Shannon Olsen (Mitch’s college leader)
The first thing I ever said to Mitch was ‘Well done’. It came after the first time I ever saw him or more accurately heard what he had to say. My first memory of Mitch left me thinking that he was braver than I could ever be. It was near the holidays and the College ministry where I was a leader was having a testimony night to share with each other all that God had been doing in our lives. I don’t think we’d been there a half hour when this big, blond guy came up to the microphone. I knew right away he was new and I couldn’t help but listen a little more closely. It takes a lot of courage to go up in front of a room full of strangers to share something personal. That’s when I learned his name was Mitch and his story blew me away.
But to this day more than the content of what he said I will remember the tears that fell. His brokenness was clear. His repentance was real. His calling was obvious. His tears moved me to tears. His brokenness opened my eyes further to the depth of our Savior’s unfailing love. His repentance forced me to check my own heart. And both of us moved into our Father’s waiting arms again that night. Mitch boldly proclaimed God’s faithful goodness through the pain he was suffering. And then he made an even bolder declaration: He had been challenged by Pastor James to seek out his old friends (from a life he’d left behind) and share the Gospel with them.
That night changed a lot of lives and I would know, I received the questions and comments that followed. Life time believers wondered if their faith could be that strong; their passion that evident. Newcomers couldn’t deny God’s presence or His truth. The broken had a comrade. The outcasts found a friend. The hope of the faithful was renewed.
I don’t know about you, but as I reread that last paragraph I can’t help but think that’s a pretty good description of Jesus. Jesus came to earth and completed His mission: to save us from an eternity apart from Him. Mitch came and completed God’s calling for each of us: to become Christ-like. Knowing this, I believe that the first words Mitch heard when he came face to face with His Savior were ‘Well done.’ Just like the first thing I ever said to Mitch after a testimony like that; or after living his life for Christ, what else there to say? Except ‘Well done.’
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