Dustin

Well I must admit that never in a million years would I have guessed how timely that quote I put up was.

Most of you probably already know this, but it's been weighing heavily on my mind this whole week, and I'm asking for your prayers. Last Saturday a classmate and friend of mine was involved in a horrible vehicular accident, and he died early Monday morning. Dustin was a freshman in pre-pharmacy, and we had a number of classes together. From the minute I first met him his joy and love for life were so evident, and they were contagious. In the little time I knew him we loved to goof off before and after class, talk about classes and instructors, joke about who knows what, and share stories from our Chi Alpha friends. He was a sweet man of God; one who loved to talk about Jesus, and who wasn't afraid to share his faith. And though we feel he was taken from us much too soon, my friend Steve (who knew Dustin even better than I did) said something last night that really put things in perspective. He said "As hard as it is, I just keep thinking, 'If it had been anyone else in that accident . . . ' If it had been either of Dustin's friends who were also involved, they wouldn't have been welcomed into heaven. Instead, God chose to take one of His own home."

Yes, it's still hard. It still stinks walking into class and not seeing Dustin's smiling face. I still miss hearing his teasing and laughter. But on the other hand, I have to be glad it was him, and not any of the others that were with him. And while we're down here pushing through the pain, he's rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.

So I'm asking you, please be praying for his family. They need to be lifted up and covered in prayer now more than ever. And please be praying for his friends here on campus; not only that they would find healing and rest in God's presence, but that they would be able to carry Dustin's legacy, and bring people into God's kingdom through this trial. We miss you Dustin, and we can't wait to see you again.