Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I am saddened to hear the news of Gil's passing. I am so grateful to have been back in Cincy for the 40th anniversary of YoungLife and see Gil and thank him for the influence he had in my life. I can remember the first time I saw Gil when Chuck Osburn took me to TBC and I experienced seeing my first miracle - hundreds of high school kids coming out to hear an "old man" talk at 6:30 AM in the morning. Only the deep faith that Gil had in the Gospel of Jesus Christ could lead to such an amazing ministry to kids. I am in the ministry today because Gil had the gracious willingness to invite an inexperienced novice like me to serve on the YL staff. My experience on YL staff working with Gil gave me the confidence to consider the ordained ministry, something I would have never in my wildest imagination envisioned. I will be eternally grateful for tremendous example Gil was of a dedicated disciple of Christ and great Christian leader. Gil can now affirm these words of the Apostle Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Tim 4:7-8
