Justin @ Painter's Ice Cream in N. Myrtle Beach |
Justin was everyone's friend. Over the course of my 4 years with him I watched as he made friends with the older guys, the younger girls and everyone in-between. He sang with the youth praise team and helped lead worship for the smaller kids at Promiseland every Sunday morning. He went on our mission trips to Spartanburg and Chicago, both trips to New York and to Myrtle Beach, the Rock The House Retreat, our leadership training events and pretty much every thing else we did. ICE was the ultimate leader, always encouraging others to attend Graceland and making people feel right at home once they arrived. He held things together in so many ways- one of those rare teenagers I could ALWAYS count on.
Justin & a very young Will Jones- playing as usual! |
Today, Justin is volunteering with the student ministry as WMUMC and is very active in Crosswinds, a college ministry at USF. I have no doubt that Jesus is using him to make a difference in the lives of many. We see him from time to time at his job at our local mall. Like many of the youth from that era we fell out of touch (because I let them down), and I don't know what the future holds for our relationship. But I do know this- give me a dozen kids just like Ice to work with and we could change the world. It is with no hesitation that I induct him into my Youth Group Hall of Fame. Blessings to you, Justin. I promise your HOF bust will be wearing a Cincinnati Reds jersey and hat...
Because of Jesus,
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