Stephen's Mission

By Payton Neil

staff writer

Stephen and his Trip to Nicaragua

We all knew Stephen as a selfless, caring person. Most of us didn’t know the depth of how he cared. Stephen was involved in his church youth group since he was in fifth grade.

The group is made up of 30 to 40 kids who meet every Sunday morning for Bible study. They also meet once a week in smaller groups to help support each other. Stephen loved spending time with his youth group because they served as a strong support system for him. He also had a desire to learn how to grow in his relationship with the Lord. The group had a strong bond with Stephen that helped shape him and find his identity in Christ.

Last July, Stephen and his youth group went on a mission trip to Nicaragua. While he was there he had a meaningful impact on twelve teens in particular. When they heard about his passing they sent letters to the church expressing their condolences.

Stephen with members of his youth group

Stephen also enjoyed spending time with his youth pastor, Jim Bartels. Jim is a youth pastor at Berean Baptist Church, and he also spent nine years working as a missionary in Peru. Jim chose to become a youth pastor because he continued to see the pain and hurt in the world. When he lived in Peru his parents started an orphanage which made him realize how fulfilling it is to know and love God and to reach out to others. Stephen and Jim had been friends since Stephen first joined the church. They would meet regularly to play video games or sports. They would also meet and go on long walks through Provin Trails and talked about how Stephen could grow in the way he showed love to his friends, and how he could have a better relationship with God.

While Bartels had a big impact on Stephen, Stephan also had a profound impact on him. “He had a contagious way about him that would bring out my love for others,” Bartels said. Stephen helped remind the pastor that what is important in life is to love people. Bartels’ favorite memory of Stephen took place a week before he'd passed away. In a parking lot, Stephen turned to him and said, “You know Jim, you’re really good at helping and loving people.” We will all miss Stephen and his kind and caring way.

Photos courtesy of Jim Bartels

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