Andy was my youth pastor at Big Branch Church since last year! In January, he took us to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for the youth conference Strength To Stand. I rode with Andy, Jan, and her sister Leia during the trip. I'm so thankful God gave me that opportunity. We talked about conflict I was having at school and he was very encouraging. We laughed about a MadLib me and Leia did. It was a love letter from Andy to Jan, saying, "I want to kiss your bellybutton 20 trillion times." Andy was always a good sport about our goofy teenager behaviors haha. In fact, that's why he chose to minister to teenagers - he loved to relate to us. He let me be myself in the midst of the peer pressure I was dealing with. He gave me a nickname, "Onelle," which is my 'alter ego' (the real me) who lets herself be free and real. I never had to worry about if his Wednesday night lessons would be fruitful. They always were. One lesson I remember was about God being the potter, and us being the clay. God keeps us in the center of his will/'wheel' and when we don't turn out the best, he doesn't throw us away. He keeps working on us. God used Andy to show me that I don't have to be perfect. And that I can have a safe haven, a group of friends that really care about me. He tripled our youth group in number and drew us together. He took over Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Chesapeake Middle School. He would bring donuts and a devotion that attracted a good crowd every time. I wish I had him in FCA at the high school now. I gave him a hug every Wednesday while he was my youth pastor, but I'd love to get to hug him again. Still, I know I will get to hug him many more times, in Heaven when Christ raises us from the dead, and his ministry to our youth group and FCA will be honored. A youth pastor in the area has stepped up to help with FCA, and the Beelens have stepped up to help lead our youth group. I appreciate the support of all these people. Most of all, I appreciate God giving me Andy and for God giving me the promise that I'll see him again. I'll see you soon, Andy! Love, Onelle 💗😥