Of all the columns I have written, this very well may be the most difficult, but on the flip side, I have a feeling that it may be the most powerful. I am not sure that I should be writing based on a tragedy, but then again, I believe that the Holy Spirit works through tragedy as well.

It was Sunday morning May 22, and I was preparing to travel to a high school graduation. I received a phone call with the message that Ben Morton from St. Andrew’s Parish in Wright, had been killed in Iraq. And what has transpired from that moment on is the foundation of this column.

You see, Ben was a wonderful young man, who as a high school student became involved in many of our diocesan youth events, ranging from TEC to youth rallies, and serving as a camp counselor. Ben was a young person who was transformed through these youth events. Each one helped deepen his relationship with our risen Lord. In turn, Ben also helped transform the lives of many others through his involvement in these diocesan events.

I graduated from high school in 1974. That same summer was the alumni banquet for Kit Carson. Being a recent graduate, I thought it would be great to attend, which I did. Now some 31 years later, I have yet to attend one of my class reunions, or another alumni gathering. I know that there are some people who truly look forward to these gatherings, but for some reason I have not been called to them. In fact, I would have trouble telling you what most of my classmates are doing at this point in their lives.

I have often wondered if it is true that many people go on a crash diet before their reunions, so they can go back, impress everyone, compare careers and stories to see who can outdo the other person. Something inside of me says that the competition that took place between classmates in high school never changes. And I ask myself, why do we do these things? Or maybe a better question is, why I have never attended any of these reunions?

My guess is that I have found something stronger and better. I may not know what my high school classmates are doing now, but for many of the youth who have been involved in diocesan youth ministry, I have a good idea as to what they are doing. I can truly call them friends. Believe me when I say to you, this is what Ben had found and what many others have found.

Upon hearing the news of Ben’s death, I immediately came to the office and sent an e-mail to everyone in my TEC address book, notifying them about Ben. Of course this e-mail did not reach everyone, but I knew that they would contact others and that the message would be sent to more people.

Since this time, I have received phone calls from people who knew Ben and were equally as involved in youth ministry. Calls from Las Vegas, Arkansas, and several cities here in Kansas. Some just wanting to talk, others wanting to share their story, and to let me know that they have also notified and talked with other individuals.

I am in awe of the power and love that is being shown through this tragedy. I am in awe of this unbreakable bond that is formed in each of these lives. A bond that was formed through an involvement in youth ministry. A bond that is unbreakable, because of what these people have found through youth events, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the Love of God.

Do you ever worry about the youth, what they are involved in, the friends they are running around with, if they will be able to handle the world after they graduate? If any of these questions enter your mind, then I have a simple but powerful solution. Get them involved in youth ministry! I can promise you, they will be welcomed into a community, and 31 or more years later, they will still be friends and an unbreakable bond will remain.