As long as I have known Bruce McDonald, I have known a dear brother and mentor who has had his fingers in the stuff of some guy's heart promoting spiritual health through love and conversation. When he was a church planter in Austin, Texas he was next to the University of Texas football team in Bible Study, evangelism and discipleship. I joined a Spring break ministry team from Cedarville University in 1980 and we packed down to Dallas and enjoyed a week of ministry. Bruce asked me to lead the Bible study...at the football dorm for the University of Texas Longhorns. I thought of that great night back in 1980 watching the BCS championship game and pulling for Texas the other night (Ok, we lost! Go Tide!). I had not thought of it in a while.

I planned the Bible Study trying to think of something that would capture their imagination and would be useful for them to think about. I was headed to be in front of a bunch of strong men. So off to Judges I went meticulously studying the life of Samson. Strength, temptation, indulgence and renewal were all themes I thought were relevant. Needless to say, I was a little nervous.

Bruce and I drove over to campus. It was obvious that Bruce knew his way around, but the football dorm was a secure facility and you had to have access through a player that would come down and get you. We waited by the elevator once we arrived at the right building.

I was a little tight as I stood next to the elevator door. The elevator door opened and a behemoth of a man got out and greeted Bruce. It was Kenneth Sims. He would go on to be awarded the Lombardi Award and UPI Lineman of the year award in his senior year in 1981. This All American was the first pick in the 1982 NFL draft. He was a tower of a man, six feet five and two hundred and seventy five pounds. It was all muscle and steel to me as I watched him get off of the elevator. We got in the elevator and I was even more nervous in the elevator with what was a very close encounter with a very big tough man. I was trying to think of something to ask to break the ice of conversation. Did I tell you that Kenneth had a baritone voice that was deep and resonate? Finally, breaking the silence, I took a stab. "Kenny, where are you from?" A short terse answer came right back and ended the attempt at conversation. "My name is Kenneth." I look at Bruce who was biting his lip. It was only later I found out that inside the guy was laughing his guts out at this nervous stiff on the elevator with...well, Mr. Sims.

We went onto have a great study. They were very attentive and engaged. I was impressed. It was my first Bible Study that was punctuated by repeated expulsions which had a distinctive and oft heard sound into chew cups. You could not dare swallow that stuff, had to spit it out. Words, spit, drop. Words, spit, drop. The only other thing I was impressed with was their love for Bruce and attachment to his leadership. The guy has marked so many lives.

Mr. Kenneth Sims brought us back down and we went to the car. My heart was full of gratitude to God for a great experience. Then we got in the car and my spirit was quenched, before we broke into laughter that when brought up is still enjoyed these thirty years later. Bruce broke the awkward silence in the car as I was savoring the evening with, "So Kenny, where are you from?"

"My name is Kenneth." Our only hope for difference making is that God uses us in spite of ourselves. Let's all keep going...and whatever we do, let's get the names right!