It seems I've known him my entire life, I was a little girl when he married my sister Christine. He was a tall, handsome soldier in uniform when he pursued her, and I thought the sun rose and set with him. Now as an adult, I am aware that he is not perfect, and like me, he knows where his true identity comes from. He humbly admits his flaws, but I don't think he realizes that those things are so diluted, as I taste the goodness of the Lord in his life, when I am around him.

Years ago he left the Army, to become a part of the Army of God, and now is the Pastor of Calvary Chapel in Blythewood South Carolina. This is not something he will boast about when you are with him, in fact, he usually never mentions it. The purpose for a Pastor is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, and to edify the body of Christ. A Pastor is like a Shepherd, he feeds, nurtures, cares for and he protects. But one of the greatest descriptions to me of a Shepherd, is one that serves, not lording over. I have been subjected to many Pastors in my life, and sadly, most did not have a servants heart, and had their own agenda.

But not Nick... although he was an officer in the Army, he left the cares and aspirations for this life behind, and to Gods great joy, became His servant. His training for leadership in Gods Army was through the Word. He has studied to show himself approved unto God, and he cares for the things of God and how he might please Him, not this world. You can see this in Nicks life. The love of God is manifested in many areas of his life. The examples are too numerous, but I will share a few of them with you.

In the Fall of 2008, after hearing of my diagnoses, he preached at his church the following Sunday. In the middle of his sermon, using my journey as an analogy, his voice broke, tears fell, and he could not gain composure for a bit. His congregation saw a man of tender mercies, and a man of God like strength.

When I was recently in Florida staying at their seasonal home, they came down for over a week. Their place is small, and you could say we all had "close fellowship!" Although I have spent much time with my sister, I have never spent that much time with Nick, and the attributes of the Lord flowed through him like I have never seen in a man before. We could be engaged in a heated, controversial discussion where we didn't see eye to eye, and although his flesh wanted to win out, I saw him back down. I could see the humility and gentleness of Christ literally wash over his face. To me, that means more than a who's right discussion, it was the very essence of God's character.

 One evening we all walked the beach at sunset, and somewhere along the way we lost the entire set of car/house keys. The sun had set, and it was quickly getting dark. After finishing a three mile walk, Nick ran back in search for the keys, and didn't find them. Tired and hungry, he waited another hour out in the cold of night for AAA, while my sister and I warmed ourselves by the restrooms heater. Thankfully he had spare keys in the car, but we arrived home much later than expected, thus making our stroll at sunset, a four hour ordeal. Coming into the house famished and tired, Christine and I went into our bedrooms to get our p.j.'s on with the intent of making a quick bite to eat before retiring for the night. When we  came out, Nick, still in his walking clothes, was fast at work preparing a vegan feast meant for a king! He served us that night, and cleaned up the entire kitchen, insisting we rest. He cooked, and served us numerous times during our stay there.

 In S.C. there is a man who wandered into their church one day. He was about 370 pounds and of poor health. Nick in his usual manner, befriended him, and invited him to come week days in the morning, to join him in a workout program. The man has been coming for months now every day! Nick trains him, he has lost much weight, and his strength is returning. But the greater thing to me, is that he and Nick have become friends/brothers, and this man doesn't even go to his church!

 I am not that little girl anymore, I know the things that make a man tall in Gods eyes, and mine as well. When I look at him today, I see a servant, I see a man after Gods own heart, and I can honestly say that the SON truly rises and sets in This Officer!

Love,
Patty