Just the Facts

In the classic police drama “Dragnet,” Sergeant Joe Friday (portrayed by the late Jack Webb) implored informants, “All we want are the facts.” Parodies have paraphrased this to where many believe Friday frequently said, “Just the facts, ma’am.” The truth is he never uttered that exact phrase on radio or TV. However, it was used to promote the 1987 movie “Dragnet” and as the title of an authorized biography of Jack Webb.

As stated before in this blog, I refuse to pass on chain letters. They often contain outdated or inaccurate information. A new one that’s appeared in my Facebook news feed is Tim Tebow warning us about the government preparing us for a cashless society. I don't believe Tim wrote this. It resembles a meme falsely attributed to another well-known Christian. 

For years, a prayer request has circulated with Joyce Meyer’s name attached to it. It claims twenty churches got burned down in an Indian province called Olisabang. There are no provinces in India. They have states and districts. None of which is named Olisabang. Joyce Meyer Ministries has confirmed that the message did not come from her.

During the last year, fact-checkers have gotten a negative reputation. Some have tried suppressing information about the 2020 election and the coronavirus. That doesn’t mean we should dismiss non-partisan fact-checkers like truthorfction.com (a website I often refer to). So before sharing a meme or story sent to you, please take a few seconds to verify its legitimacy. There’s too much fake news going around as it is. Would you like it if people claimed you wrote something that wasn’t true?

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” - Exodus 20:16

True Humility

One of my Facebook friends recently posted a meme with this prayer: “Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled of You.” Technically, this is impossible. We are all unique individuals with talents, hopes, and dreams. God didn’t create us to be robots. A Christian can pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and then obey His promptings instead of fulfilling selfish desires. 

A personal example that comes to my mind happened over twenty years ago. While walking around my neighborhood, I saw five boys playing football in a church parking lot. A thought crossed my mind that when their football landed by me, that would be a sign to witness to them. Seconds later, the football bounced my way when one of the boys made a bad punt. However, I wanted to be by myself and went straight home. God kept telling me to go back. So I put my shoes on and hurried to the parking lot where the boys were still playing. After one of them scored a touchdown, I asked the boys to take a time-out. All five got born again.

I’ve heard worship songs with the line “more of You, less of me.” While these may be sincere attempts to be humble, I think they are a bit degrading. Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God is not glorified when man criticizes himself. There’s a difference between humility and being humiliated, which the New Oxford American Dictionary defines as “make (someone) feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and self-respect, especially publicly.” 

John the Baptist did say in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” The Jewish prophet was exalting Jesus’ ministry above his. I like The Message Bible’s rendering of this verse: “This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.” Preachers need to be cautious not to exalt themselves and their ministries more than the God they serve.

One friend of mine used to pray for God to make him humble until I pointed out what James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Fasting is one way of doing that (Psalm 35:13), but that won’t do much good for one who isn’t submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

Colossians 2 warns of false humility. Verse 18 connects that with “…worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” Verse 23 goes on to say, “These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”

Another way to humble yourself is by seeking to meet other people’s needs. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Jesus famously demonstrated this by washing His disciples’ feet.

The late Mac Davis sang, “Lord, it’s hard to be humble.” The truth is it’s not that hard. We simply need to exalt Jesus and others more than ourselves. C. S. Lewis wrote, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Another minister pointed out, “Humility is knowing who are you in Christ and who you are without Him.”

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”  - 1 Peter 5:5

Facebook Frustrations

Facebook is a marvelous tool to connect with people and minister to them. It’s also a source of occasional frustration and conflict. Aside from increased censorship by social media platforms, you risk offending others no matter how you speak the truth in love. One time a woman unfriended me after I advised her not to sow discord amongst my other friends (Proverbs 6:19) regarding another minister we had differing opinions.

I’ve also had preachers promote their ministries and make fundraising appeals on my Facebook pages despite asking them to stop. That prompted me to change my account settings. Friends can only write comments in response to my articles and praise reports. Still, people will post stuff irrelevant to my writings. Usually, I remove these posts but have unfriended individuals who won’t respect my boundaries. In recent years, I’ve blocked (but not unfriended) many people on Messenger. With close to 5,000 friends from all over the world, I don’t have time to chat with everyone.

