Changing of the Guard

The pastor of our church has been commenting recently, both in casual conversation as well as in his preaching, about how many people who were very well known are suddenly passing away -- media people like actor John Ritter, singer Robert Palmer (of "Addicted to Love" fame), and even Gordon Jump, who played Mr. Carlson in my favourite high school sitcom, "WKRP in Cincinatti".

In the Christian world, the same passages seem to be taking place: Derek Prinze, Larry Burkett, Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade & author of the famous "Four Spiritual Laws" tract), and on October 29, Mike Yaconelli, the founder of the Wittenberg Door (Christian satire magazine that kept us sane during Bible college in the 80's) and Youth Specialties, was killed in a car accident on his way home.

I never met Mike, but I've read many of his articles, and listened to a few of his teaching tapes on youth ministry. Mike was hardcore when it came to youth work -- 43 years of constant involvement with youth and encouraging youth leaders and pastors worldwide. He was a nut, something of a prophet, sometimes confusing, sometimes infuriating, sometimes incredibly pastoral, and a devoted follower of Jesus.

"If I died right this minute, I would be able to say, 'God, what a ride! What a ride!'" -- Mike Yaconelli at the Youth Specialties Convention in Charlotte NC, October 24, 2003.

It reminds me somewhat of how I felt when Keith Green died a week before I started Bible college. And also how I felt in the fall of 2000 when my mentor, crazy George Mercado from New Yawk, had a stroke and remains unable to speak or have full use of his body to this day.

Life is short. Make it count.