The power of Friendship


Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Ecclesiastes 4:9
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can pick him up.  But pity the poor man who falls down and has no one to help him up!


Someone tell me about a time when your friend or spouse was there for you and made a difference in your life.



Today, we honor one of our friends.

Today, some 20 months after he helped start all of this, Chance moves on with Stan and Angie to spread the word to others.  They move on with God’s blessing to reach others.  They move on to make even more friends to add to the ones they have here.

It reminds me when we started on April 13, 2008

We prayed and prayed that we were doing God’s will.  That someone would show up and that God working through us would make a difference.

Over these last 20 months, Chance has visited with and prayed with so many of us.  He has never said “no” to anyone of us.  He has always been there to lend an ear, to point someone in the right direction to get help or most importantly to pray.   In class, he has put aside any ego to share his struggles while teaching us about the ways to overcome Life challenges.

I would use the word “relentless”.  He has visited people at home, sent cards and letters, phone calls, gave his own money to those in need, worried about all of you and celebrated your accomplishments.  If I could sum up Chance, I would use the word “enthusiastic. “  An idea would bubble to the surface and Chance was always willing to take the lead, make the sacrifice, and make it happen.   Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."    This is a gift of Chance’s.

To summarize, over these last few years, I have heard Chance talk about his brother the doctor, his friend the LT Colonel, and others that he thought had accomplished a lot in life.  Chance, I don’t think you can compare yourself to them.  In fact, you are even a greater man than any of them.  You are a great Father, loving husband, pretty decent salesman, integral part of this church and Life group and a great friend to many.

You will be missed greatly as you start the new Life Group, but we want you to know how much we appreciate you and love by standing and showing our appreciation.


At this point to conclude our class today, thought it would be great if we can ask Angie, Stan and Chance to come up here and we will circle you guys and pray for you and your new Life group.

Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. “