Comments on: Not Too Young To Die http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/ reb•e•lu•tion (reb’el lu shen) n. a teenage rebellion against low expectations Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:12:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 By: The Rebelution « Rugged Joy http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-469806 The Rebelution « Rugged Joy Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:24:29 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-469806 [...] was skimming the website yesterday and came across a series of blog posts about young people risking their lives for the sake of the gospel. They are simple yet [...] [...] was skimming the website yesterday and came across a series of blog posts about young people risking their lives for the sake of the gospel. They are simple yet [...]

]]> By: Tom http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-444839 Tom Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:58:47 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-444839 I'm a missionary. I actually spend most of my time in front of a computer, writing software for Bible translators. But my near-death story took place on a mission trip in Honduras (which I don't generally regard as a dangerous country, by the way). I was the team leader, despite being about half the age of the other members. It was approximately 5:00 pm on Wed. Jan 23, 2002. I was driving a 15 passenger van returning from having been at the project site in Santa Rosa de Aguán. The three other team members, including my mom, were with me. We'd been driving on a very bumpy dirt road for a half an hour and were rounding the final curve within sight of the main paved road. As we went around that sharp turn in the road, we had to slow down. Just then, I saw a man with a machete working about 30-50 feet from the road in a coconut grove. The man called out and signaled for me to stop. As I slowed down further, wondering what he could possibly want, I glanced back up to see another man approaching our vehicle from the left-hand side of the road. He was carrying a single-shot shotgun, and I was thinking he was maybe a hunter who had killed some game in the road. I was also thinking he was very careless, because he was pointing the gun directly at my head. I stopped the van and the man walked up to the window and said (in Spanish) “money quickly!” The gun was only a couple feet from my face. I slowly started to bring my right hand off the steering wheel, not totally sure what I was going to do. I had my money in a hip pack around my waist, but since I was carrying a few thousand dollars, I wasn't really very excited about giving it to him. Just then, the man lowered the shotgun (I suspect God just grabbed onto it and pushed it down). Seeing my opportunity to escape, I lowered my head, floored the van and took off. One of the other team members watched to see what the man would do. He saw him drop to his knee and raise the gun, so he yelled for everyone to duck. We were maybe 25 yards away when the man got his shot off. No pellets hit the van so the man either was firing at the tires or missed completely. Thankfully, no one was injured. Then the accelerator on the van stuck. So now I'm thinking: "We got away from the crooks, only to plow onto the main road and die in an accident." But God hadn't forgotten us: after a few scary moments I was able to get it unstuck. The neat part of it was that God used this to give me a platform for sharing the gospel. When we went back to that village for the final time, I called all the people together and told them about our close call, and then I read from Philippians 1 where Paul says: "To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." I was able to explain that while we have no security in this life, we have eternal security if our hope is in God. I don't think I'd have ever had such a good opportunity to present the gospel if it hadn't been for this "unfortunate" event. I’m a missionary. I actually spend most of my time in front of a computer, writing software for Bible translators. But my near-death story took place on a mission trip in Honduras (which I don’t generally regard as a dangerous country, by the way). I was the team leader, despite being about half the age of the other members.

It was approximately 5:00 pm on Wed. Jan 23, 2002. I was driving a 15 passenger van returning from having been at the project site in Santa Rosa de Aguán. The three other team members, including my mom, were with me.

We’d been driving on a very bumpy dirt road for a half an hour and were rounding the final curve within sight of the main paved road. As we went around that sharp turn in the road, we had to slow down. Just then, I saw a man with a machete working about 30-50 feet from the road in a coconut grove. The man called out and signaled for me to stop. As I slowed down further, wondering what he could possibly want, I glanced back up to see another man approaching our vehicle from the left-hand side of the road. He was carrying a single-shot shotgun, and I was thinking he was maybe a hunter who had killed some game in the road. I was also thinking he was very careless, because he was pointing the gun directly at my head. I stopped the van and the man walked up to the window and said (in Spanish) “money quickly!” The gun was only a couple feet from my face. I slowly started to bring my right hand off the steering wheel, not totally sure what I was going to do. I had my money in a hip pack around my waist, but since I was carrying a few thousand dollars, I wasn’t really very excited about giving it to him. Just then, the man lowered the shotgun (I suspect God just grabbed onto it and pushed it down).

