“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!" – Ephesians 3:20-21
When I talk with my closest friends and hear about their latest plans and biggest dreams, I become so overwhelmed with pride and joy. Nearly all of them are taking the road less traveled and living a life wholly devoted to bringing the Kingdom of God here on earth.
I’ve been so blessed to call the following ten people dear friends. Some have been close to my heart for just the past couple years, and some have been a part of my life since the day I was born. Either way, I thank God for their inspiration, their encouragement, and the testimonies that they live each day. Our stories and our lives intertwine in many ways and I’m taking this moment to applaud their faithfulness and publicly recognize how precious they are to me…
Zach Carhart
We’ve literally been friends since diapers, wow! We’ve been a part of each others lives since the very beginning and it’s so cool to look back and see the journey God has had in mind for us this whole time.
Zach has abandoned his original career plans in pursuit of a bigger dream. For over a year now, he has been raising support to serve full time with Campus Ambassadors in Western Massachusetts. This isn’t at all what he had in mind when he first set foot at Springfield College, but he has faithfully answered the Lord’s prompting and has stepped out in bold fashion.
I’m so proud of you Zach and the faithful man of God you’ve become. You’ve challenged me and inspired me with your Godly wisdom and your passion to bring the Kingdom of God right to our hometown. Keep following the Lord’s leading, you’re gonna move mountains my friend!
Aaron Kaeble
Aaron has lived just a couple blocks down the road from me and boy have we taken advantage of that proximity in the past several years! I’ve felt like I could drop in on you and your family at any time and talk for hours.
If you know Aaron very well, then you know that he is a very loyal and committed friend. He has kept a close bond with those in his home church and his home town and those relationships are extremely important to him. But he’s making a big move now. A bold move. He’s heading down to Lynchburg, VA to work as an intern for the strength and conditioning coach for Liberty University athletics. It was a rare and unique opportunity and so he seized the day. Yet I know how hard this will be for him this year as he leaves home and all that’s familiar for the first time.
So Aaron, I’m proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone. You won’t regret it! You now get to use your gifts and passions in a place that proudly carries the name of Jesus. I’m so excited for you and this new season!
Dan Hanson
Dan is probably the most intelligent young man I’ve ever met. I don’t know anyone who’s developed such a depth of knowledge of so many subjects. He’s also grown incredibly wise and knows well how even more remarkable and omniscient His Creator is.
And we’ve never lived closer than a hundred miles from each other, yet somehow God had it in mind that we needed to be close friends. Dan, you have no idea how much you’ve taught me and challenged me over the years. You’ve inspired me and I’ve looked up to you in so many ways.
Dan has already taken bold steps and moved to D.C. a few years ago to start a new life working for the American Enterprise Institute. He’s appeared on live television and has had his writings published in several different venues. Yet at the same time, I know how difficult it has been for him to start fresh and leave the uplifting and encouraging communities he came from.
Although, he’s now gone one step further into the unknown and recently quit his job to start his own consulting firm in D.C. But to be honest, I can’t say I’m surprised. I always knew that you’d be one to chart your own unique course eventually! This too has inspired me to take the road less traveled and I’m so excited to hear with this new chapter in life teaches you my friend. You have an incredibly unique gifting and blessing from God, Dan. Keep finding ways to use your work to point to our awesome and loving Creator.
Emily Gironimi
Our lives seem to keep crossing each others paths, and I’m so glad they do! When I first met you at camp over a dozen years ago, I never would have guessed we’d become such good friends. And you’ve become such an outstanding and rock-solid woman of God. I know many girls look up to you, and I pray that more and more will every day!
Emily is another one of those believers that has truly gone all-in and made Christ the center of their lives. She had her dream job – a nurse, helping to deliver babies on a daily basis. So cool. And a very comfortable salary I’m sure too. But she gave it all up. She left all things familiar and headed out on the mission field with the World Race at the beginning of this year. If you’ve read any of her awesome stories, then you know full well that she hit the ground running. She has been shining the light of Christ in some of the darkest corners of the globe.
Emily, I know for sure that this year will be your greatest year yet. I’m so proud of you for walking the bold journey of faith that you’ve walked these 25 years. The Father will continue to bless you and rock your world with His blessings and love. So keep it up!
Rachel Wilkinson
As with your brother, I feel like I lost so many years missing out on such an awesome person so close to home! We grew up in the same church, yet only recently have I had the privilege of being your friend and watching your faith grow so deep.
Rachel has devoted her past spring break and summer break serving the Lord on the mission field in Kosovo and Spain. From hearing her stories, I know she has found so much fulfillment and joy in sharing the love of Christ in uncharted waters. She is jumping out of her comfort zone and letting God use her life for His renown. And I know these are only the first couple of steps in the journey of faith the Lord has for her!