Another thing that has irritated me is Facebook Groups. Until a couple of years ago, friends were able to add me to these groups without my permission. A few of them took offense when I asked them to stop. One minister from India I met at a conference in South Carolina added me to two groups despite my sending two previous emails asking him not to do that. This time I emailed him two reminders: first privately but then posted a comment directly on the group page since he wasn’t checking his inbox. This minister unfriended me.

A few days before that, a Canadian pastor who friended me (but I never met in person) added me to a Facebook group promoting him and his wife. After immediately leaving that group, I sent an email asking him not to add me to any groups. This minister responded by blocking me. That’s a bit extreme. All I did was make a simple request.

I pray all my brothers and sisters in Christ grow up and pursue His purposes instead of their agenda. We are all called to reach the world but not necessarily associate and work with everybody who calls themselves a Christian. As Mike Murdock says, “Your Assignment is not to everybody, but to somebody.”

"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." - 1 Corinthians 2:2

Think Before You Share

It’s often been said, “Think before you speak.” As James 1:19 says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Nowadays with texting and emails, we should think twice before typing and posting something online. In the words of one pastor friend: “Put brain into gear before putting mouth/finger into action.”

Too many people quickly share stuff on social media without checking its veracity. As a result, hoaxes have circulated for years such as the “22 Christian missionary families that will be executed today in Afghanistan.” I have a policy not to forward any chain letter or meme and will block (but not unfriend) individuals who persist in sending me these messages.

One type of chain letter that can have negative consequences is those involving missing people. I’ve received messages with pleas such as, “If it was your child, you would want all the help you could get.” If it was my child and he/she was found, I wouldn’t want these messages to continue circulating. In recent months, many alerts appeared in my Facebook news feed with the appeal, “It takes seconds to share.” It also takes seconds to click the link provided to see if an alert has been updated. Most missing child reports I’ve seen online have already been resolved. 

Two days ago, a friend posted one that turned out to be seven years old. My investigation also found the above meme from the mother of that once-missing child. I don’t understand why some people keep resolved alerts posted on their Facebook pages. Not everyone takes time to scroll through all the responding comments to see a possible update. It’s better to delete the entire post. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that not all missing person alerts are legit. Some are posted by abusive parents and spouses who have court orders not to go near their estranged relatives. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has warned that sharing these photos may put lives at risk. Sometimes the "missing people" in these posts aren’t missing but hiding for their safety.

So think before you share. Better yet…Pray first! Then check for a location and date in the missing person report. If it doesn’t include these, contact the local police to confirm the report is real. Once again, God’s people should have higher standards when sharing information. 

“Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked.” - Exodus 23:7 

Discernment For Donations

Often I receive Facebook friend requests from ministers (mostly from Africa and Asia) who eventually ask for money. This is despite a notice on my wall clearly stating I do not send donations in response to unsolicited emails. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (KJV) tells us “…to know them which labour among you.” While some of the appeals I receive may be for legitimate purposes, many others are fraudulent. I’ve seen Christians hit people up for money for particular purposes but then spend it on something else.

I prefer giving to preachers whose teachings have impacted my life. As Galatians 6:6 says, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” However, we must watch out for scammers setting up Facebook pages pretending to be well-known ministers. A fellow evangelist told me about a time he exchanged messages with someone claiming to be Joyce Meyer. He knew it wasn’t real when “Joyce” started asking for money.

One article I found online listed these excellent suggestions for giving…

1) Let the world take care of worldly charities.

2) Support your local church with tithes and offerings.

3) Decide which Christian ministries to support.

4) Give generously but with discernment.

Jesus commended the unjust steward in Luke 16:8 “…because he had dealt shrewdly.” He went on to say, “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.” Believers shouldn’t be gullible and haphazardly give money to anyone approaching them for a donation. One can discern who to give to by reading the Word of God consistently, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and using common sense.   

