A Tribute to the "The 'J' Team"

JUSTIN, JENNIFER, JAY and JOSH - 4 graduating seniors that form, what I call, "The J Team". They have been such an integral part of the Calvary Baptist Church college ministry that I just had to take a little time out to talk about them.

Last night (sunday) we had our "1st Sunday" fellowship that featured these Seniors sharing their testimonies of what God had taught them during these years at LA TECH. While listening to these most profound and moving life stories I couldn't help but be overcome with sadness that they would be leaving soon, but so very greatful for having had them work alongside us in ministry together. BUT YOU KNOW ME...I wanted to respond immediately, but knew I could not complete a sentence with out crying, so NOW I can say what I wanted to say.

So, in alphabetical order (because you know I am sensitive to those kinds of things...) -

JAY - Your honesty blows me away. While I have known you less than a year, I have seen you be as open and forthright as any young man I have ever met. Your desire for peace, your loyalty, your quickness to say "I'm sorry", your humor (not to mention I think I've met my match on "facials"), and your work ethic are all remarkable. These are all qualitites that make a man of God useful in so many ways as you begin this new journey of life after graduation. Every time you sell a life insurance policy, I pray that you might have a chance to tell that client about the most important "life contract" he or she can ever have - one of abundance and security. Thank you for plugging in at Calvary. We are blessed to have had you here! Thank you Jay, for finishing strong.

JENNIFER - What an amazing young woman you are. The picture that is forever etched in my mind is watching you, on more than one occasion, bring in whole groups of people to visit with you at Calvary because they were in your family group or study group or whatever group you had a part in. Your ability to draw people in and make them feel welcome has been an integral part of our ministry. Your faithfulness, humility, and wisdom is as evident in your life as your "meek and gentle spirit". You, my friend, are the kind of young lady we all want to be like. I have no doubt that you are ready to begin this new journey of married life! Thank you Jenn, for finishing strong.

JOSH/"Ber" - What a remarkable testimony you gave. To see a friend/roomate of 4 years come to know Christ as Savior before you graduate is an experience I wish every student could have. Thank you for your obedience to the Holy Spirit in staying committed to this eternal purpose. I also want to commend you for staying faithful to your church body during your senior year. It shows the kind of depth your spiritual life has become. I pray your graduate school experience in Arkansas will yield many new friends and you will find new spiritual markers developed as well. You have been a joy to teach and to learn from. Thank you Josh, for finishing strong.

JUSTIN/the other "Ber" - I am so excited you are responding to Gods call to the ministry. You will make such a wonderful impact on lives that you touch and churches that you lead. It's always good to see men who have "shown us their faith by their deeds" and you, my friend, have done so since the time you came to Calvary. Your legacy here, with your service to our children in the AWANA program, with our Pre-Teen Ministry and with our Youth has just been one we will never forget. When you hand off that baton of service it will be one that has grip marks that will be hard to fill. I loved watching you run track at TECH, but I have especially loved watching you run the race that was set before you by the Lord - keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus the author and the finisher of your faith. Thank you Justin, for finishing strong.

"Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing strong." Ephesians 6:13