Today’s Post is in honor of someone I view as both a friend and a father figure.

Joe Shea and I met 10 or so years ago.  I was fresh out of high school, and like most 18 year olds thought I knew everything and was enjoying some new found freedom.  He was contemplating how he was going to raise a family of 6 on a Campus missionaries Salary.  At that point he was still working as an Engineering Program Manager and making great money.  In this world the choice he was making many would consider reckless and crazy. “who in there right mind leaves a job they have worked at for 20 years to work with kids?”

Well I am So incredibly thankful that he did.  Joe carted my butt around when I was to broke to fix my car. Joe fed me. Joe Prayed with me a for me.  Joe Taught me and reshaped my thoughts on many things.  I owe my family to his decision to follow Jesus.  Colleen and I met at Campus Ambassadors, fell in love, got engaged, “did what to many young kids do before marriage”, then got Married and Joe officiated the ceremony.  Joe was there through all of it.  To encourage us, pray with us, on occasion to cry and mourn with us.  In fact just writing and thinking of some of the things Colleen and I have gone through and then thinking of how Joe (and his amazing wife Annie) where there for us brings tears to my eyes.

Joe and his family would open there home every week to an ever growing number of students.  We called it Worship practice, but most nights we just ate there food, laughed together, played games, watched there kids grow up, and felt loved and accepted.  Remember that family of 6 he was now raising on a greatly reduced salary??? Well now add 5-7-9-12 college students to the mix every week.

I have so many stories that I could share about Joe and all of them point to a Man that is so full of Christs Love that he just can’t help but share it with everyone.  one story I like telling is this…

We were at a leadership retreat at Worcester State College.  And while prayer walking around campus after dinner Joe, Matt, and I heard the sound of an engine failing to start.  Music to Joe’s ears.  So we stopped to see if we… I mean Joe could help.  I am useless when it comes to cars.  So Joe looks at a few things and then tells the girl to turn the key when he says “OK.”  Joe says “OK” she turns the Key.  Joe says “hold on a sec.” and checks the tension on the serpentine belt and to himself says “OK.” Well the girl behind the wheel apparently has super sonic hearing cause with Joe’s finger still tugging on the belt she turned the key… yeah… ouch…. all joe said after nearly having his finger amputated was “ahhh ouch, i caught my finger do you have any paper towels or a napkin?”  To which the girl handed him a Dunkin Doughnuts napkin off the floor of her truck.  He was unable to get the car started.  But later that evening after refusing to leave the retreat and go to the ER. He led worship on the guitar.  Playing, Singing, and grimacing every time he whacked his finger against a string.

Joe You are an extraordinary Man.  You maybe the Biological father of 4 great boys, but you have so many children out there that would love to call you dad.  You have been a great friend, teacher, mentor, and leader to me.  I am honored to call you my friend.

Happy Birthday Joe I love you.

If you know Joe leave a comment here and wish him a happy Birthday.  Or go to his Face book Page and leave a note for him there.

Please Check out Joe’s Website www.AGenerationInNeed.com.  Check out his news letters, pictures and video.  then click on the u-can-help tab and open up your wallet.  This Man not only works countless hours on and off campus with students but also has to work countless hours raising his own support.

Billy