For The Sake of the Call

When I was at my grandfather's church in the summer of 1991, I extensively worked with the youth group. Growing up in that youth group, I can firmly understand perhaps why our other youth pastor quit. Joking aside, it was for a very good reason, but I still wonder. Anyways, during this time, I discovered a young Christian singer who I thought presented a good message for our youth. He had been around awhile, but I was not very familiar with his work. The man was Steven Curtis Chapman, who now everyone knows, but his words struck me very deeply. A particular song; "For the Sake of the Call" quickly turned into an anthem for me. When I was growing up, I saw two sets of aunts and uncles reach into Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world through missionary work. I wanted to do that, and I did have my own opportunity for a summer in a village in Africa. It's an experience that I hope to imprint on Aaron someday; in hopes that he will too reach out "for the sake of the call."

Since that first encounter with the song, I have grown to really follow Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message. He has proven to be a man of God; a man of His love and wisdom. This past May, as the world knows now, he and his wife placed a precious daughter into the arms of Jesus. I wish I didn't know how he felt; as bad as that sounds. I wish I wasn't able to empathize with him; only sympathize. Since May 21, I have prayed for this family. I have prayed for the body of Christ surrounding this family. It's our duty as Christians to lift up our brothers and sisters as best we know how, and mine is prayer and donations. Kate and I have decided to give to Shaohannah's Hope charity every 21st until, well, I suppose until we physically can't or Jesus returns. If you are interested in this charity, www.shaohannahshope.org It's a wonderful charity for orphans around the world. In Africa, I came into contact with a lot of orphans. What I can't understand is this: why do people who have the ability to help them NOT help them? "Whatsoever you do for the least of my people, that you do unto me" Matthew 25:40; why can't people see that? We should all be going out for the sake of the call.

This morning, I cried for my own pain. I cried for the pain of a lost child. I cried for my friend in Christ, Steven Curtis Chapman. I have cried for my friend in Christ, Mary Beth Chapman. I have cried for their children. Maria Chapman will never be replaced. Grace Tyler will never be replaced. Our three Baby Tylers will never be replaced. We can live, and we can remember, but we will never replace. But, if we believe, we will see them again. Steven has a song titled, "Cinderella." It's about a daddy's look at his daughter's life. "I will dance with Cinderella, while she is here in my arms." As he has stated in the last two months, he will dance with his Cinderella again. I will dance with mine. With Jesus, you can bet those ballrooms will be magnificent!