A few months ago, the fellas pictured above jumped in a van and left Branson with one purpose in mind: have the chance to see our old friend Richard Beach.
Richard is, for all practical purposes, "the man." I wouldn't say that about many that I have met in my life, but I will say it about Rich.
He was the man who showed me how to evangelize others. His wit and humor enabled him to melt even the hardest hearts as he always seemed to find common ground with every stranger that crossed his path. He led so many to Christ.
He was the man that taught me about discipleship. His friendship and leadership over his lifetime produced countless followers that will ending up lining the crowns he lays at the feet of Jesus.
He was the man who taught me how to do kamp. He was my first director at K1 and was also the man who interviewed and hired me after meeting him on a basketball court during a retreat.
He was the man who stood the closest to me when I said my vows with my wife over two decades ago. He reminded me to never loose the "wow" I was feeling that day and I can honestly say that I haven't.
He was the man to his wife Marsha and to his three kids, not to mention his grandchildren. He honored and loved so them so well.
In the middle of my sons basketball game today I received a call from a friend informing me that Richard had succumbed to cancer. He had battled like a champ and the Lord took him home.
I call Richard my spiritual dad. He was the man in my life in so many ways, and next to my own father, he has impacted me and helped lay a foundation of vision for ministry.
I miss the man.
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