Honoring Benji Cotter

 

Honoring Benji Cotter

2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.13 All the saints salute you."

     I had the honor today of walking into a Lutheran church and shaking the hand of a man whom I respect.  A firm handshake as I drew him closer to me in a holy hug about the shoulders.  I approved of this man, and I wanted it to show.  Children were watching.  He was the leader.  He is the youth pastor.

     I don’t think any denomination formally acknowledges him in his calling, but he meets with the big five.  Pastor, prophet, teacher, etc.  These are the roles of giftings our Lord has given the Church.  It is apparent to me that this man runs in pastoral mode.  He looks after youth.  He guides the young in healthy venues.  So I salute him today.

     I know of his mother.  Kimberly Cotter, better known as Kim.  A somewhat soft spoken women of high calling.  She also occupies her stay here with childhood ministry.  Bethel Baptist down on old highway 20 she calls home base.  She has faithfully trained my Down syndrome daughter with the Awana’s format.  She excels in longevity, faithfully toeing the line.  I am forever indebted to her service.

     But what of Benji?  What did I see this morning?  His spirit came through his clear blue eyes.  Politely inquiring of the health of my wife, I thanked him for his mindfulness.  A man full of zest and vigor especially around the children.

     Kim and her five children have been thrown several curve balls.  In fact, some aimed so low to scuff the dirt and smack the catcher in the face.  Kim has been beat up.  She has weathered many storms.  She is a veteran, wise about the ways of the unfaithful.  But, not only did she come up for air, she gloriously engaged the backstroke looking up to the One who gives strength.

     Benji and Kim Cotter.  Mention their names to perhaps a hundred to two hundred youth and they know them.  Their church is without walls as they guide youngens to their potentials.  I know of fewer exemplary.  In fact, they are just good people.

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