Seeing my opportunity to escape, I lowered my head, floored the van and took off. One of the other team members watched to see what the man would do. He saw him drop to his knee and raise the gun, so he yelled for everyone to duck. We were maybe 25 yards away when the man got his shot off. No pellets hit the van so the man either was firing at the tires or missed completely. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Then the accelerator on the van stuck. So now I’m thinking: “We got away from the crooks, only to plow onto the main road and die in an accident.” But God hadn’t forgotten us: after a few scary moments I was able to get it unstuck.

The neat part of it was that God used this to give me a platform for sharing the gospel. When we went back to that village for the final time, I called all the people together and told them about our close call, and then I read from Philippians 1 where Paul says: “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” I was able to explain that while we have no security in this life, we have eternal security if our hope is in God. I don’t think I’d have ever had such a good opportunity to present the gospel if it hadn’t been for this “unfortunate” event.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-444688 Elizabeth Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:11:56 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-444688 I have had two near-death expeirences. The first was when I was around five. We were at a swimming party, I had a floaty on and drifted to the deep end, I forgot to mention... there were no other people in the pool. I decided I wanted to get out, so I slipped out of the floaty, and started to go to the side, I grabbed the side, and my hands slipped. I kept going under, coming back up and screaming for help, after what seemed like fifty times of doing this my mom noticed I was missing, and came and rescued me. The second was when I was about eight. I was in a pool (again, this time it was different.) On a rubber raft with about twenty other kids around my age. A boy near me decided to push me off, which would have been fine except the lifegaurds were moving the boat slowly but surely. I gut caught under the boat, almost in the exact middle. I was under that boat for what seemed to me like an hour. I thought I was going to die then and there. But God had other plans for me than to die then. I escaped to the side of the pool. A little bit blue in the face but otherwise un-harmed. I was actually under that boat for close to five minutes (I had a watch on.) God by his grace saved his child. I don't know how else I survived under that boat, but I was not panicked. God gave me peace under there, and kept me calm. So God saved his child for the third time in less than four years. That's my story. God is always with me! Especially in the water. :) ~Elizabeth~ I have had two near-death expeirences. The first was when I was around five. We were at a swimming party, I had a floaty on and drifted to the deep end, I forgot to mention… there were no other people in the pool. I decided I wanted to get out, so I slipped out of the floaty, and started to go to the side, I grabbed the side, and my hands slipped. I kept going under, coming back up and screaming for help, after what seemed like fifty times of doing this my mom noticed I was missing, and came and rescued me. The second was when I was about eight. I was in a pool (again, this time it was different.) On a rubber raft with about twenty other kids around my age. A boy near me decided to push me off, which would have been fine except the lifegaurds were moving the boat slowly but surely. I gut caught under the boat, almost in the exact middle. I was under that boat for what seemed to me like an hour. I thought I was going to die then and there. But God had other plans for me than to die then. I escaped to the side of the pool. A little bit blue in the face but otherwise un-harmed. I was actually under that boat for close to five minutes (I had a watch on.) God by his grace saved his child. I don’t know how else I survived under that boat, but I was not panicked. God gave me peace under there, and kept me calm. So God saved his child for the third time in less than four years. That’s my story. God is always with me! Especially in the water. :)
~Elizabeth~

]]> By: Abel Crawford http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-443124 Abel Crawford Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:48:29 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-443124 I came close to do death when snorkelling in a water tunnel where I was required to hold my breath and duck down underneath a rock jutting down into the water I did but then my snorkel got caught on the rock, I ducked down further but forgot that my snorkel was submerged, I sucked in water and then started to panic as I was closed in on every side by rock and I had water all around me, I was banging my head against the rock as I tried to get out, after pushing myself thru the remainder of the tunnel all scratched up I managed to get out ok... But those few moments were scary, and they still trip me out when I think back to that.. I think about death occasionally, but I try to avoid it as I do not feel I am ready for when Christ returns, as I have wasted so much time, so in a way I am afraid of death because I do not feel as though I have multiplied my talents enough... I think we should think about death as it motivates us to use every moment of our life in a beneficial and useful way I came close to do death when snorkelling in a water tunnel where I was required to hold my breath and duck down underneath a rock jutting down into the water I did but then my snorkel got caught on the rock, I ducked down further but forgot that my snorkel was submerged, I sucked in water and then started to panic as I was closed in on every side by rock and I had water all around me, I was banging my head against the rock as I tried to get out, after pushing myself thru the remainder of the tunnel all scratched up I managed to get out ok… But those few moments were scary, and they still trip me out when I think back to that..

