HIGH FIVES IN HEAVEN TODAY!

Charles (Charlie) Young had tons of friends - I was one of them.  Charlie had many circles of friendship;  I was probably in the fifth or sixth circle, but I counted it a privilege to be there!  He went to Heaven last night after a prolonged, mysterious physical struggle.  To say that he will be missed is the understatement of the year!  

When a truly godly man passes, our world takes a hit.  A godly man's influence is of inestimable value!  

Debbie and I attended Asbury Seminary at the same time as Charlie and Brenda.  Our paths crossed off-and-on through the years at various conferences.  We knew they had landed in Akron and were making a significant impact for Jesus there.

Charlie was the camp evangelist at the Tri-State Camp in the mid-1980's.  I remember several of his messages from that camp.  I also remember that he preached for over an hour every night!  But I never heard a complaint!  :-)

Charlie and Brenda were the speakers at a Pittsburgh Conference Pastor's Retreat back in the early 1990's.  It was one of the best we ever had!  Brenda spoke a "word of knowledge" to me at that event that changed my life!  

While we were living in Spencerville, Maryland, Brenda was brought in for a one-day pastor's training event.  Their ministry at Cornerstone Church was dynamic and they were each getting opportunities to speak during this season.  

Eventually, Charlie was called up to a greater level of service as the superintendent of the Ohio Conference.  It was at that time that Brenda began leading Cornerstone Church.  

A family crisis caused us to leave Maryland and retreat to our family in western Pennsylvania for several months.  Eventually, we landed a job in Akron running a licensed home for behaviorally challenged children in Summit County.  We knew when we moved to the area that we would attend Cornerstone Church.  We looked forward to being part of the ministry of this great congregation.

On our first visit to Cornerstone, we noticed that they were saying farewell to an associate pastor.  Within weeks, Brenda hired me as a part-time pastor.  A few months later, another associate left and I was bumped up to the Lead Associate position.  Over the next six years we got to know Charlie and Brenda a lot better.

Charlie always impressed me!  He had a strong impact on men!  They seemed drawn to him!  He had shown himself capable of church-growing, church-planting and church-rescuing!  He accrued this reputation without arrogance or standing aloof from others!  He loved people equally and thoroughly. He modeled a godly life for everyone and did so with excellence.  

He gave a message at Cornerstone one week that I've never forgotten!  He told of the Passover and the command to the Israelites not to allow anyone to leave their houses that night as the angel-of-death moved through the city.  In doing so, he talked about the love of a father and suggested that many fathers that night sat in a chair in the doorway to prevent any children from accidentally slipping out of the house.  Charlie brought out a chair and set it on the platform.  With tears, he talked of a father's love and a father's desire to protect his family!  It was a deeply moving message for men! 

Charlie led his family with strength!  On more than a few times, I have heard him address Brenda with the words, "Now dear..."  When he spoke the word "dear", his voice had a slight dip to it that matched perfectly the twinkle in his eye.  It was the most tactful setting of a boundary that I've ever observed!  ;-)   

Charlie used his gift of humor masterfully and his contagious smile and belly laugh brought joy to any group he participated in!  He was a big guy physically;  I eventually came to realize that he had to be in order to contain such a great heart for God and others!  

His legacy is well-established!  It'll be carried on for generations through Rachel, Zach and Jacob.  And then it'll go even longer through the grandchildren's lives that he has touched!  But more than that, it'll be carried on by the thousands of people whose lives were changed and impacted through his preaching, teaching, modeling and friendship!

One thing is certain!  Charlie is enjoying his reward today!  He'll be missed beyond description by his family and a LOT of others;  but, he laid a foundation of strength that will carry his loved ones through!  

Debbie and I are sad and surprised that he's gone on ahead of us!  We happen to be on vacation and will be unable to be a part of any farewell events for Charlie.  That makes us feel badly, but our prayers will join with those of MANY others to bless this family and call on God for strength for Brenda, the family and Cornerstone Church!  

So long, Charlie!  See ya later!  :-)