God wants us to be cheerful givers…but also smart ones.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16

The Gospel Against Cars

Over the years I’ve heard some strange ideas promoted in the name of Christianity. Yesterday I saw what would have to be one of the most ludicrous. A Facebook friend who considers herself “an advocate for the homeless” made several posts preaching against cars. 

Yes, you read that right…cars! Here was one of her posts… 

Teach to RESIST AGAINST WICKEDNESS...CARS ARE WICKEDNESS. COME OUT OF BABYLON. W A L K.

Rather than ridicule this woman’s misguided theology, I tried reasoning with her. First, I wrote: “Satan built demonic kingdoms before cars existed” (such as Sodom and Gomorrah). 

Her response? “CARS EXCULATED [sic] things.. Christians do not RESIST.”

Then I pointed out most things are not evil in themselves but how they are used. A gun can be used to break the law or uphold the law. Money can be used to finance the spread of pornographic filth or print Bibles and gospel tracts plus send missionaries to foreign fields. Likewise, a car can be used by a terrorist to run over people or rush somebody to the hospital. What if this woman had a loved one who needed to go to the emergency room? Would she oppose using an ambulance or some other vehicle for that purpose? What about fire trucks? Her house could burn to the ground by maintaining this weird theology.

This woman replied with a paragraph that began, “I have heard that ignorant argument before.”

My “ignorant argument” was using common sense. The Internet has spread ungodly ideas faster and more widely than any invention in history. Yet she is using this technology to promote her beliefs. It’s also worth mentioning this woman preaches strongly against money. Yet the day before, she posted a financial appeal and previously sent me a private message that included a PayPal link. Isn't that being hypocritical?

While doing additional research, I came across a Facebook page representing “People Against Cars” (from which I copied the above photo). Although this group endorses public transportation as an alternative, they accuse car owners of being baby killers. I'm curious if these anti-car crusaders feel the same way about abortion.

The bottom line is modern technology will be used somehow…for good or for evil. Christians who refuse to embrace it allow the devil to gain greater influence in society. When television first came out, some religious folk called TV sets “one-eyed demons.” The programs then didn’t promote sin like they do today. Thankfully, multitudes have gotten saved through the gospel being preached over the airwaves.

Until the Lord returns, we will see more incredible inventions. I choose to utilize them in helping me fulfill the Great Commission.

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” - John 1:3

An Open Letter to Mark Zuckerberg

Dear Mr. Zuckerberg,

I’m a traveling missionary who’s been using Facebook now for over ten years. It’s a marvelous tool to help me reconnect with old friends, meet new people and minister to them. However, there are a couple of things I don’t like about your social media site. They are serious enough to me where I’ve considered leaving Facebook completely.

One of them is being forced to use Messenger if I want to send a private message through my smartphone. It often results in other Facebook friends trying to start up chat sessions with me. I liked it better when my chat room could be kept off and not let everyone know I’m online. I’ve had to use the “block messages” function with individuals who persist in initiating conversations with me. I don’t want to be rude but maintain boundaries and limit distractions. Some of my friends won’t even use Messenger because of privacy concerns. 

Another intrusive feature I loathe even more is Facebook groups. Since 2010, friends have been able to add me to these groups without my permission (yesterday I was added to three of them without being asked). This has been a recurring annoyance. Being added to groups results in extra emails sent to my inbox that I don’t care to read. Not only that, my membership to these groups are automatically made public even if I have no interest in them. It’s especially annoying when I have to remove my name again from a group after being added a second time. This can happen if I leave a group using my smartphone. I don’t have the option of preventing my name from being added again like from my laptop.

Yesterday, a fellow minister sent me an article explaining your desire to use Facebook groups to build “meaningful communities” and “bring the world closer together.” Regardless of your intentions, that hasn’t changed my aversion toward groups. Unless changes are made and people are allowed to be invited first (like with Fan pages), I will not be part of any Facebook group.

In the past, I made a few exceptions. In 2015, I had a new song aired on Dr. Demento’s radio show and briefly joined his Facebook group to connect with listeners interested in my music. The problem is when some people see you’re part of one group, that gives them ideas to add you to other groups.

