I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis late last year at a Wild at Heart boot camp. I immediately recognized he was a Christian and that he knew the Bible. As the weekend progressed, I saw the wisdom God had gifted in him, as well as the passion for men’s discipleship burning through him. Dennis may not like the sound of his own voice but I loved hearing it when I walked into the dining hall or a meeting with hundreds of men and heard “Doug over here, I saved you a seat.”
It was during a covenant of silence at the event, I received a word from the Lord that I was having difficulty understanding and it was through Dennis God revealed the correct interpretation. I remain thankful for Dennis’ fellowship to this day and it brings me joy to see Christ continuing to work through him.
Hearing this Podcast today took me back to watching him fellowship with men at the Bootcamp and brought to mind the verse I was given there from The Message version of Isaiah 30 specifically verse 15 and 18.
15 “God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: "Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me - The very thing you've been unwilling to do.”
And then in verse 18, “But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you. He's gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right - everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.”
The word through this podcast rings true for me again today and having walked with Dennis, I consider him one of the “Mr. Great-Hearts” of the faith I have had the privilege of crossing paths with on my way to the city of our Lord and King.
Dennis, may God bless you, keep you, and be glorified through you! Thank you for your honesty and willingness to lead.
