Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ~ 1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
When I look back now at my fifteenth year, I can see that my life did not really begin until my little sister's life had ended. Most days, I think that maybe Emily's death was necessary for the events that took place. Some days I think maybe not. As it is, she died, and, as well as one ever can after four years, from what I've seen, I have moved on.
But even that wasn't a possibility until the day that Dad suggested we begin memorizing Bible verses together.
I was in a good mood that afternoon because the two of us had just come back from a run. When he asked me to come into his office, saying that he wanted to show me something, I went without a second thought. He presented me with a list of Scripture passages and the idea for memorizing them.
When he pointed out John 3:3 on the list, I commented that while I had always heard the verse, I had never really understood it. And so we talked for an hour while he explained the Gospel story to me. And then and there in that room of my home, my father and I got down on our knees in prayer and I accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
It was an hour that changed my life forever.
The second event, also second in importance, came a couple of months later.
At the young age of fifteen, I began to feel the Lord calling me to preach.
Very unusual at that age, I know - believe me, I used that excuse a lot in my struggle with it - but it was what it was.
Although I couldn't bring myself to discuss it with my parents, I began to share my struggle with this conviction with my pastor, Jonathan Rodgers.
The more I talked with him, studied the Bible, and prayed, the more that I became convinced that this was God's calling for me. And the more I fought against it.
I was a very introverted guy. I didn't have a lot of friends, I wasn't always very sociable, and, most difficult of all to get over, I hated talking in front of crowds. Surely God couldn't use me as a preacher!
But He not only could, He did. And this is how.
Present day, spring, Sunday morning
Dylan Mitchell slowed his run to a clipped jog as he made his way through Albany, getting his run in at dawn, before church. The past weekend he had been much more at peace since surrendering to the ministry at some point late Friday night.
The one thing that still harped on his conscience, though, was that he had yet to tell his parents anything whatsoever about this turning point in his life. He planned to try and pull Pastor Rodgers aside and tell him about his decision at church later today though. And maybe talk to him about something else.
Ever since he had started feeling the Lord pulling him towards the ministry, he had began to notice the young adults, teenagers, and children in Albany, in his school. He had begun to feel a calling towards them especially, to be a witness to his peers. To make a place, a mission, really, for them.
He felt that this was his special mission from God, and he had accepted it. And he thought that maybe Pastor Rodgers could help him find a place to start his mission.
Later that evening
"Pastor?" Dylan sidled up to Pastor Rodgers when he noticed that the man was no longer occupied with one of his church members.
"Dylan," Pastor Rodgers shook his hand. "How are you?"
"Better, actually. Since Friday night."
Pastor Rodgers raised his eyebrows in curiosity. "Friday night?"
Dylan glanced self-consciously around to see who was watching. "Yeah."
The pastor noted his discomfort and tilted his head towards the exit from the auditorium. "Let's go talk somewhere else."
Dylan nodded and the two made their way out of the sanctuary.
Once they were alone, walking side by side down a quiet hallway, Pastor Rodgers inquired, "Now, do you want to tell me what happened Friday night?"
"I gave up." Dylan answered simply. "I quit arguing with God and He won. I surrendered to the ministry."
"I knew you would." Pastor Rodgers admitted with a thoughtful smile. "Now I want to show you something." He turned a corner and led Dylan down a dark corridor that Dylan had never before noticed. "Did you know that this church has a basement?"
"No." Dylan replied in confusion.
The pastor nodded and opened the door at the end of the hallway. "The church is essentially two levels, but the below-ground level has never been finished. It's just roughed in. Cool during the winter and hot in summer, so nobody uses it. It's been forgotten, really. But if you want to use any of this space for anything, feel free. Maybe just run it by me first."
Dylan froze, thoughts flying to the mission he wanted to have, and asked in amazement, "Are you serious?"
"Yes. God called you to preach, and me to give this space to you. If you want it for anything."
"Yes." Dylan said instantly. "Yes! Thank you, Lord!"
"I take it that you have a plan for this place?" Pastor Rodgers asked with a smile.
Dylan nodded. "Something like that. I want to start a mission for the young people around here."
The older man raised his eyebrows. "That's a lofty goal."
"I know, Pastor Rodgers, but-"
"Call me Jon."
Dylan nodded. "-Jon, but it's what I'm being called to do. And that you're just handing all of this space over to me, that's the sign that I needed."
Jon nodded. "I guess that I can understand that. But I really should get back upstairs now."
"Sure. Do you mind if I stay down here and look around for a little bit longer?"
"Nah, go ahead. And, hey, the outdoor entrance to this basement is always left unlocked if you want to get in during the week. But the door at the stairwell is generally kept locked, so you wouldn't be able to get into the upper level."
"Okay. Thanks."
Jon headed back up the stairs and Dylan started wandering around, awed at what God had just put in his lap. Only a work of the Lord could have made a sane man like Jonathan Rodgers hand this amount of space over to a fifteen year old boy.
But Dylan got the feeling that even this great miracle was only going to be the beginning.
All of the plumbing and electricity worked, even if it was a little worn down from not being used. But that was nothing that couldn't easily be fixed. The only thing that was unfinished was the walls. Some hadn't had drywall applied, so insulation was clearly seen, others had drywall, but no paint or wallpaper. The floors were all only concrete. But to Dylan, no place had ever been more beautiful.
He smiled as he went through the place, cataloging what every room was or could become. Two bathrooms, a kitchenette, a room that was big enough to work as a small sanctuary, and a half a dozen rooms that could be either offices or classrooms. It was everything that he had wanted, and so much more than he had even dared to dream about.
Even as the thought crossed his mind, two Scripture verses were on it's heels. Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. - and Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
A few minutes more of exploring, and Dylan decided that he had better make his way back upstairs before his parents started looking for him. So he hurried up the stairs and opened the door at the top of the stairwell. And crashed straight into Tyler Fuller and Jade Hayes.
Sorry if the writing seems not up to my usual standards somehow. It kinda feels like it to me for some reason. And I know that it's an unusual plot, but please, if you review, no flames. I hope that you enjoy this story! Thanks, guys (and girls)!:)