Yesterday, the world lost an amazing follower of Jesus Christ, husband, father, brother and uncle. My Uncle Bud went home to be with Jesus, and he went out doing what he loved. He was on a short-term mission trip to Nicaragua, and he was serving Jesus until the end. I was told he wasn't feeling well, and he stayed back yesterday to rest and never woke up from his nap. While I'm sad today with the rest of my extended family, it makes me very proud to be a part of such a profound legacy of following Jesus. Uncle Bud was a great husband. He was a great father. He was pillar in his local church. I remember growing up with him in the community of Beaver Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. It seemed like my whole family was a part of this church, and Uncle Bud was always there with an incredible smile and infectious laugh. He also had a combination of right and left hooks and uppercuts waiting for the Chevalier nephews and gigantic hugs for the Chevalier nieces. Faithfully serving his family and church, he was an incredible example of how God can use people to be an inspiration of grace to others.
Uncle Bud had his unique way of making an impact on people. My extended family is huge, and there isn't a month that goes past when I introduce myself by using my last name, and the person says something like, "Which Chevalier's boy are you? I know your Uncle ____." Often times Uncle Bud would be that guy, and people had nothing but great things to say about him (along with crazy stories). This is the kind of impact I want to have on the world around me.
As memories flood my mind this morning, I recount so many great times with my Uncle Bud. I remember: serving days at Suncrest Camp, him greeting me at the back door of Beaver C&MA, the hunting cabin in Tionesta, listening to the Steelers game on the radio and many more. One of the most profound memories was at one of our recent family reunions when he gave me a big hug, and he said, "I'm proud of you for the fine job you're doing with your family and your ministry."
I honor you, Uncle Bud! Thank you for giving me and the next generations an example of what a godly man can look like in today's world. Thank you for serving Jesus by serving your family, friends and people you didn't even know! May I (along with the rest of the Chevalier family) carry this Gospel legacy on to the next generations. I can't wait to see you again...
