When I learned of the Haiti earthquake on the news Tuesday, I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I did not think much of it.  I guess I’ve grown numb to devastating natural disasters occurring in distant countries.  It was not until Thursday morning, when I got a call from Isaac, and he struggled to tell me that last year’s pastoral intern at the Lutheran Center on the UNL campus, Renee, and her husband, Ben, were down in Haiti, and that Ben had been killed, that I was jerked abruptly from my apathy.

I and many others from the Center had gotten close to both Renee and Ben last year, as they led stimulating theological discussions such as “Coffee and Faith Questions” at the Coffee House and, the more liberal, “Theology on Tap” at Brewskies, later dubbed, “Theology at Ten” in an effort to not send the wrong impression.  In Renee’s last weeks at the Center, I wrote her and Ben a letter in an effort to express my appreciation for the work they had done.  Like an idiot, I never delivered the letter.  It’s not that I was self conscious about it—I just kept forgetting.  I’ve decided to post it here.  In some ways it is still chillingly appropriate.

Dear Renee (and Ben),

I want you each to know how much of a positive impact you’ve made on the Lutheran Center this past year.  I have to tell you that in my time at the center, I have never seen the spiritual growth that I witnessed this past year.  I am exceptionally grateful for the growth in my own faith and way of thinking that you were very much a part of.  Coffee and Faith Questions was exactly the time of theological discussion that I yearn for.  I admit that numerous times I left that place frustrated and confused, but it was always the first steps in redefining strong-founded beliefs as a Christian.  I laugh looking back at what I thought I knew a year ago.

I am also particularly thankful for all the advice, encouragement, and reassurance you gave me as I embarked up one of the biggest journeys of my life: engagement and marriage.  The road has been an exhilarating one, and it’s been wonderful to have you each to talk to, especially since you were recently in the same place I am.

I had hoped that in writing you this letter, I could better express the appreciation I (and I’m sure everyone else as well) have for you.  However, I still feel like this is falling short.  Just know that you’ll be greatly missed, and you have left behind a pretty darn big pair of shoes for the next intern to fill.  I hope and pray the best for you  in all your future endeavors, and I especially hope that we’ll be able to stay in touch.  God has given you both amazing gifts, and I know that you will continue to do incredible things with them.  Thanks again for all you’ve done.  Make sure you let me know when you’re in Salt Lake!

Sincerely,

Andrew

And so I say farewell, Ben Larson.  You’ve made such a positive impact on my life in the short time I knew you.

And Renee, be strong.  You’re an amazing woman, and I know you have the strength to carry on.  We’ll all be praying for you.