I think about death occasionally, but I try to avoid it as I do not feel I am ready for when Christ returns, as I have wasted so much time, so in a way I am afraid of death because I do not feel as though I have multiplied my talents enough…

I think we should think about death as it motivates us to use every moment of our life in a beneficial and useful way

]]> By: A Tragically Wasted Life « Becoming Virtuous http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-442558 A Tragically Wasted Life « Becoming Virtuous Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:52:56 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-442558 [...] Reading this was very eye opening for me.  My life perfectly matches the marks of a wasted life.  You can see one evidence of this right now.  As I am on the internet instead of memorizing my Persuasive speech for the tournament that starts in two days.  Anyways, I urge you to go to The Rebelution blog and read the series.  Here’s the link for part 1.   http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/ [...] [...] Reading this was very eye opening for me.  My life perfectly matches the marks of a wasted life.  You can see one evidence of this right now.  As I am on the internet instead of memorizing my Persuasive speech for the tournament that starts in two days.  Anyways, I urge you to go to The Rebelution blog and read the series.  Here’s the link for part 1.   http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/ [...]

]]> By: TJ Galmut http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-433822 TJ Galmut Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:29:22 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-433822 I never want to think about how i die but i hope i will go to heaven. I never want to think about how i die but i hope i will go to heaven.

]]> By: Haley James http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-433491 Haley James Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:51:55 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-433491 Well, to start this off, i could have died many times through out my life so far. Being the dangerous daddys girl who likes to go a little more than out of control on any 4wheeler, dirt bike, rock crawler, etc; I find myself in these predicaments quite often. And i think the reason to this is that im not scared of death. A lot of people say this and dont mean it deep down inside but now that i think about it, i can truly say that i am not. Ive been around death my whole life, not only playing with it, but having loved ones die, as many others im sure have experienced When i say playing with death i dont just mean dangerous driving skills here; but take that and add drugs on top of it and these things became much more than just play toys. This was real hardcore death i was playing with...But now ive come out of that with the help of one: Dr. Jesus when i look back and see where i had been in that part of my life, i really see His commitment to us and how he wants to help us. But we have to reach to Him, that i noticed is a big part in it. Death for some can be a daily devotion for most people who confession daily, "Man, this is killin' me." or "i feel like im in Hell." But ive been concentrating on a specific scripture, John 17:16 "THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, JUST AS I AM NOT OF THE WORLD" if you believe this scripture, why worry about death? yes be aware but i dont dwell on such a depressing factor of life; I embrace it. i want people to see that with God on their side you can see so many battles against the evil and and God has always and will always be the conquering!!! Another scripture: Matthew 10:22 "AND YOU WILL BE HATED BY ALL FOR MY NAMESAKE , BUT HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED" Dont give in to the world system! enudure with the mighty hand of God on your side! We got this!! :) Well, to start this off, i could have died many times through out my life so far. Being the dangerous daddys girl who likes to go a little more than out of control on any 4wheeler, dirt bike, rock crawler, etc; I find myself in these predicaments quite often. And i think the reason to this is that im not scared of death. A lot of people say this and dont mean it deep down inside but now that i think about it, i can truly say that i am not.
Ive been around death my whole life, not only playing with it, but having loved ones die, as many others im sure have experienced
When i say playing with death i dont just mean dangerous driving skills here; but take that and add drugs on top of it and these things became much more than just play toys. This was real hardcore death i was playing with…But now ive come out of that with the help of one: Dr. Jesus
when i look back and see where i had been in that part of my life, i really see His commitment to us and how he wants to help us. But we have to reach to Him, that i noticed is a big part in it.
Death for some can be a daily devotion for most people who confession daily, “Man, this is killin’ me.” or “i feel like im in Hell.”
But ive been concentrating on a specific scripture, John 17:16

“THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, JUST AS I AM NOT OF THE WORLD”

if you believe this scripture, why worry about death? yes be aware but i dont dwell on such a depressing factor of life; I embrace it. i want people to see that with God on their side you can see so many battles against the evil and and God has always and will always be the conquering!!!

