do a little grunt and then I give him a big hug.
Last year David began dating a girl here. I know her sister, so the sister sent me an email wanting to get information about "this David guy" wanting to know whether or not he was a quality guy for her sister to date. I responded and simply said, "If there is one guy at the school you want your sister to date, it is David. He is such a quality man that will do nothing but treat her well." I fully believe and meant what I said. David is such an incredible guy.
I consider myself to be a better person because I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with him. His compassion has touched my heart. The comfort he received during his loss has enabled him to pour out comfort on those when they are dealing with loss, myself among the privileged. He walks into a room and you cannot help but smiling and feel a breeze of joy come in with him.
David, thank you for letting me a part of this journey with you. Thank you for what you have taught me. I am proud of you for the proclamation you made. I am grateful to have been there to stand with you and pray over you.
You're a stud. Don't you ever forget that!