In closing, I want to commend you and your wife Priscilla for your desire to give most of your wealth to charity  However, I must remind you that we will all pass away from this life to the next. Good works will not buy your way into heaven. I pray you will seek His Face so your name will be jotted into His Book (the book of life). That comes from entering into a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Hopefully, you will then recognize the greatest mission God wants us involved in...preaching the gospel throughout the world so fewer people will spend eternity in hell.

“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” - Romans 10:9

Online Boundaries

For about a month now, I’ve experienced an unexpected surge of friend requests on Facebook. Until recently I might get one or two per day. Now they’re pouring in at an unprecedented rate. One morning I woke up and had sixty new friend requests waiting for me! 

A fellow evangelist I often work with has also seen this happen but only accepts friend requests from people he already knows. As for myself, I will accept most of them as long as my potential friend appears to be a committed Christian. They must also have a legitimate profile photo.

At the time of this writing, I now have over 3,600 Facebook friends from different parts of the world. Most of whom I’ve never met personally. Yet many of them want to chat immediately after I accept their friend request. That prompted me to draft a letter that I now display on my Facebook page. This letter clearly outlines things I will and won’t do online. I’ve had to email this letter to new friends who apparently didn’t notice it the first time.

I’ve used the “block messages” function on Messenger but still remain friends with individuals who persist in initiating conversations with me. This is not meant to be rude but to limit unnecessary distractions. Often new friends ask questions (like “Where are you from?”) that can be answered by simply looking at my Facebook page or examining my website.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus set boundaries regarding the people He spent time with. Jesus commissioned twelve apostles but only allowed three of them (Peter, James, and John) to come with Him on certain occasions such as the Mount of Transfiguration. He later appointed seventy others to do His work but they weren’t as close as the twelve who gathered with Him at the Last Supper. Jesus still needed time to get away to fellowship with the Father. 

A lack of boundaries invites a lack of respect from certain people. Often I implement a “three strikes you’re out” rule on Facebook. If someone persists in violating my wishes by tagging me or posting things I don’t want on my wall, I will unfriend them.

I encourage you to set boundaries for yourself, especially when using social media. We need to be cautious in not allowing the Internet to rob time that should be devoted to prayer, reading God’s word, and fulfilling the Great Commission.

“redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” - Ephesians 5:16

Break Every Chain Letter

Since I started using email in the late 1990s, electronic chain letters frequently show up in my inbox with the exhortation to “pass it on.” They vary from inspirational stories to virus warnings. Often these messages contain partial truths mixed with false information. For years I received online petitions against Madalyn Murray O’Hair campaigning for all Christian programming to be taken off the air, even though O’Hair had been dead since 1995!

More recently, a couple of Facebook friends posted a prayer request for a 22-month-old boy who supposedly shot himself in the chest with a nail gun and was near death. Upon seeing this, I started praying about the situation and immediately perceived it was an e-rumor. A search on truthorfiction.com revealed this prayer request has circulated online since 2010 (meaning the boy would be 8-9 years old now). The validity of this is in question since no places are mentioned or even the boy’s name.

I’ve also received emails containing valid information but try putting guilt trips on others who won’t forward them to their friends. These emails contain statements like “If you really love Jesus, forward this to everyone in your address book” or “If you are not ashamed of all the marvelous things God has done for you...send this to ten people and the person who sent it to you!” Just because I won’t forward messages like these doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God or I’m ashamed of the gospel. Comments like these are not inspired by the Holy Spirit but are of a controlling manipulative spirit.

Now as an evangelist, I’m certainly in favor of using the Internet to reach people with the gospel. But when we’re “preaching to the choir”, it’s best to be a little more selective on who you forward emails to. Back in the old days, people used carbon paper that permitted one to make a few legible copies. That caused one to think good and hard about who to send those copies to.

Nowadays, people forward information to others without even thinking. In general, this is rude. People have less time than ever today with so much information to absorb. One should learn to respect another person’s time and bandwidth. Before forwarding a message to friends and colleagues, ask yourself “Do they really need to know?” This includes Facebook posts exhorting others to “like and share if you agree.” Since I don’t want to clutter other people’s accounts, I ignore these posts even if I do agree with them.

