Dave recently got to "Jam" with some old friends of his. Although Dave did not play or use his musical talents when in High School, he was able to play with some guys that did play in his youth group 10 years or more ago. All of which are currently serving in a church as pastors.
Both Dave and I grew up in a very powerful youth group. Many of our fellow youth group members went on to serving in full time ministry.

Here are some of Dave's buddies that have followed God's calling into church ministry--

These men were in our wedding 7 years ago. All have wives and babies of their own.

Its comforting to get to sit down with them and share ministry blessings and frustrations. Its great to know we are not all alone in this vast calling!

We had the priveledge to sit down at lunch with one of these couples and catch up. They had such disturbing news. Another buddy of ours (he did not grow up with Dave, we met him at North Central) has fallen badly. He took a position that was perfect for his lack of experience and worked very hard. His youth ministry grew from 20 to over 200 in a quick fashion. I remember hearing about what this power team was doing to get the youth ministry to grow. I'd see them at youth convention year after year bringing more and more kids. I couldn't help but be a bit envious (isn't that rediculous?). However, all that time this up and rising youth pastor was physically and mentally abusing his wife. He was addicted to pornography. He began drinking excessively at the height of his ministry. Eventually, his wife kicked him out, for the safety of herself and her children. He moved quickly to date a very young lady (one who had sat under his ministry and was a family friend). She is now carrying another child of his. And his marriage is officially over.

I am in shock. I never really sat down and talked to this couple. Dave knew them pretty well, but I saw what they did in ministry and almost coveted it. It has really brought me back to reality... God wants to use us, but he doesn't need to! He wanted that youth ministry to grow... and probably wanted to teach the youth pastor something in the process. But when the minister wouldn't listen, God's plan still prevailed for those kids! He doesn't need us! Its our honor to serve him and be used by him. I am in awe of how easily and how quickly (less than 5 years) this family has been torn apart from this man's sins. And his lack of love for his God. I am at awe that this young man got to see miracles, and got to see all the wonderful things God did in spite of his unwillingness to comply to God in his personal life-- yet still he has not turned back to God. He has shown up drunk to his previous youth group, has disrespected, and led his wife away from God. I am appauled. I am sad! I am shocked. I am put in my place! God doesn't need me... he wants me!

I need to begin to pray for my "contemporaries". Pray for their focus on God to remain strong. I need to not look at how well the ministry is going for them, and look deep into their life's (through relationships) and keep them encouraged. I know that this guy's wife never expected this when she went to North Central and met a young pastor in training! I've heard "It can happen to anyone" But I refuse to listen. It won't happen to those that never stray away, to those who dig deeper each day into God's word, to those who keep in honest communication with their savior. It won't happen to those who work hard to stay deeply madly passionately in love with their savior! And with God's help, it won't happen to us!