I haven't been involved with my youth group as much as I would have liked to be but I have been with the youth group long enough to really miss Ryan. In a former post I have referred to him as Mr. Awesome because if I had it my way, that would be his name.
For the many of you reading this that don't know Ryan, I feel sorry that he hasn't entered your life yet. He is a blessing for all the people that he has met, even if only for a brief moment on the street or in a restaurant. He was (and still is) loved by all his youth group. He always taught us lessons as if Jesus had personally had chatted with him that day (and there is no doubt in my mind that he did). He reminds me of a modern day disciple following Jesus wherever Jesus goes, even if it's away from the youth group for a while.
Today the church had a roast for Ryan where we all ate and told our favorite Ryan story. I felt like that's what the Last Supper must have been like for the disciples, sitting down to a meal with all the other disciples while everyone tells their favorite Jesus story and laughing about all the good times they have had together. It was still bittersweet and a bit awkward at times but we didn't let that from ruining a good memorable time.
I know I am speaking for the whole youth group when I say Ryan has walked with us and lead us a little closer to Jesus every Sunday. He always gave me a little more spiritual insight on my walk with God and he has crafted me in amazing ways that I never would have imagined. God definitely put him in my life for a good reason. I am closer to God because of him. When I was first asked to join the youth group I wasn't expecting to make so many friends and I definitely wasn't expecting a loving youth pastor such as Ryan. The most valuable lesson he taught me was to apply the word of my God to my life. I always try to express that lesson in my blog posts.
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