Finally, we can do our part in reducing the number of e-rumors spreading over the Internet. Whenever you receive a story or prayer request that’s been forwarded many times, don’t automatically assume it’s true. Take a minute to verify its authenticity. Christians who spread misleading information do not advance the cause of Christ. It only undermines their witness. 

“You shall not circulate a false report.” - Exodus 23:1

It Can Wait

Although God desires everyone to have a long life (Psalm 91:16), we still reside in a fallen world where some people die because of another individual’s negligence. This past Wednesday, a tragedy occurred in Texas that should remind us all of the dangers of distracted driving. The 20-year-old driver of a pickup truck crashed into a church minibus near the town of Concan. 13 of the 14 passengers on the bus died from the accident. The pickup driver survived but is hospitalized.

A witness told the Associated Press he had followed the pickup driver for several miles as it moved erratically and repeatedly crossed the center line of a two-lane highway. Jody Kuchler made calls to the sheriffs of two counties urging them “to get him off the road before he hit somebody.” Kuchler ended up witnessing the collision. After checking on the bus occupants, he spoke with the pickup driver who told him, “I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was texting.”

Many of us have gotten in the habit of immediately checking our phones whenever we receive a new message. Time magazine reported that 98% of habitual texters said texting while driving is dangerous yet 75% of them admit to doing that. This is despite most states now assessing fines for violators that are caught. When will these distracted drivers realize it only takes a couple seconds for an accident to occur? They need to keep their eyes on the road!

The next time you’re behind the wheel and hear notifications on your smartphone, please wait until you arrive at your destination. If you feel a need to check your phone sooner, pull over somewhere or at least wait until you’re at a red light for a quick glance at your message. No email, text, or Facebook post is worth somebody else’s life.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” - Genesis 4:9 

Me Is Exalted

People called to full-time ministry often face the temptation of making things happen by the arm of the flesh. I’ve heard stories about messes ministers created when trying to expand their ministries ahead of God’s timing. Jesus said in Luke 14:11, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

I’m willing to help a brother or sister advance in their calling if the Lord leads me to. Romans 12:10 talks about “giving preference to one another.” Still, I find it annoying when preachers promote their ministries on my web pages without asking first. A few individuals had frequently done this on my Facebook Wall despite my asking them to stop. That prompted me to change my account settings so people could only write comments in response to my articles and praise reports.

Then one pastor started posting announcements (irrelevant to my writings) about various endeavors he was involved in. The first two times I simply removed his posts. After a third time, I asked this pastor to refrain from doing that. He wouldn’t like it if I promoted my ministry on his Facebook pages. The pastor initially responded with defensive emails insisting I repent for “not helping Jesus.” Eventually, he calmed down and apologized.

The Lord expects us to do our part in fulfilling the Great Commission and assisting brethren in need. That doesn’t mean we are to be manipulated to join a specific cause. God may not want you teaming up with a particular minister because his motives aren’t right. Acts 20:30 warns, “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.”  

Ministers truly lifting up the name of Jesus (and not themselves) shouldn’t get upset if a certain Christian won’t support them. Mike Murdock says, “You are not called to everybody but to somebody.” Ministers should also avoid trying to validate themselves. As Proverbs 27:2 says, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” God will send the right people to bring encouragement when needed.

Are you called to the five-fold ministry? Great! I exhort you to step out and fulfill what God has put on your heart to do for Him. But don’t try pressuring a church or another preacher to facilitate you. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 15:20, “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation.” I’ve had friends who repeatedly but unsuccessfully sought another ministry to intern under. Surely young Christians need to be discipled. But there comes a time when one must walk on the water and look to God alone for open doors to go through. 

Remember when the Lord uses you to advance His kingdom, always give Him the glory and not yourself.

“If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” - 2 Corinthians 10:17 (NLT)

Show Me Your Face

How would you respond if a new neighbor knocked on your door wanting to meet you but disguised himself with a mask or a hood? You would probably think that person is being weird or has something to hide. That same principle is true when connecting with people on the Internet.

