Friday February 22nd, 2008
Congratulations to my father on completing 40 years with the same organization, 40 years working in youth ministry, 40 years in service to God and others.
Congratulations to my father who began this work in 1967, the year after he graduated from high school knowing only that his heart was with young people, and discovering his calling. In 40 years, he has seen many people come, fly high, and burn out. But he has remained, like a marathoner, one step in front of the other, even when it hurts and even when he’s been thirsty. It has been really hard sometimes, and perhaps more than he bargained for. But, he is dedicated to the goal, confirmed in his quest and will never stop because after 40 years, he’s built the endurance.
He has been witness to failure, and to success. He’s seen people love, and marry, and others fall and weep. My father has been a part of different iterations of ministry and seen phases and seasons and cycles, but always the same thing at the core: help students become excited about God. He has been mentor, writer, developer, visionary, teacher, and implementer, as well as janitor, chef, bicycle repairman, carpenter and painter. Above all, however, he is an inspirer and a friend.
Congratulations, Dad, for your amazing accomplishment! I am proud of you.
What a sweet, touching post Sarah!!
I congratulate your father as well. 40 years in any job is quite an accomplishment, but is a rarity in youth ministry. I have much respect for your father for sticking it out, and fulfilling his calling.
Yay for YFC!!
40 years in ministry is an amazing accomplishment. My congratulations to him!
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. He sounds like a great man. Along with that great accomplishment is the job he (and your Mom) did raising you. Congratulations to him!
What a beautiful tribute to your dad! Congratulations to him on 40 years in youth ministry – WOW! That is quite an accomplishment.
That is not a task easily accomplished I am sure. Congratulations to him. What a legacy!
Beautiful family!
Yes, 40 years in ministry is quiet an accomplishment.
Is your dad with Youth for Christ?
(i am curious because of Renee’s comment?)
Campus Life (YFC) was so instrumental in my life. I lived for 7:17 Thursday nights! My own leader Marty Villa gave me confidence, spoke truth to my hurt,and honestly was the first godly man who delighted in me… i started to believe there was more.
i can only imagine the impact, and glory that has come (and will come ) to God because of your dad’s faithfulness.
congratulations to him, and to you!
hey girl…YOU, your sister, your mom, your husband your two lovelies make ME proud…
all my love…dad
What a great tribute to him!
You are right, we need leaders who are faithful! What an example he is to us! Well done good and faithful servant!