I’m so proud of you Rachel and the wonderful woman of God you’ve become. Keep letting your Maker shape you and take you places you’ve never dreamed!
Brian Cooke
I only met Brian just two short years ago, but he’s crammed a lot of impact in my life in such a short amount of time. We started our journey on the World Race together and quickly became friends. We’ve laughed and cried together. And I got to watch a new believer grow and change exponentially, unlike any change I’ve ever seen before.
Since the World Race, Brian has devoted his life to starting a home for boys in Malawi, Africa. All his time, all his money, devoted to those in need. Brian is the quintessential picture of a man using his life as a gift to others. He is a humble man, yet so determined to make his dream a reality.
Brian, your trailblazing has inspired me. You are a man on fire. You’ve made your faith the true center of your life. I’m so proud of you and the path you’re taking. Never doubt this journey He has for you. It will bring greater blessings than you can ever imagine. Love you man!
Wade Carlton
Wade was far and above the greatest team leader the World Race has ever had. And I was privileged to serve under his leadership for 8 months of my journey. We quickly became like brothers and he surely impacted me more than anyone else that year.
Wade is one of the most humble and Christ-centered men I have ever met. I’ve never met a man so focused on living like Jesus and taking His commandments seriously. His yearning for adventure is also unmatched by anyone and he is certainly setting out to make the most of what happens this side of heaven. When I think of a man after God’s own heart, Wade Carlton stands front in center.
He is always sharing his latest idea and dream with me, so determined to make his life count for eternity. Wade, you don’t know it yet, but God has a ministry in store for you that you would have never thought possible. Keep opening your hand and your heart to Him and He is going to surprise you big time. Oh captain, my captain, I’m so excited to see the impact you have in the years to come!
Sean Cooney
Sean is probably the most caring and compassionate man I’ve ever met. Seriously. He’s always looking out for others and always finding ways to serve. Anyone who knows him would certainly agree.
Immediately after graduation, Sean went off to Zimbabwe for his first missions trip overseas. And I know God rocked his world. Before and after this trip, Sean has always been looking for ways to use his gifts and passions to benefit the Kingdom of God. He is so loyal to his friends and family and is always looking for ways to be close to them. People and relationships are more important to Sean than anything in the world, and I know this puts a huge smile on his Maker’s face!
Sean is also a very skilled graphic designer. So Sean, I pray that you keep finding ways to use your God-given talents for His glory. You’ve done so well at drawing close to God thus far, and your attitude and joyful spirit been such an awesome testimony of His love. I pray that God continues to give you the desires of your heart. He has promised only good things for you, so keeping holding tight to the One who holds it all together.
TC Courtney
This fiery personality has become one of my closest friends over the years. He’s been more than just a roommate and fellow Liberty student. He’s become a like a brother.
TC is yet another great example of someone using his passions solely for the cause of Christ. He is a skilled musician and a truly gifted song writer. His songs have spoken to me and I know they will speak to countless others in the years to come. Just this past week, TC was hired at Brentwood Benson Music Publishing in Tennessee. And I can’t say that I’m surprised! We knew they’d love him. And this is just one of many great opportunities for him to pursue his God-given dream.
TC, I pray that you keep running after the Lord with everything you’ve got. You’ve devoted your career to praising Him, and we couldn’t be prouder! You’re a wise man and a joy to be around. Keep being the unique and vibrant personality that God intended for you to be all along.
Joe Wilkinson
Joe, where do I even begin. We grew up together, yet it’s only been in the past few years that I’ve truly recognized the great man that you are. You’ve been more than just a roommate; you’ve become a best friend to me! Watching your heart burn with such an intense love for Christ has challenged me and inspired me in so many ways.
If you know myself and Joe well at all, then you certainly know how nostalgic and reflective we can be. Joe is only man I know who cherishes memories and friendships more than I do. God has had us on very unique paths to full time ministry and it’s so exciting to see what He has in store next. Joe has recently left all places familiar and moved to a town where he didn’t know a soul. I know how hard this has been for him, as he cherishes friends and family so much. But I know it will be for the best. Joe has taken the position of worship leader at OneChurch in Clarksville, TN. He is using his passions and dreams to draw others to the feet of Jesus. He is devoting his life to praising his Savior and is willing to go wherever He leads, no matter how stretching it may seem.
Joe, I’m so proud of you and the man you’ve become. And this is only just the beginning. The story God has in mind for you is greater than you could ever imagine. Keep holding onto His promises, He will indeed be faithful to give you the pure desires of your heart!
As we scatter across the globe (literally!) and go our separate ways, I dearly miss each and every one of these people. They will always hold a special place in my heart.
Yet, I know the future is bright for each of them. And the lives we’ve lived together are just a glimpse of the awesome picture the Lord’s painting. He has promised even greater things than we’ve seen thus far. This gets me so excited!
So not to brag but… my friends are changing the world. What are yours doing?