Occasionally I receive Facebook friend requests from individuals that don’t have photos of themselves in their profiles. Usually, I’ll accept such requests if I already know the person. Some folks are not computer savvy and may not have photos readily available to post online. But if I don’t know the person, then I’m not obligated to accept their friend request.

One time I received a friend request from an evangelist I never heard of who had a lion’s face for his Facebook profile photo. I searched through his photo albums but couldn’t find a single picture of this man. Immediately I thought of the Don Potter song, “Show Me Your Face.” While that song is technically about seeking the Lord, I have come to the realization some Christians need to stop being so shy. Psalm 139:14 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Children of God should not be ashamed to show their faces in public.

Some people like to be creative and use artwork for their Facebook profile picture. But if you are looking to expand your circle of influence, it’s only common courtesy to have photos of yourself available for the public to see. A few individuals have told me they don’t like using email because it seems so impersonal. Even the Bible mentions the value of face-to-face communication. 2 John 12 says, “Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”

I’m always open to meeting new people online. But if you are serious about knowing me, don’t hide your profile. Show me your face!

“So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” - Exodus 33:11

Divine Connections Through David

Unable to fall asleep last Tuesday night, I stayed up until 4 a.m. doing various things on the Internet. One of them was searching for a man who was my best friend in high school. David Rask and I first met during an eighth grade art class at Central Junior High School in Moorhead, Minnesota. One of our assignments was to sketch a portrait of another classmate. David and I chose to draw each other. Although I wasn’t fond of how I looked, David got an “A” for his drawing of me. Eventually, we started hanging out together.

In the winter of 1980, David invited me to a Bible camp we went to along with other people from the Baptist church he attended. At one of the services during this weekend outing, a three-piece Christian band told a powerful story in between songs. It was about a bridge that spanned across a large river. Most of the time the bridge was in an “up” position allowing ships to pass through. The bridge was lowered whenever a train needed to cross over it. One day the bridge operator looked off into the distance and saw a passenger train coming. To his horror, he also noticed his son playing underneath the gears of the bridge! The train would go crashing into the river unless the bridge was lowered in time. Either the many people on this train or his son would have to die. The bridge operator decided to lower the bridge. As the train sped safely across the river, none of the passengers aboard were aware of the tiny little body crushed underneath them. 

The singer telling this story then pointed out this is what God did for us when He sacrificed His Son to bridge the gap between eternal life and us. Hearing this train story made me feel very uncomfortable. The concept of sacrificial love was so foreign to me for I was very self-centered then. Nevertheless, it was the first time I truly heard the gospel.

A few months later, David introduced me to a man he worked with at McDonald’s. Bill Miller was a Concordia College student who was also involved with a Christian organization called Young Life. The following summer, Bill invited me to a week-long camp called the Castaway Club where I first asked Jesus into my heart. For the next few weeks, I attended a Bible study at Bill’s place but soon backslid after he and his wife moved away. (It would be another ten years before I committed my life to the Lord for good.)

It was also through David I first heard about the Peters Brothers, two Minnesota preachers who held seminars exposing the evils associated with secular rock music. Although I didn't agree with many of the claims made by Dan and Steve Peters, God used them to plant additional seeds in my heart.

Meanwhile, David got into personal troubles and ended up joining the Marines without finishing his senior year in high school. Following a two-year hitch, David returned to Moorhead. We went to a few parties together but gradually drifted apart. Before long I enlisted in the military and later moved to Minneapolis but occasionally returned to the Fargo-Moorhead area to visit family and friends. 

The last time I recall seeing David was in December 1988 when I came home for Christmas. By this time David had married a woman named Kim. The three of us got together one night at their apartment in Fargo.

In recent years I attempted to find David on Facebook without success. It wasn't until after searching through other websites I discovered what happened to my old friend. In 2002, David was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor (the above mug shot was the only photo I could find of him). Three years later, David died in a fishing accident. He was 41 years old and had been divorced from his wife.

I hope David Rask was in right standing with the Lord at the time of his death. If so, I look forward to seeing David in heaven and thanking him for connecting me with people God used to get the gospel to me. In the meantime, I will keep on fulfilling the Great Commission. Our time on earth is short compared to eternity.

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” - James 4:14