This post comes from the blog of my friend and former intern Ben Kendrew. Ben helped begin the first youth ministry that I ever led. I was blessed to be surrounded by some great people in my earliest days of ministry and it has helped shape me into the person I am now. I often look back at this stage of my ministry career and with much conviction I can say that I was part of a MIRACLE. So many things happened at this church that there was no other explanation than God's divine blessing and intervention. Those years will always be very special to me and very unique.
This past weekend I was back home for Nick Hoover's wedding, one of my former students and currently the middle school director at HZUMC (the church I am talking about above). It was so amazing to be back with all of the people that hold such a special place in my heart and to see students now all grown up! I was overwhelmed by the memories and reminded of just how good those years where. We all took a picture together at the end of the night and as we were getting ready to take it, I just said to them "I love you all!" as tears welled up in my eyes. It was a special night.
Here is Ben's post about another night we had, a night not so special but definately memorable!

The wrecked van February 1996 - Morristown, TN

Ben went through the window with Ryan Shane. The van was on top of my (Helsel's) foot.

Ben McGrew, Jason Rae, Ben Kendrew, Jame Price, Ryan Shane,Ken McFarland, Mark Helsel the morning after!
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