Faith Revolution

oldfriends.mp3

One of my old friends stopped by today. I haven’t seen him since well before we moved to Cambridge Springs. I was so happy to see him and spend a couple hours with him, showing him our new home and the church and town we serve. Words cannot explain how close Bob and I have been over the years.

I still remember meeting Bob. Years ago, he was a competitor of mine in the business world and of course, we were in competition for a couple clients. It just so happened that my pastor at the time put together a meeting, which included Bob, that I had to attend. I didn’t want to, but I had no choice. I found out at that meeting that Bob was a really great person. As usual, God was leading, dragging me kicking and screaming where I did not want to go. After that meeting, Bob invited me to come to his office so that we could get to know one another. The rest is history.

We’ve hunted together, worked together, laughed heartily together and cried together. I was even in his son’s wedding; not as a pastor, but as a friend. I have so many memories of our friendship that I could not even begin to share. But, there is one memory that I cherish above and beyond all others. Back in 2003, I had finally bowed before the Lord and had surrendered to His desire for me to enter His ministry in any capicity, including pastor. One difficulty that I was having at the time was that I could not get anyone to listen to me and take me seriously. I needed help. I needed direction. I was desperate. It just so happened (aka God’s divine providence) that Bob stopped by for a visit. It was about 9:30 in the evening and he was on his way home to his family. He still had an hour’s drive ahead of him and he was tired. Nevertheless, Bob sat with Linda and I until two in the morning listening, counseling and praying with us.

That’s just the kind of man Bob is. His life has been poured out in service to those he loves. He is a man of character, integrity and principle.

And he is my friend.