We Band of Brothers

While watching the movie, “Kangaroo Jack” (Castle Rock Entertainment, 2003) on DVD in September, 2006, (yeah, I forgot to blog about this until now!), I was reminded of friends of mine who I believe deserve some public recognition.

My first friend who I wish to introduce is Wayne Stiles II. I have known Wayne since my senior year of high school. I first met him during the summer after high school graduation when we met on the 23-acre campus of Dallas Christian College (DCC) for SALTeens*, a program targeted toward high schoolers to introduce them to DCC. The program takes musically- and vocally-talented high schoolers from all over the country, trains them to perform a drama/musical piece which they rehearse for a week and tour and perform the following week. Wayne played guitar (VERY WELL, despite his claim of “average” in this Website!) and I was one of the vocals in the choral section.

I met my second friend, Greg Faure’, during my freshman year at DCC and we became fast friends. We studied and wrote reports and speeches together.

After I left college, life and time separated me from my friends. I went off and joined a religious cult (ICOC) and got way off base. And all the while, Wayne and Greg were praying for me!

When I returned from my wayward wandering, both brothers (separately, of course!) greeted me back with open arms, much like that of the father of the prodigal son. Despite my wicked past, they both STILL loved me!

After leaving the ICOC, I began working closely with my alma mater, DCC, and their alumni association. In doing so, I also got acquainted with some of the student body, where I met an amazing and bright freshman named Stephen Myrshrall. At first, I was a little cautious due to his Baptist upbringing (I was raised non-denominational New Testament Christian [AKA instrumental Church of Christ]), but his love for God, Scriptures, and warmth he exuded toward me and his friends was overwhelming. He was very instrumental in my healing from the scars of the ICOC and soon introduced me to a local congregation with a Baptist heritage.

The next few friends are from my new church. When I first began visiting, I wasn’t looking for a church home (I already was serving as a youth leader at another congregation), but the loving warmth and community was intoxicating. It was then that I met Brandon Jung, one of the Welcome ushers. His demeanor was sincere, warm, and welcoming. It was his continued friendship which later led to his encouraging me to join the Home Group he was attending.

My next friend is Scott “Hungry Jack” Ayers, our current Home Group leader and my accountability partner. Scott has only been a Home Group leader only a few months but has done an excellent job doing so. His love for His God and His Scriptures seems inexhaustible. The time we spend together twice a month in accountability has also become instrumental in my healing, as I now know what unconditional accountability truly means.

Shortly after Scott began leading, Phillip Bleecker began attending our Home Group. At first, our relationship was challenging because of my own stubbornness and pride, but eventually, we have become good friends. Phillip has this quality of warmth unlike anyone I have met before. He will tell you the truth without apology.

Then there is Marq Sanchez. From the first time we met, he joined out Home Group and became a fast, good friend. He is gentle, kind, loving and honest.

As I wrote this blog, so many other friends came to mind (I had to re-write this again!) and thus, so many more could be mentioned. Overall, God has expressed His love and grace to me through so many of my friends who have made themselves transparent, vulnerable and available to me. It is SO good to have such a loving and warm family of God surrounding me!

*Note: The letters “SALT” in SALTeens stand for Singing And Living Truth.