Brian Medaglia (Mitch’s college pastor)
I met Mitch Swaback in December 2002 when I was serving as College Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel. I was told by one of the other pastors that he would be coming to the college ministry and that he had been going through a rough time. I welcomed him to the group and told him that tonight was special testimony time and that he would be hearing from other young people about what God had been teaching them the past semester. I didn’t Mitch to share because he was new to the group. Just goes to show that I didn’t know who this guy was! With a room full of strangers, he tearfully shared about how he was going through a very difficult time with the death of his friend. Mitch knew that he was going down the same path as his friend and that he had to make some radical changes. The most painful change was the rejection he felt from many of his “friends” when he decided that he couldn’t party any more with them. He was starting over and trusting God to help his find new friends that loved Jesus.
Fast forward to Spring 2003. The college ministry is having a retreat and I know God is going to be moving in a powerful way. Mitch calls me aside and wants to talk. As a pastor, you cherish the times when young people want to share what is really going on in their lives. Mitch started to weep and I could tell his heart was broken. He shared with me that he had never shared the good news about Jesus with his friend that had recently died. More importantly after we talked and prayed, he was convinced that God wanted him to go back to his friend’s mom and share the gospel. Mitch asked the entire college ministry to pray for him – that he would show his friend’s mom love and be bold about sharing the gospel. Many of us cried with Mitch and prayed over him that night. God’s Spirit was working in Mitch’s life and it was awesome to witness.
Mitch came to me and said that he felt God was calling him to be on the summer missions team of 15 students and leaders heading to Peru. Mitch’s work schedule was always hectic, but he was confident that God wanted him to take time off of his job and invest time in missions work. I was excited that Mitch was answering God’s call but not because we could use Mitch’s construction skills or strong work ethic, but because I knew that the primary work God would be doing was making Mitch more like Christ through this missions experience. And I saw first hand how Mitch was humbled by spending time with the 60 children that we ministered to at the Lima Children’s Home. These children were orphaned or abandoned but God was still taking care of them at the children’s home through staff that loved them. Mitch understood that he was blessed many times over by spending time with these younger brothers and sisters in Christ. And of course the kids loved Mitch – he played with them and laughed with them. He took special care of a young boy named Claudio that was often made fun of by the other kids. He was a special needs kid and knew that he was different. The other kids knew how to agitate him. But Mitch made a special effort to play with Claudio. As a pastor, there are those times when you get the chance to sit back and see young people maturing in Christ right before your eyes and you are so proud. I was so proud of Mitch that week.
In late July 2004, I knew I would be leaving Harvest Bible Chapel and my heart was heavy. And then I got a call from Mitch and I knew we was going to chew me out for leaving! Mitch and I set up a lunch time to say goodbye at Max and Ermas. Mitch and I talked about his dream of going back to Peru and help to build a new children’s home. He wanted to be a good steward of the time, talents, and money God had given him. He also talked about learning to get more balance in his life - say no to certain good things so he could say yes to the best things. When you make transitions in life, you know there are only certain people you will stay in touch with long term. I anticipated Mitch and I being life long friends and I looked so forward to laughing with him and seeing the plans that God had for him unfold.
On August 13, 2004 I received a call at 4:00 AM that my father had finally died of cancer. I was saddened but mostly relieved. He had suffered greatly in the last few months and my family was worn out because of his battle. But there was also the joy of knowing that he was with the Lord. While in the hospital in June 2003, my dad said he was open to being involved in a Bible study. Mitch called and left a voicemail while I was in Atlanta and let me know he was praying for me and especially that my dad would come to Christ. And God answered Mitch’s prayer!
On August 15, I awoke and had a strong sense that I needed to check my voicemail. It was Sunday and I was on vacation with my wife Kimberly and I had every reason to not check it. But then I found myself dialing and then hearing the voice of one of the other pastors at Harvest. He had left the message after midnight and I knew by the tone of his voice that something was wrong. Then time stood still when I heard that Mitch had gone to be with the Lord on August 14, one day after my dad had died. A 23 year old man in the prime of his life one day after a 67 year old cancer victim. I imagined Mitch talking to my dad, swapping stories, and thinking that I can not wait to be reunited with them both. My wife Kimberly and I loved Mitch very much and considered it pure joy that God brought Mitch into our lives. And through the love of Mitch’s family, friends, and now the Mitchell Swaback Foundation, Mitch’s life continues to impact lives for Christ. Amen!
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