samwise the brave

Samantha, and their three daughters Lauren, Alex, Journey, and Nathan holding their newborn son, Lincoln.

since my post monday, more details are available on the tragic accident that claimed the life of two kingdom warriors from faith baptist church, grand rapids, mn – 30 year old youth pastor nathan junker and 63 year old youth worker al hermiston.  here’s the full story from the star tribune

a friend of nathan’s, dave yankowiak has put together a link to assist in getting the word out on a trust that has been set up to help the family transition through this tragic turn in their young life.

if you feel inclined to help please click here to learn where to send your donation.

al hermiston

please also pray for the family of al hermiston as they push through the loss of a husband and father.

information on their memorials are here.

yep…free music….click here now!

ht ben haws!

back in the office today from having been out last week for our mission trip/ dare 2 serve-09…working away…getting caught up and just got an email from a friend asking for prayer for the families of two Kingdom warriors, youth pastor Nathan Junker and youth leader Al Hermiston from the Grand Rapids area.  this is just beyond belief.  i don’t personal know either of these men.  But i encourage your prayers for their families and their churches and especially those 5 youth that were saved by the sacrificial and heroic actions of their shepherds.  i can’t even imagine the horror for all involved.  nathan’s last blog post a couple days ago is on prayer and spiritual warfare.

Enter into the battle that rages invisible around us. Shake the foundations that Satan has established in our world. We know that it stands on nothing but sand. Praise the name of the Lord who is our strong tower. Rebuild the walls that have crumbled down from sin. Stand firm and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” (Matthew 11:12). We are more than conquerors…we are liberators.

from Kevin Hansen’s blog…

…This afternoon, Pastor Nathan Junker and Al “Herm” Hermiston, a long-time youth leader at Faith Baptist Church, were with the Jr. High youth on Pokegama lake. The two of them and 5 of the youth were on a sand bar near Drumbeater Island and were swept out by the waves and wind, unknown to others who were on a beach nearby. They struggled to swim back. Several of the youth and Herm were wearing life vests, but Herm gave his to one of the kids who did not have one.
All 5 of the youth made it safely back, but the two men did not. Herm was found face down in the water and taken to the hospital, where he died. At this time, Nathan has still not been found in spite of the search efforts of others in the party and law enforcement.

Please pray for Herm’s family, especially his wife Nancy, and for Nathan’s family: wife Samantha (Sam), and children Lauren, Alexandra, Journey, and Lincoln. Nathan’s father Randy Junker is pastor of the Grand Rapids Alliance Church. His mother’s name is Debbie. And pray for the people of both churches and the community who have been affected by these men.

the folks at i-heart.org have a challenge out to the Kingdom…asking the larger question. over the next couple of days about 100 students and adults are going to answer their question -how am i going to change the world - practically these students are headed into a local community to change it as they change themselves.  for many of them it will be their first time even getting close to the idea of serving.  we’re partnering with our mothership – berean baptist in mansfield, oh.  over the next couple days students will be investing through local ministries like habitat for humanity, the salvation army and three other community programs.  i’ve personally encouraged because each day we’ve added a couple of students who are wiling to risk to stretch themselves and see what difference they can make.  you can follow our exploits via twitter here.  check in and offer your thoughts.  more importantly, visit the i-heart.org and add your voice to the effort. answer the question for yourself… how are you going to change the world?

the team went out to a local camp,  round lake christian camp,  this morning to advance our great gathering next weekend.  i bumped into the worship leader for the week and inquired what the “top play” song was for this week at camp.  and low and behold it was fruit of the spirit.  haven’t heard this one in a long time if i ever had heard it…and its a great way to do your memory  verse this week.