Another scripture:

Matthew 10:22

“AND YOU WILL BE HATED BY ALL FOR MY NAMESAKE , BUT HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED”

Dont give in to the world system! enudure with the mighty hand of God on your side! We got this!! :)

]]> By: Katherine http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-433411 Katherine Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:18:10 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-433411 Amazing. I think of Death often honestly it frightens me not the dying part I worry a little about the people I could have reached for God and how my family would be without me. Amazing. I think of Death often honestly it frightens me not the dying part I worry a little about the people I could have reached for God and how my family would be without me.

]]> By: Shannan Danielle http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-433197 Shannan Danielle Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:33:56 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-433197 In regards to the question of whether or not Christians talk or think about death, I believe that we should. 1) Everyone should value their home in heaven more than their home on earth? yes. as Christians we are to look forward to when we are going to be united with Christ in the heavenly realms and (unless the rapture occurs) the only way that is going to be accomplished is if we die. Therefore fear of death should not be dwelt on by the Christian but we should look forward with great excitement to the coming day when we are going to see Christ face to face. 2) Show me your faith. The story of when Jesus was walking on the water in the middle of the storm and told Peter to get out of the boat. Peter was able to walk on the water until he took his eyes off of Jesus. Once he did that began to sink into the water. Likewise in our lives we could attribute the Kingdom of God to Jesus and say that as long as we keep our eyes fixed on His kingdom and don't get caught up with the fears of death and such we will be fine. 3)If we shouw our faith others will see. If non-believers see that we as Christian are not afraid of death our faith will stand as a strong witness for Christ. I think the main point is that Christ defeated death already and 'if our God if for us who can be against us?' I personally can't wait to see my Savior but for the time being i know that when I enter the Kingdom I want to take as many people with me as possible. alll the more reason to reach souls for Christ=) All glory be to God the Father In regards to the question of whether or not Christians talk or think about death, I believe that we should.
1) Everyone should value their home in heaven more than their home on earth? yes. as Christians we are to look forward to when we are going to be united with Christ in the heavenly realms and (unless the rapture occurs) the only way that is going to be accomplished is if we die. Therefore fear of death should not be dwelt on by the Christian but we should look forward with great excitement to the coming day when we are going to see Christ face to face.
2) Show me your faith. The story of when Jesus was walking on the water in the middle of the storm and told Peter to get out of the boat. Peter was able to walk on the water until he took his eyes off of Jesus. Once he did that began to sink into the water. Likewise in our lives we could attribute the Kingdom of God to Jesus and say that as long as we keep our eyes fixed on His kingdom and don’t get caught up with the fears of death and such we will be fine.
3)If we shouw our faith others will see. If non-believers see that we as Christian are not afraid of death our faith will stand as a strong witness for Christ.

I think the main point is that Christ defeated death already and ‘if our God if for us who can be against us?’
I personally can’t wait to see my Savior but for the time being i know that when I enter the Kingdom I want to take as many people with me as possible. alll the more reason to reach souls for Christ=)

All glory be to God the Father

]]> By: Liz http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-432411 Liz Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:50:01 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/11/not-too-young-to-die/#comment-432411 I haven´t had near death experiences, but I´m pretty sure I could have any day at any time. In the city I live in you have to be really blind not to know the daily deaths that happen.I live in Mexico and you may say that´s why, but I don´t know, there´s death and chaos everywhere, so no matter who you are, where you are, what you do or what you don´t, you are not too young too die. Each day I wake up and I know it may be my last day, but I trust that God has a plan for my life and if He says this is my last day, well... I don´t have any problem. I´m not afraid, I know what God I´m trusting, as a Christian I have no reason to fear death. Philippians 1:21 ¨For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.¨ I haven´t had near death experiences, but I´m pretty sure I could have any day at any time. In the city I live in you have to be really blind not to know the daily deaths that happen.I live in Mexico and you may say that´s why, but I don´t know, there´s death and chaos everywhere, so no matter who you are, where you are, what you do or what you don´t, you are not too young too die. Each day I wake up and I know it may be my last day, but I trust that God has a plan for my life and if He says this is my last day, well… I don´t have any problem. I´m not afraid, I know what God I´m trusting, as a Christian I have no reason to fear death. Philippians 1:21 ¨For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.¨

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